WHAT MENSTRUAL PERIOD MEANS
Menstruation – What Is It?
Menstruation is the monthly shedding of a woman’s uterine lining (known as the womb). Menstruation is sometimes referred to as the menstrual cycle, cycle, or period. Menstrual blood—a mixture of blood and tissue from the uterus—flows through the cervix and the vagina.
How long does a menstrual cycle last?
The menstrual cycle is a word that refers to the sequence of events that take place within a woman’s body each month as her body prepares for the potential of conception. On the first day of a period, a menstrual cycle is regarded to begin. The average cycle lasts 28-days; however, cycles can last anywhere from 21 and 35 days.
The menstrual cycle is initiated by the rise and fall of substances called hormones in the body. The pituitary gland in the brain and the ovaries in the female reproductive tract yield or produce and release hormones at specific periods during the menstrual cycle that energize the reproductive tract’s organs to respond in predictable ways. The menstrual cycle’s specific events might be summarized as follows:
Menstruation phase: This stage, which lasts from day 1 to day 5, when the uterine lining is shed through or over the vagina if no pregnancy has occurred. While most women bleed for three to five days, a period ranging from two to seven days is still considered normal.
The follicular stage: This phase lasts around six to fourteen days. During this period, estrogen levels rise, causing the uterine lining (called the endometrium) to develop and thicken. Also, another hormone—follicle-stimulating hormone—promotes the growth of follicles in the ovaries. Between days 10 and 14, one maturing follicle will mature into an egg (ovum).
Ovulation happens approximately on day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. The ovary releases its egg in response to a sudden surge in another hormone called luteinizing hormone. This process is referred to as ovulation.
The luteal phase lasts from 15 to 28 days. Once liberated from the ovary, the egg begins its journey through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Progesterone levels increase to assist in preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy. The lady becomes pregnant when the egg is fertilized by a sperm and adheres to the uterine wall. If no pregnancy occurs, estrogen and progesterone levels fall, and the thicker uterine lining is removed during menstruation.
Menstruation normally begins at what age?
Girls begin menstruation on average at the age of 12. On the other hand, girls might begin menstruation as early as 8 years old or as late as 16 years old. Menopause occurs when women reach the age of 51. Menopause occurs when a woman’s egg production ceases (stops ovulating). Menopause is described as a period-free year during which a woman is unable to conceive.
What are some of the signs of menstruation in a healthy woman?
- Moodiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetites
- Lower abdominal and back cramps
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
What symptoms can signal that it’s time to see a doctor about your period?
Visit your physician or healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- By the time you reach the age of 16, you have not begun menstruation.
- Your period abruptly comes to an end.
- You are bleeding for a longer period than usual.
- You are hemorrhaging more profusely than usual.
- You have excruciating discomfort during your period.
- You get bleeding in between cycles.
- You become instantly nauseous after wearing tampons.
- You suspect you may be pregnant—for instance, you’ve had sex and your period is at least five days late.
In conclusion, you have not had a period in three months after discontinuing birth control, and you are certain you are not pregnant. Visit your doctor for medical attention.