Menstruation

The menstrual cycle is the process in which a woman’s body prepares itself for a pregnancy each month. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days from the start of one to the start of the next, but it can range from 21 days to 35 days.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise. This causes the lining of the uterus to grow and get thicker to prepare for implantation of the fertilized egg. Before the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it first starts to mature in one of the ovaries. Around the middle of the cycle, the egg leaves the ovary, a process called ovulation. The egg then travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell, it attaches to the inner wall of the uterus. The woman is pregnant and additional hormonal changes will occur to support the pregnancy. Along the uterine wall, the egg will continue to divide to form the embryo and fetus. If a sperm does not fertilize the egg, the uterus does not need the extra thick lining and it begins to shed.

What is menstruation?

This shedding of the uterine lining through the vagina is menstruation

Menstruation is the part of a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle in which blood and tissue are discharged from the vagina. It is also commonly called a period or menstrual period.

Most menstrual periods last from three to five days. In the United States, most girls start menstruating at age 12, but girls can start menstruating between the ages of 8 and 16.

What are the signs of menstruation?

Bleeding from the vagina is the primary sign of menstruation.

Some women have other symptoms around the time of menstruation, including:

• Cramping, bloating, and sore breasts
• Food cravings
• Mood swings and irritability
• Headache and fatigue

If these symptoms are severe, it might be a sign of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS usually occurs one or two weeks before menstruation. PMS may affect a woman of any age who has menstrual periods. If the symptoms disrupt your lifestyle, you may want to seek medical care.

What if I have a problem with my menstrual periods?

A stop in menstrual periods (called amenorrhea), or other menstrual irregularities could be a sign that something is wrong. Menstrual irregularities can mean bleeding between your periods, skipping a period, or having very heavy menstrual periods. It is important to tell your health care provider about these symptoms.

Are there treatments for painful menstruation?

Placing a heating pad on the abdomen and over-the-counter pain relievers may help lessen the symptoms. It is important to tell your health care provider if you have severe cramping and pain or other symptoms, during menstruation.