Menstruation: The Red Truth

Menstruation  is  the period  during  which  there is discharge of blood  and mucosal  lining of the uterus  through  vagina. Menstrual discharge occurs for  3-7 days. The average  age when females attain their  first menstruation is between 12-15 years, this period  is known  as 'Menarche'. There is no particular age to state when a female attains menarche as it profoundly depends on her ambient environment, and metabolism. For instance if a girl belongs to places where temperatures are low she might attain menarche quite late than the girl who stays in a place where temperatures soars higher. 

The time interval between two consecutive periods is 21-31 days, although this time period varies among females. The initial few periods among the girls who have recently attained menarche are irregular as the body uses the adequate time to set up the biological clock that would tick every month.

Why do you Menstruate?

Females  have  2 ovaries  on either  side  of the uterus. During menstrual cycle  2 hormones (progesterone and estrogen) are responsible  to make an egg mature  present in ovaries. When the egg is mature, that means the egg is ready to fertilize with the sperm cell. These 2 hormones (progesterone and estrogen) are also responsible  for making a thick layer of uterus. When egg gets fertilized  and zygote is produced  it gives a cushy base to the zygote  attached to the uterus  wall. 

The lining  of the uterus  is made up of tissues, blood, nutrients and other  substances  which are generally  present  inside the body. At the halfway of  menstrual  cycle  ovary release  it's  one mature egg this process is known as ovulation. Most girls don't  feel ovulation but in some  there is bloating, spotting and lower abdominal  pain before  some day of their period  due to ovulation.

After ovulation  egg is moving  in Fallopian tube (tube which attach ovary  and uterus)  and travelling  towards  uterus  here it stays for 24 hours  for fertilization with sperm cell. 

If fertilization  does not  take place the uterus  doesn't  need the  thick lining  of the uterus which results  in breakdown of the lining  and flow of blood, tissues, nutrients  out of the  body through  the vagina, hence  women  menstruate. This cycle  repeats every  month. But if fertilization  takes place and the zygote attaches  to the uterus  wall that time  thick uterus  lining is needed. That's why pregnant women can't  menstruate. At the age of 45-55 menstrual  cycle stops in women this period is known as menopause. 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) :

PMS is the group  of symptoms which show before or during  the menstruation.

• Lower abdominal pain

• Lower back pain

• Food Cravings

• Mood swings and Irritability 

• Pelvic cramping pain

• Headache and fatigue     

These are very common for any menstruating women but severe conditions of any symptoms stated above should not be ignored as they may indicate underlying problems. 

 

What to use during this period? 

There are sanitary napkins, tampons and menstrual cups used to contain the menstrual blood, however the choice of  usage of available things depends on comfort of the female.

• Most girls use a sanitary pad for their first period. Sanitary Pads are of cotton and are available in different  sizes but it may cause  discomfort, wetness  or irritation. 

• Many girls  find tampons more convenient  as compare to pads specially  girls/women with sports  background. It is cotton plug which is inserted into vagina which soaks  the blood. Some are with applicator that guide  tampon to the site. But it needs to be changed after at least an 8-hour interval  otherwise  it can cause a serious infection known as Toxic Shock Syndrome. 

• Nowadays many have switched to menstrual cups which are made up of silicon, and are available  in 2 sizes depending  on need. It is inserted into the vagina. Menstrual cup holds the blood in it till it gets emptied. It is also reusable. 

When to consult with your  Doctor? :

• If you are 15 but still you haven’t gotten your period. 

• When there is severe PMS.

• Heavy bleeding. 

• Bleeding  between the intervals of the next period .

• Large gap period between consecutive periods.