Periods

Overview

The period is the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It is when your body sheds its uteran lining. This cycle is your body's way of preparing for a possible pregnancy. A typical cycle last for between 24 and 38 days. 

---. “Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases.” Cleveland Clinic, 12 Sept. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle.

What is a Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the name for the series of events starting on the first day of your period and ending on the first day of your next period. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, but a normal cycle can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Most people have their period for between 3 and 7 days. 

The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

• The Menses Phase: This phase starts on the first day of your period, and lasts until you stop bleeding. This is when the lining of your uterus sheds because pregnancy has not occured.

• The Follicular Phase: This phase overlaps with the Menses Phase. It begins on the first day of your period, and ends when you begin to ovulate. During this phase your estrogen levels rise which causes your uterine lining to thicken. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the follicles in your ovaries to grow, and between days ten and fourteen one of the growing follicles will form an ovum (a fully matured egg).

• Ovulation: This phase begins around day fourteen of your cycle. This is when the luteinizing hormone (LH), makes your ovary release its egg.

• The Luteal Phase: This phase takes place from day fifteen to day twenty eight. The egg leaves the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. Your progesterone levels increase to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized, and implants itself into the uterine wall, you become pregnant. If there is no pregnancy then your progesterone and estrogen levels will drop, and you will shed your uterine lining during your period.

Symptoms

• Cramps

• Mood changes

• Difficulty sleeping

• Headaches

• Food cravings

• Bloating

• Breast tenderness

• Acne

Feminine Products

There are many different kinds of feminine products, and it is important to figure out what works best for you, and your style of life. Different feminine products include:

• Sanitary Pads: Pads are easy to use and great for girls just starting their periods. They are easy to use becuase nothing is inserted into the vagina. They use adhesive to stick to your underwear, and can be easily pealed off when it is time to dispose of them. However, many people find them bulky, and uncomfortable. Pads also shift around a lot making leaks during sports or other exercise common. They also can rub against and irritate the vagina.

• Tampons: Tampons are a good option because they are not bulky and do not move around. Tampons work great when exercising, wearing tighter clothes, or even swimming! Tampons are inserted into the vagina with an applicator. This can be hard for those who are new to periods, and they can be hard to use. When left in for too long tampons can cause dryness and irritation. If tampons are left in for too long then a bacterial infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) may occur. However, TSS is very rare and can be avoided by not leaving tampons in for longer than eight hours. Tampons should not be flushed down the toilet in order to prevent water contamination. 

• Menstrual cups: Menstrual cups are reusuable, bell-shaped products that are typically made out of silicone rubber or latex. Menstrual cups are put into the vagina to collect blood. Some menstrual cups have a ring on the end for easy removal, but for others you must reach up into your vagina to remove it. Menstrual cups hold more blood than tampons or pads, and it can be used for up to 12 hours at a time. It is important to note that removing menstrual cups can be messy, and it is advisable for first time users to remove it in the shower. Once you remove the cup, pour the blood into the toilet and rinse with gentle soap and water. Once a month, boil your menstrual cup to thoroughly sanitize it. Many people find menstrual cups more comfortable, and have less cramping when using them compared to other products. However, menstrual cups are difficult to use as they must be placed in exactly the right position to get a total seal, or there will be leakage. To be able to use a menstrual cup you have to be comfortable with reaching up into your vagina to insert it. 

• Menstrual discs: Menstrual discs are shaped like frizbees and very flexible. They are inserted by folding them like a taco and putting them in cupside down. It is important to get the front above the pubic bone because this is what stops it from slipping back out. When ready to remove, take a finger and hook it on the rim of the device and remove. For first time users it is advisable to remove in the shower. One of the benefits to menstrual discs is that you can have sex while it is in place. Menstrual discs come in both reusable and disposable forms.

• Period underwear: Period underwear is like regular underwear except it has an absorbent layer that collects blood. One issue with this is that the dampness can irritate the vagina. It is important to change the underwear once it becomes full. This takes planning, and may require you to bring a plastic bag to bring soiled underwear home in. Period underwear comes in different absorbancies and sizes. Some people also use period underwear with a tampon in case of a leak. Others wear period underwear at night becuase they find it more comfortable to sleep in.

Healthy Period Habits

It is important to stay healthy and protect yourself against infections during your period. Here are some recommendations:

• Wash your hands before and after using a feminine product.

• Dispose of femine products by wrapping them in toilet paper, a tissue, or a wrapper and throw them in the trash. Do not flush feminine products down the toilet.

• Change sanitary pads every few hours even if your flow is light. Change them more often if your flow is heavy.

• Change tampons every four to eight hours. Do not wear the same tampon for more than eight hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed. 

• Clean menstrual cups after every use. After your period is over, sanitize them by rinsing them and putting them in boiling water for one to two minutes

• Wear light weight clothing that is breathable. Tight clothing can trap heat making it easier for bacteria to grow. 

• Wash your vagina and bottom daily. Use only water to clean your vagina, the vagina is a self cleaning organ and using chemicals can alter it's PH balance causing infections. 

• Use only unscented feminine products.

• Drink lots of water.

Your Period Over Time

Throughout your life the frequency and intensity of your period will most likely change. On average people get their period at age twelve, however it can happen anywhere between the age of eight and sixteen. When you first get your period it is likely that you will have longer cycles and a heavier flow. It typically takes up to three years after you start menstruating to have a regular cycle. A regular cycle happens every twenty one to thirty five days, and results in bleeding for three to seven days. Once you reach your twenties your period will most likely be consistent and regular. When your body begins to transition into menopause your periods will become more irregular (Learn more about menopause under the heading menopause). Your period may also change due to life events that alter your hormone levels including lactation and child birth (Learn more about this under the heading pregnancy/birth).

An Irregular Period

If you experience any of these symptoms talk to your doctor.

• Periods that occur less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart

• Missing your period for three months/90 days

• Having a flow that is much heavier or much lighter than is normal for you

• Bleeding that lasts for longer than seven days

• Severe period symptoms like cramping, nausea, severe pain, or vomiting

• Bleeding or spotting in between periods

• Bleeding through a tampon/pad every one or two hours

• Passing blot clots that are larger than a quarter.

Tracking Your Period

It is important to keep track of when you have your period, because a missed period can be a sign that something is wrong. Your doctor may also ask you about your most recent period and what a regular menstral cycle looks like for you.

Tracking your period also helps you plan for when you need to have feminine products with you. You can also track your period to figure out when you are ovulating (when you are most likely to get pregnant). 

You can track your period using apps or a calander.  Iphones come with a pre-installed health app. In this app you can track when you bleed, or have other symptoms. The app also uses an algorithm to predict when your next period will be.  There are also many other apps that are effective in tracking periods, ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause symptoms. Another way to track your period is using a pen and calander. Put an X on the first day of your period, and continue putting an X on each day until there is no more bleeding. Repeat this for every period. Count the days between each first X to get the length of your menstrual cycle. Count the number of periods to see how long each period lasts. 

When to Contact a Doctor

• You are sixteen years old or older and have not gotten your period

• You miss your period for three or more months

• You bleed for more days than is typical for you

• You are bleeding more or less than you normally do

• You experience severe pain durng your period

• You bleed in between periods

• You feel ill after using tampons

• You believe that you may be pregnant

• You have not had your period three months after stopping birth control, and you are not pregnant

For Further Questions on Periods Visit:

Period Education Project 

Cleveland Clinic 

CDC 

Mayo Clinic 

Works Cited

CDC. “Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene.” Water, Sanitation, and Environmentally Related Hygiene (WASH), 7 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html. 

Cleveland Clinic. “Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases.” Cleveland Clinic, 12 Sept. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle.

noble.dana. “Which Feminine Products You Should Use — and Which to Avoid.” Mayo Clinic Press, 19 June 2023, mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/feminine-products-to-use-and-avoid/.