Periods

Periods

A period, also known as menstruation, is a natural biological process that occurs in the female reproductive system. It is a key part of the menstrual cycle, which prepares the body for potential pregnancy. Menstruation involves the shedding of the uterine lining and is a sign of reproductive health.

Overview

The menstrual cycle is typically around 28 days long, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens. The cycle is divided into several phases:

Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase is the first stage of the menstrual cycle. It begins when an egg from the previous cycle is not fertilized. Because pregnancy has not taken place, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop. The thickened lining of the uterus, which would support a pregnancy, is no longer needed and is shed through the vagina. This is the bleeding that is associated with menstruation.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to produce around 5 to 20 small sacs called follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg. Only the healthiest egg will mature, while the rest of the follicles are reabsorbed into the body. This phase is characterized by the thickening of the uterine lining.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the surface of the ovary. This usually occurs mid-cycle, around two weeks or so before menstruation starts. During this phase, the levels of estrogen peak, and luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, triggering the release of the egg.

Luteal Phase

After the egg is released, it travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. The ruptured follicle on the ovary closes and forms a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone maintains the thickened lining of the uterus, awaiting a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels, and the cycle begins again with menstruation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms during menstruation include:

• Abdominal or pelvic cramping
• Lower back pain
• Bloating and sore breasts
• Food cravings
• Mood swings and irritability
• Headache and fatigue

Menstrual Disorders

Some individuals may experience menstrual disorders, which can include:

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods
• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation
• Menorrhagia: Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A group of symptoms that occur before the period

Management

Management of menstrual symptoms can include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Common treatments include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen
• Hormonal birth control to regulate or reduce periods
• Dietary changes and exercise
• Stress management techniques

Also see

• Menstrual cycle
• Reproductive health
• Hormonal contraception
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)