Menstruationis period bleeding, which is casually referred to as having your period.
This happens monthly (for most females) during your fertile years, except during pregnancy.
Menstruation shows up when the lining of the uterus sheds by breaking down and leaving the body as blood.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
Most periods last around three to seven days.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
What Is Menstruation?
Menstruationis a natural part of life.
Throughout the month, youruterus builds up its liningto support a possible pregnancy.
If pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining sheds and leaves the body as blood.
When Do Periods Start?
Your brain and hormones (natural chemical messengers) tell your body how to react during each phase.
Day one of your menstrual cycle begins with menstruation.
Mostcycleslast between 21 and 35 days.
Follicular Phase
Thefollicularphase overlaps with menstruation.
It begins with the first day of menstruation and lasts, on average, 17 days.
During this time, hormones direct theovariesto develop an egg.
Ovulation Phase
Ovulationis when the ovaries release an egg.It occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle.
If sperm fertilizes the egg, pregnancy can result.
Menstruation Signs and Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding is the most apparentsign of menstruation.
It typically lasts three to seven days.
Blood varies in color from bright red to a darker red or brown.
It is generally brighter in the beginning and darker toward the end as the old blood sheds.
This is known aspremenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Products to Manage Menstruation
Menstrual products are items you use to manage menstrual flow.
They include disposable products like pads or tampons and reusable products likemenstrual cups.
Disposable Menstrual Products
Menstrual pads attach to the inside of your underwear.
The layers absorb blood while wicking moisture away from the skin and preventing leaks.
Some people prefer tampons to pads as they allow more freedom of movement and are less visible.
They also come in multiple absorbency levels.
How Often Should You Change Disposable Menstrual Products?
Reusable Menstrual Products
Reusable menstrual products are eco-friendly.
you’re free to use them multiple times, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Most come in various sizes and absorbencies.
But bleeding and cramping should not disrupt your daily life.
Irregular Periods
When you first start your period, it can be unpredictable.
While its normal to have some minor variations, ongoing irregularities could indicate underlying health concerns.
The following are guidelines for when a period is irregular for those who previously had a predictable menstrual cycle.
Periods can also stop with some medical conditions or certain medications.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons for a late or missed period.
When pregnancy occurs, the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
This hormone prevents further ovulation and helps maintain the uterine lining so the fetus can grow.
What Is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrheais when you stop having a period (unrelated to pregnancy) for a significant amount of time.
Its when you stop having your period for 12 consecutive months and can no longer get pregnant.
The average age of menopause is 51.
Perimenopauseis the time leading up to menopause.
It begins for most females in their 40s and lasts between four and eight years.
How to Track Your Menstrual Cycle
Tracking your menstrual cyclecan help you predict ovulation and menstruation.
Most females experience it monthly, except while pregnant.
It typically lasts three to seven days.
The menstrual cycle is the body’s process that leads to either menstruation or pregnancy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health.Your menstrual cycle.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Your changing body: puberty in girls.
MedlinePlus.Vaginal or uterine bleeding.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Period problems.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Heavy and abnormal periods.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Amenorrhea.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).The menopause years.
