Menstruation, commonly known as period, is the natural process that occurs in every woman. The word ‘menstruation’ is derived from the Latin ‘mensis,’ meaning ‘month,’ which, in turn, relates to the ancient Greek ‘mene,’ meaning ‘moon’. It is believed that menstruation is associated with energy of the moon.
What is Menstruation?
Menstruation, or a period, is when there is a flow of blood from the vagina. It is a process in which the lining of the uterus is shed under the influence of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland in our brain. This occurs monthly.
Menstruation is a phase of the menstrual cycle. The blood partly consists of tissue and partly blood. When women bleed every month, it signifies that they are not pregnant.
Every month, a woman’s body prepares for pregnancy, and the lining of the uterus develops to nurture fertilized eggs. The eggs are released from the ovaries in another phase of the menstrual cycle. When the eggs come into contact with sperm, fertilization occurs, and they attach to the uterine lining, at which point menstruation stops, or the period stops. The average length of a period is usually 3 to 7 days, and some people may experience a period for as short as 2 days.
What are Menstruation symptoms?
Hormonal changes can precipitate Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS), which may include cramps, breast discomfort, fatigue, mood swings, and digestive disturbances. It’s important to note that individual symptoms can differ, given the uniqueness of each person’s menstrual cycle.
What is a menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a natural process consisting of different phases, and menstruation is a part of it. It prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy every month with the help of hormones. The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, but anywhere from 21 to 35 days is considered normal. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of a period and extends to the first day of the next cycle. Women can track and determine the average length of their cycle by calculating the number of days between their periods. Some studies have also shown that the cycle can last up to 45 days in teenagers, and teenagers tend to have heavier bleeding. The menstrual cycle can also change as girls approach menopause, becoming shorter in duration. Menstrual cycles can vary from person to person, cycle to cycle, and may change over the years.
What are the different phases of the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle consists of different phases. These are the phases of the menstrual cycle:
Menstruation: This phase marks the shedding of the uterine lining and the release of blood from the vagina. It also signifies the first phase of the follicular cycle.
Follicular Phase: The duration of this phase can vary depending on the length of the cycle and typically begins on the first day of the period. It is the phase in which eggs develop. Hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce fluid-filled sacs known as follicles, each containing immature eggs. These eggs develop within the follicles and become mature, eventually releasing one in the next phase. The average length of the follicular phase is 16 days, but it can range from 11 to 27 days. The mature eggs are referred to as ovum.
Ovulatory Phase: During this phase, the mature eggs are released, which is called ovulation. The released eggs move through the fallopian tube into the uterus, where they may meet sperm. Ovulation can last from 16 to 32 hours and usually occurs about 14 days before the beginning of the next menstrual period, although the exact timing can vary based on cycle length.
Luteal Phase: This phase occurs after ovulation and typically lasts about 14 days, although it can vary from 10 to 16 days. After the eggs are released, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces hormones progesterone and estrogen to support a potential pregnancy and thicken the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down between 9 and 11 days after ovulation, leading to the start of menstruation.
What are the hormones that play a role in the different phases of the menstrual cycle?
Hormones are released by the pituitary gland, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to produce 5 to 20 small sacs called follicles. As the eggs mature, the body’s production of estrogen increases, causing the uterine lining to grow and thicken. A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), another pituitary hormone, halts estrogen production and initiates ovulation. A drop in progesterone and estrogen leads to menstruation.
When do girls start to menstruate?
The first menstrual period in girls is called Menarche. Girls typically begin to menstruate at the age of 13 to 16 years, although changes in environmental conditions and diet have led to girls starting their periods at younger ages, as early as 8 to 9 years old. Some may even begin menstruating as late as 18 years, which is considered normal when compared to earlier generations.
Why is menstruation important for women?
Menstruation is natural part of every woman’s life. Women are biologically created to carry offspring, and menstruation plays a vital role in preparing the female body for pregnancy. It also serves as a clear indicator that one is not pregnant when menstruation occurs.
When do women stop menstruating?
Women generally stop menstruating when they reach menopause, which typically occurs in their 40s and 50s. Menopause is defined as no menstruation for one year. Some people may experience perimenopause, where they still have periods, but they are inconsistent or irregular, often beginning in their 30s or 40s. Early menopause can occur due to underlying diseases or a family history of early menopause.
What are the different types of products that girls can use during their period?
There are various menstrual products available for girls to use during their period, including menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, period underwear, and tampons. One can choose based on their preference and comfort.
What are the health risks associated with unhygienic menstrual practices for women?
Women may be at risk of diseases related to their reproductive health due to unhygienic practices, which can include bacterial and fungal infections. In some cases, these practices may even contribute to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Do Sanitary Napkins affect Menstruation?
Some pads may contain harmful chemicals such as dioxin and artificial fragrances, which can lead to irritation and potentially cause severe cramps, allergies and hormone disruption. It’s advisable to choose sanitary napkins that are free from such harmful additives.
When should girls change their sanitary pads?
It is recommended to change pads every 3–4 hours to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
What are the common menstruation problems?
Women may experience various menstruation problems, including PMS, excessive bleeding, irregular periods, and painful periods. It’s important to note that what is considered “normal” can vary from person to person.
Why are girls not allowed in the kitchen during their period?
There is no valid reason for a girl to be restricted from entering the kitchen during her period. Such restrictions may stem from cultural taboos or traditions, but they lack a rational basis.
When should girls see a doctor for her menstruation problems?
If a girl observes any abnormalities in her menstrual cycle or experiences unusual bleeding, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Additionally, if there are symptoms of a high fever, medical attention should be sought.
