Menstruation

[TeenHelp]

Menstruation
By Dez ( *~Skittlify~* )

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is when the lining of the uterus is shed each month. Blood flows from the uterus then passes through the cervix, exiting the body through the vagina.

Women start menstruating at various ages. Normally, menstruation begins between ages eight and fifteen.

The purpose of menstruation and the menstrual cycle is to prepare for pregnancy. If a woman does not get pregnant, she will experience her period when the lining of her uterus is shed. The menstrual period occurs when a woman's egg does not get fertilized. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long but it can vary depending on the woman. The hormones released during the menstrual cycle help prepare for pregnancy and also keep the body healthy. One cycle is considered the first day of one period to the first day of your next period.

The first half of the menstrual cycle

During the first half of the menstrual cycle, a woman's body starts to produce more estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone produced in the ovaries that is responsible for many tasks in the body. It plays a part in reproductive health, and other parts of the body such as the bones, breasts, and skin are also affected.

Estrogen is the hormone responsible for causing the lining of the uterus to thicken. The uterus is the part of the female reproductive system that will sustain pregnancy. While the uterus is thickening and growing, an ovum (egg) starts to mature. Later on in the menstrual cycle, this egg will be released through the Fallopian tubes.

The second half of the menstrual cycle

The second half of the menstrual cycle starts after approximately fourteen days. At this point, the egg has finished maturing in the ovaries and is ready to be released. The process of the egg being released and leaving the ovary is also known as ovulation.

From the ovary, the egg travels through the Fallopian tube before reaching the uterus. A woman is most likely to become pregnant during ovulation. Pregnancy normally occurs up to three days before ovulation, or on the date of ovulation. Pregnancy happens when the egg is fertilized by sperm and then attaches to the uterine wall.

When a woman does not get pregnant, the egg breaks apart. The lining of the uterus is shed and passed out of the vagina in menstrual blood.

What to expect during your menstrual period

During your menstrual period, the lining of your uterus is passed out of the vagina through the menstrual blood. This process lasts for three to five days on average, but this can vary depending on the woman. When a girl first gets her period, this process may be irregular. That means she may get her period early or late for a while until her body gets used to the process. As she gets older, her menstrual period should become more regular. It takes some women up to two years to achieve a regular menstrual cycle. If her period remains irregular, it can be corrected with medication such as birth control that is prescribed by a doctor.

Every woman experiences their period differently. Some women may bleed more heavily than others. There are a variety of pads and tampons women can select from to accommodate their specific needs. Pads are an absorbent material that sticks to the inside of your underwear. Pads are made with various thicknesses so women can purchase them based on how heavy their flow is. They absorb the menstrual blood after it leaves the body. Tampons, however, absorb menstrual blood from inside the body. Like pads, there are various types of tampons that women can select from. They are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. The last option a woman has are cups. These, like tampons, are inserted into the vagina. However unlike tampons which have to be changed every eight hours, cups only need to be taken out about every twelve hours to be emptied, cleaned, and then re-inserted. Regardless of whether a woman uses a pad, tampon, or cup, she must change it regularly to remain sanitary. One product is not better than the other. It is all based on personal preference.

Easing the discomfort of your menstrual period

Many women do not find their menstrual period easy. It is common to experience symptoms such as cramping or moodiness. Other women experience acne, bloating, tender breasts, tiredness, upset stomachs, constipation, or diarrhea.

Over the counter medications may help with some of these symptoms. To ease the pain of cramps, you may be able to take pain relievers such as Midol, Pamphrin, or Ibuprofen. Eating bananas can also help reduce pain from cramps as the potassium is known to reduce cramping in the body. You may also apply heat to the affected area to help reduce the pain.

To reduce acne, be sure to keep your face clean. Your local grocery store or pharmacy should have a wide variety of washes you can choose from. Make sure that you select one with no oils. If you are experiencing severe acne, you may be able to get a prescription medication from a doctor or dermatologist.

There are also over the counter medications that can be taken to relieve diarrhea or constipation.

For extreme symptoms, consult a doctor. They may be able to prescribe medications such as birth control to ease period symptoms. These pills can also regulate and lighten the menstrual period.

It is also important to maintain good health. Make sure that you are eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. Try and avoid foods that contain too much sugar or salt. Also make sure that you get enough sleep each night to wake up relaxed and refreshed.

The menstrual period can be a stressful, emotional time for some women. Make sure to take time to relax and take care of yourself. Also, try and find ways to release some of the stress, such as by using self expression or talking to people.

While it may seem like a difficult time in your life, the menstrual period is a completely natural process. It shows that your body is in healthy, working order and also allows you to experience pregnancy someday. It is a very important function!