Although it's normal for many people to have periods, there are times when you don't really know what it is, right? Sometimes you feel sick to your stomach, your heart feels heavy, and your mood changes. What actually happens inside our bodies during this time? This is nothing to be ashamed of, it's a very natural process that happens in every woman's body. So let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is menstruation?
Simply put, menstruation is the process by which the lining of your uterus is renewed every month, and the old lining is shed through the vagina along with blood. We call this 'having your period', 'menstruation', or 'menstruation'.
All of this is controlled by chemical messengers in our bodies called hormones . These hormones are produced by the pituitary gland in your brain and the ovaries, which are part of your reproductive system.
Think of it this way. Every month, your body prepares to receive a baby. To do this, hormones thicken the lining of your uterus (we call it the endometrium ), preparing it like a mattress for a baby to come in. At the same time, hormones cause one of your ovaries to release a mature egg. This is called ovulation .
This egg travels down the fallopian tube and waits for a sperm to arrive. However, if a sperm does not fertilize the egg, meaning that pregnancy does not occur, the thick uterine wall that was prepared is no longer useful. At that time, that wall breaks down and is expelled from the body as tissue along with blood. That is what menstruation is for.
So what is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the entire time from the day you start your period to the day you start your next period. It's during this time that all of the aforementioned hormonal changes, ovulation, and thickening of the uterine lining happen. Everyone's cycle may be a little different, but the process is the same.
How many days does a normal menstrual cycle last?
We generally consider the average length of a menstrual cycle to be 28 days. However, if you have a cycle that is anywhere from 21 to 35 days long, that is also considered completely normal . So don't worry if your cycle isn't exactly 28 days long.
How many days does bleeding usually last?
For most people, it is normal to bleed for anywhere from three to seven days . For some, it may stop after three days. That is also normal. It varies from person to person.
The four main phases of the menstrual cycle
The entire menstrual cycle can be divided into four main phases. These phases are determined by the rise and fall of hormone levels.
| Phase | What is happening at this time? |
|---|---|
| 1. Menstrual Phase | This is the first day of your period. Since pregnancy has not occurred, the thickened lining of the uterus breaks down and is shed along with blood. This usually lasts between 3-7 days. |
| 2. Follicular Phase | This also starts on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation. During this time , estrogen levels increase and the lining of your uterus begins to thicken again. At the same time , follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes eggs to develop in your ovaries. One of these eggs matures within 10-14 days. |
| 3. Ovulation stage | In a 28-day cycle, this happens around day 14. The hormone luteinizing hormone (LH) suddenly increases. This causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary. This is called ovulation . It is during these days that you are most likely to get pregnant. |
| 4. Luteal Phase | This lasts from about day 15 to day 28. The egg leaves the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. During this time, the hormone progesterone increases, preparing the uterine wall for pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized and implants in the uterine wall (implantation), you will become pregnant. If not, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, the thickened wall breaks down, and your next period begins. |
At what age do menstruation start and stop?
A girl usually starts menstruating around the age of 12. But some girls can start as early as 8 years old, and some can start as late as 16 years old. Both are normal. Menstruation usually begins a few years after breasts develop and pubic hair begins.
The cessation of menstruation is called menopause . This usually happens around the age of 51. With menopause, egg production stops. If you have not had a period for a year in a row, you can consider yourself to have reached menopause.
What are the symptoms when your period is about to start?
Some people don't feel anything before their period starts, but many people experience some symptoms. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person.
These symptoms are also known as PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). They usually start a few days before your period and go away when your period starts.
These are the common symptoms:
- Cramps: This pain occurs when the uterus contracts and pushes out its wall.
- Mood swings: Suddenly feeling sad, angry, or anxious.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Headache .
- Wanting to eat different types of food.
- Bloating.
- Breast pain or tenderness.
- Acne.
Does the menstrual cycle change over time?
Yes, absolutely. Your menstrual cycle changes from your youth to your 40s and 50s.
- During adolescence: When menstruation first begins, the cycle may be irregular. The cycle may be longer and the amount of bleeding may increase. It is normal for the cycle to become regular , up to three years after the start of menstruation.
- In your 20s: By this time, most people's cycles have become stable and regular.
- Approaching menopause: As the body approaches menopause, the cycle begins to become irregular again.
It's also normal for your menstrual cycle to change during other times in your life when hormones are affected, such as after having a baby or while breastfeeding.
What is an irregular period?
Anything that doesn't belong to a normal menstrual cycle can be considered an irregularity. Here are some examples:
- Menstruation occurring at intervals of less than 21 days or more than 35 days.
- Cessation of menstruation for three months (90 days) or more.
- Bleeding that is significantly more or less than normal.
- Bleeding for more than seven days.
- Unbearable pain, nausea, or vomiting with menstruation.
- Spotting or bleeding between periods.
How much blood loss is normal?
The average amount of blood lost during menstruation is about two to three tablespoons (2-3 tbsp). If you feel like you're bleeding more than usual, watch out for these signs:
- If a pad or tampon becomes completely wet within an hour or two.
- If blood clots larger than the size of a coin are coming out.
- If each period lasts more than seven days.
It is normal for the amount of blood loss to vary slightly with each cycle. Also, your normal amount may be different from someone else's. So don't compare yourself to others. If you have any doubts or fears about your condition, it is best to talk to a doctor.
How do you record your menstrual cycle?
It's important to be aware of your menstrual cycle. There are several benefits to keeping track of it.
- You can quickly recognize if your cycle is irregular.
- When you go to see a doctor, they ask you questions like when was your last period and how long is your cycle. You can give them an exact answer at that time.
- If you are expecting a baby, you can get an idea of your ovulation days (the days when you are most likely to get pregnant).
- Before a special event or trip, you can prepare for it by knowing the days when your period occurs.
A simple way to take notes:
1. Take a calendar and mark the day you start your period with an X. That is the first day .
2. Mark each day of bleeding with an X.
3. Stop marking when the bleeding stops.
4. Mark the day you start bleeding again with an X. That is the first day of the next cycle.
5. Now you can find the length of your cycle by counting the number of days from the first X to the next first X. By looking at the number of Xs, you can know the number of days you will bleed.
There are many apps you can install on your phone to do these things. It's even easier.
When should you talk to a doctor about your period?
It is very important to see your doctor in the following situations. Don't be embarrassed or afraid about these things. These are important matters related to your health.
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Even at 16 years old... | If you are 16 years old and have not yet had your first period. |
| If your period has stopped... | If menstruation has not occurred for three or more consecutive months. |
| If the number of days of bleeding varies... | If you suddenly bleed for many more days than you normally would. |
| If the amount of blood loss varies... | If you are bleeding much more or much less than normal. |
| If you have severe pain... | If you have unbearable pain with your period. |
| If there is bleeding between periods... | If you bleed between periods. |
| If you suspect you are pregnant... | For example, if you have had sex and your period is more than five days late. |
Your menstrual cycle is a valuable indicator of your reproductive health. It's important to be aware of it and pay attention to any changes. Sometimes, an irregular cycle can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment.
Take-Home Message
- A normal menstrual cycle can last between 21 and 35 days. Not everyone's cycle needs to be exactly 28 days.
- It is normal to bleed for between 3 and 7 days.
- Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle can be very helpful in keeping yourself informed about your health.
- Minor pain and mood swings that occur with menstruation are normal. However, if you have unbearable pain or other unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor.
- If you have any questions or doubts about your body or your menstrual cycle, never hesitate to ask a doctor. It's your right.
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