About Menstruation
An inevitable part of womanhood is menstruation. This monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus nicknamed "Aunt Flo" and "the friend" is most commonly referred to as a period. In fact, some women go to great lengths to avoid their peroids, taking prescription medications to halt or prolong their monthly periods. Understanding more about menstruation and its function can help women to embrace this experience that unifies all women.
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Function
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Menstruation results in the lining of the uterus being shed. During the first half of a menstrual cycle, hormones cause the uterus lining to thicken. During this thickening, an egg in one of the ovaries begins to mature. Halfway through the cycle the egg is released from the ovary. As the egg travels though the uterus by the fallopian tube to the uterus, hormones are getting the uterine lining ready for pregnancy. If conception doesn't occur during ovulation, the egg is released from the lining. Hormone levels lower, and the thick lining of the uterus is shed.
Time Frame
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An average period lasts from 3 to 5 days. It usually begins every 21 to 45 days. In the United States, the average age that girls start menstruating is age 12. By age 15, most girls have begun menstruation. Women will continue to have their period until they enter menopause which usually occurs between ages 45 to 55 (see Resources).
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Warning
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Most women can tell when they are getting their period. Some women experience Premenstrual Syndrome--also known as PMS. PMS usually occurs 7 to 14 days before a woman is going to get her period. Symptoms include bloating, cramps, sore and tender breasts, acne, irritability, fatigue, backaches, hunger, mood swings, and irritability. While some women will experience all of these symptoms, up to 85 percent of all women will at least experience one (see Resources).
Treatment
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During a period, women can take Advil or Tylenol to help ease some of the symptoms of PMS. Women also wear pads or tampons to absorb the blood flow. For women who have irregular periods, birth control pills are often prescribed to help regulate their menstrual cycle. Some types of birth control pills can be taken continuously to prevent periods, but other specialized medications--like Seasonale--can be taken to limit the frequency of periods from every month to every three months.
Myths
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It's fairly common for women, especially younger women, to believe that you can't get pregnant while you are having your period. While it's unlikely to get pregnant during menstruation, it is not impossible to get pregnant while having your period, especially if you have a really short cycle or really long periods. Some women also think that you can only wear a tampon if you've had sexual intercourse. This is also untrue. Unless your doctor specifically tells you not to, any woman can wear a tampon. Some women believe that it's bad to have sex while menstruating. Again, false. If you are comfortable, there is no reason not to have intercourse during your monthly period.
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