Menstruation

Menstruation, commonly referred to as a period, is the monthly shedding of the endometrium, blood and mucosal tissue, that make up the lining of the uterus. When this occurs, menstrual blood will flow from the uterus through a small opening in the cervix, and out of the body through the vagina.http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.cfm#a This flow typically lasts between 3 and 5 days, and varies in intensity.

Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle, a period lasting an average of 28 days, with normal cycles spanning anywhere between 21 to 35 days. During the menstrual cycle, the body's estrogen levels begin to rise. The estrogen stimulates the thickening of the lining of the uterus, or womb. If a woman becomes pregnant, this thickened lining will act to provide nourishment to the embryo.http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.cfm#a During the thickening of the uterine lining, an ovum, or egg, in one of the ovaries begins to mature. Once mature, the egg leaves the ovary, traveling down the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. This process is known as ovulation, and typically occurs in the middle of the cycle, on day 14.http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/girlstuff/menstruation.html# If this egg is not fertilized, it will break apart, and the lining of the uterus will shed.http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.cfm#a

Most young women will experience their first period, or menarche, between the age of 10 and 15 years of age, with 12 being the average. While there is no specific set of symptoms that signal the start of menstruation, it typically occurs around 2 years after the breasts have begun to develop. Before a girl starts her period, she may also experience vaginal discharge several months prior.http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/girlstuff/menstruation.html#

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing anything abnormal with Menstruation.

Since menstruation is a natural cycle in a woman's life, abnormal menstruation can be an indication of various medical aliments. Endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and cervical cancer can cause abnormal menstruation. Although it is not uncommon for the menstrual cycle to become irregular from time to time, and for things to be different between cycles, there are things that should be discussed with a women's health professional, including:

• A period lasting longer than one week
• A very heavy flow, where a sanitary napkin becomes soaked every 1-2 hours
• Bleeding occurs between periods
• Periods that were once regular suddenly become irregular
• Unusual levels of pain are experienced (some moderate cramping and discomfort is expected and normal)
• More than 3 months pass between periodshttp://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/girlstuff/menstruation.html#

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