What is Menstruation?

“Leaders bleed, period.”― Silvia Young

Menstruation

When there’s a breakdown or removal of the inner lining of the uterus with blood vessels in it from the vagina is called menstruation or we call it Periods in normal terms.

How and why does Menstruation happen?

Menstruation happens to any female or a person having uteruses, vaginas, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Every Female body Prepares itself for pregnancy and in order to do that Every month a female goes through the menstrual cycle, which is controlled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

There are two ovaries that contain eggs, and these eggs get matured by the above hormones and prepare them to get fertilized by sperm cells. These hormones also make the lining in the uterus thick so that if the egg gets fertilized then it can comfortably fit in the uterus. During the half of the menstrual cycle, the matured egg gets released by one of the ovaries and this process is called ovulation.

When the egg leaves the ovary it travels all the way through the fallopian tube, if the egg doesn’t get fertilized then the thick lining of the uterus starts shedding. The lining which is filled with blood and nutrients comes out through the vagina. And that’s how the cycle of menstruation takes place.

If the egg gets fertilized during the cycle then the lining of blood in the uterus does not shed and pregnancy happens that’s why a woman stops menstruating during pregnancy and after that, it occurs again, and cycles repeat.

Periods usually last for 4-5 days and the cycle repeats after every 26-27 days. This can vary from female to female as every female body is different. Though there are several things that can affect the cycle like Heavy workouts, Food, changes in the environment, Stress, etc.

Periods Start at Puberty in the age 13-14 and the start is known as menarche and the age when the female stop menstruating is around 50 and is known as menopause.

There are several Biological changes that happen during the menstruating days like:

Mood Swings
Fatigue
Cramps
Bloating
Lower back pain
Sore Breasts
Severe Hunger or food cravings
Acne
Headaches
Felling puky/Vomit
Irritability
Pain in legs
Feeling cold or warm

These all are normal and a part of periods but there are other things that should be taken care of and are not normal to happen during periods:

Irregular periods
PMS- Premenstrual Syndrome
Extreme Bloating
Heavy blood discharge or very little blood discharge
Severe acne
Unbearable Cramps

All these symptoms could result in PCOD, PCOS, PMDD, etc. These are all symptoms of having a menstrual disorder which is not normal but can be cured and should be taken care of.

Myths:

There are different myths in different countries about periods but the most common myths are:

Mood swings aren’t normal: People think that women might throw tantrums while being on their periods but that’s all because of the hormones and it’s completely normal. We cannot control our hormones and it’s okay to have mood swings.

PMS is just your thoughts and not real: This is another common myth in which people think that premenstrual syndrome is nothing and it does not happen but it’s actually not true. There are actual symptoms that should be taken care of.

Pain Killers should not be taken: It’s normal to have cramps but there are females who go through severe cramps and at that time pain killers can be taken but not always. Pain killers should always be taken by the prescription of doctors. Trying to Bear the pain which is completely unbearable sometimes is not healthy for the body to have and this shouldn’t be done.

Supplies that are needed during Periods:

Sanitary Pads
Tampons
Menstrual Cups

Suggestions:

Hygiene: “Menstruation is not a problem, poor menstrual hygiene is”― Anurag Chauhan: Periods are that time of the month when hygiene should be the topmost priority of women. Poor hygiene could lead to problems that are dangerous so proper hygiene is necessary.
Food: Avoid intake of food that is cold in nature and have warm natured foods more. Avoid Gastric foods and fatty food. Have Nuts, Fruits, and pulses more.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water as much as you can. Water will help in good blood flow and will help in reducing bloating and acne.
Take care of your skin: Having Acne during periods is normal but should be taken care of to avoid blemishes and painful/cystic pimples.
Take Rest: Use a hot bottle or hot bag to relieve cramps and rest to avoid fatigue.
Exercise: Do yoga for periods as it helps in good blood flow and helps calm the mind which helps in mood swings. It also helps in relieving stress and cramps.