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Menstruation, or menstrual cycle, is a normal process that takes place in the female reproductive system due to changes in hormones in the body and helps the body prepare for a possible pregnancy. It represents vaginal bleeding that occurs every month. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue inside the uterus.
Women’s ovaries eliminate one egg during a normal menstrual cycle. This process is called ovulation. The endometrium, a lining that lines the uterus, prepares each month to support the development of the fetus. If no egg is fertilized, the lining is removed along with some blood and then the process resumes for the next menstruation.
When does menstruation begin and stop?
Menstruation can occur at any time between 8 and 15 years. However, there are some signs: it usually appears about two years after the development of the breasts, the growth of the pubic hair, and the appearance of vaginal discharge (this discharge usually begins about six months to a year before the first menstruation).
A girl should consult a doctor if:
- The menstruation occurs before the age of 8 years old
- She did not have her first menstruation until she 15 years old
- She did not have her first menstruation within three years of breast development
On the other hand, menopause is the permanent stop of menstruation. Menopause is a biological stage that represents the stop of ovarian function and the production of female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Menopause sets in between the ages of 40 and 55.
How long does menstruation last?
The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days, but every woman is different. Having regular menstruation is a sign that certain important parts of your body are functioning normally. The menstrual cycle can vary from 21 to 35 days for adult women and from 21 to 45 days for young girls. The first day of menstruation is the first day of the menstrual cycle.
Menstruation can range from about 2 to 7 days. The flow (the total blood loss) can be light, moderate, or heavy. The total blood loss over the course of the menstruation is around 2-3 tablespoons but secretions of other fluids can make it seem more.
Which is the best option: pad, tampon, or menstrual cup?
Use a product that is appropriate in size and absorption during menstruation. The total blood loss usually changes from one menstruation to another, or with age. You can use only one method or switch them.
- Pad: The pad is made of cotton and is available in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. It is glued on the underwear with the help of adhesive tape on the bottom. This allows the pad not to move. It needs to be changed every few hours.
- Tampon: A tampon is made of cotton, it is cylindrical in shape and has a string attached to the end. The tampon is inserted into the vagina. The string remains outside the vagina. Tampons are available in different sizes. To remove the tampon, carefully pull the string. A tampon should not be worn for more than eight hours as it may increase the risk of a serious infection called toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
- Menstrual cup: Most menstrual cups are made of silicone. The menstrual cup is inserted deep into the vagina. The cup collects the blood. It is available in different sizes. The size of the cup depends on how much blood you lose during menstruation and whether you gave birth or not. The cup is cleaned at least twice a day (at least once every 12 hours).
Can you get pregnant as soon as menstruation occurs?
If you have sex, you can get pregnant as soon as menstruation occurs. You can also get pregnant just before your first menstruation. This is because hormones may already be active.
Do you have menstruation if you are pregnant?
The menstruation stops during pregnancy and may not return immediately if you are breast-feeding. However, there is vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, but this is related to other problems. There are many reasons, such as abortion or an ectopic pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have pain or bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
What is PMS?
Before or during menstruation, some symptoms that are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may occur. These symptoms include bloating, headache, mood swings, sadness, anxiety, and acne. The symptoms disappear after the first days of menstruation.
The exact cause of PMS is not clear, but estrogen and progesterone levels are known to decrease in the week before menstruation. Doctors believe that this decrease in hormone levels triggers the symptoms of PMS. Consumption of salty foods, alcohol, or caffeine can aggravate the symptoms.
What can I do to relieve cramps?
Cramps can be uncomfortable and painful and occur because during menstruation, the uterus contracts. Usually, pain is felt in the lower abdomen. They can appear a few days before menstruation and usually worsen in the first days of menstruation when the flow is most heavy.
To relieve cramps, it is recommended:
- Taking pain medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen
- Taking contraceptives
- Using a heated pillow or bottle of warm water on the abdomen, lower back, or upper legs
- Getting some rest
- Doing regular physical exercise
- Reducing coffee consumption
Severe cramps can be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids. Consult your doctor to rule out these diseases.
If you want to find out about premenstrual syndrome, check out our article on this topic: All about premenstrual syndrome.
[Photo from Pixabay]
