Amenstrual periodis just one part of this cycle.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long.

However, a normal cycle can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days.

Young Woman with PMS

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What Happens During the Menstrual Cycle

During the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from theovaries.

The unfertilized egg either dissolves or is absorbed into the body.

After the period ends, a new menstrual cycle begins.

Some girls have a heavy flow on the first day.

For the first few years after you start menstruating, your period may be very irregular.

How old is a girl when shegets her first period?

A girl can begin menstruating anytime between the ages of 8 and 16.

Menstruation will not occur until all parts of a girl’s reproductive system have matured and are working together.

This time in a young woman’s life is called “puberty.”

One month the period might last four days, whereas the next month it might be six days.

Some women experience irregular periods for several years and might not ever be “regular.”

Some healthcare providers will prescribebirth control pillsto help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Talk to your practitioner to find out how you could regulate your cycle if it is irregular.

Each woman decides for herself what is comfortable.

Tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours.

They should never be used for more than 8 hours.

confirm that you use the lowest absorbency of tampon available.

For example, do not use super absorbency on the lightest day of your period.

This can put you at risk forToxic Shock Syndrome(TSS).

TSS is a rare but potentially deadly disease.

you could continue to exercise,swim, bike ride and have fun.

Mark the first day of your period each month.

Now count the days between periods.

Beginning with the first day you marked and count to the second day you marked.

This will help you prepare yourself for your period and keep you from being surprised.

If you have just started having your period, it might not come every month.

Excessive stress might cause you to skip a period.

Stress and highly emotional times in your life may cause you to miss a period or two.

If you are sick, you might also miss a period.

Why Having a Period Might Stop

The absence of a menstrual period is calledamenorrhea.

There are several causes of amenorrhea.

Pregnancy is the most common reason for a woman to stop having her menstrual period.

There’s also breastfeeding and extreme weight loss triggered by serious illness, eating disorders or excessive exercising.

Gland problems (pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal) and reproductive problems may also have this effect.

Will You Have a Period for the Rest of Your Life?

A woman will no longer be able to reproduce once she reaches menopause.Menopauseoccurs around the age of 50.

Like menstruation, menopause can vary from woman to woman and may take several years to occur.

Endotext [Internet].

UpToDate.Physiology of the Normal Menstrual Cycle.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your First Period.

US Food and Drug Administration.

The facts on tampons and how to use them safely.