Menstruation – Even though menstruation, also known as menses or periods, is a normal event that has the power to affect life itself, there are still many misconceptions and myths around it. Girls have to endure a lot of pain during menstruation but it is also a sign of healthy reproductive organs.
Table of Contents
What is Menstruation?
The monthly shedding of the blood lining of the uterus is referred to as menstruation. This is a process that takes place while the body gets ready to get pregnant. In the absence of a pregnancy, the lining of the uterus sheds. Through the vaginal canal, this blood lining leaves the body.
Read More: Endometriosis: Stages, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis
What is Menstrual Cycle?
Every month, the human body goes through a cycle of changes to prepare for pregnancy. Every month, an egg is produced by one of the ovaries. At this time it is called ovulation. If the egg released during ovulation is not fertilised, the lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is the result of this.
A woman’s menstrual cycle is measured from the beginning of one menstrual period to the first day of the next. Everyone has a unique cycle. Long cycles usually occur in the first few years after the onset of menstruation. However, menstrual cycles become shorter and more regular as women age.
Phases of Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle of the human body is divided into four phases. The reason for this is hormonal changes. As a result, it triggers certain reactions in the reproductive organs, resulting in phases of the menstrual cycle.
The Menses Phase
This menstrual phase normally continues for around one to five days. Assuming pregnancy has not yet taken place, the inner layer of your uterus sheds via the vagina.
The Follicular phase
Because of increased oestrogen levels, the endometrium (uterine lining) swells at this stage. Under the effect of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), follicles within the ovaries expand and mature concurrently. This stage generally lasts from day six to fourteen.
Ovulation
In a menstrual cycle consisting of 28 days, this phase usually takes place on day 14 or thereabouts. Your ovary releases an egg when there is a rapid rise in another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). This is referred to as ovulation.
The Luteal Phase
It lasts for around days 15 to 28. The egg exits from the ovary and starts to make its way to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. In the absence of pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone levels fall, and the dense uterine lining sheds amid your period.
Symptoms
If you believe that the menstrual cycle is just a monthly occurrence, you couldn’t be farther from reality. Every person who menstruates has to deal with a variety of symptoms. The degree to which these symptoms are experienced may also vary.
Some signs that your period is about to start include headaches, mood changes, swelling, acne, breast tenderness and problems sleeping.
(Expert Advice: If your loved one is suddenly experiencing these symptoms, chocolate or a warm cup of tea may be helpful.)
Myths Associated with Periods
There are many myths related to periods, some of which are as follows.
People get weak and unwell while they are menstruating.
Because of their irregular diets and lower intakes of the minimum daily amounts of iron, some develop exhaustion during their periods. However, individuals who menstruate regularly are in good health.
Periods only occur once every 28 days.
The truth is that everyone’s menstrual cycle is determined by their genetic makeup, their eating habits, and their degree of stress. Most people get their period once every two months, while some experience it for roughly five days each month.
Refrain from touching anybody when menstruating
The truth is that There is nothing filthy about menstruation, it is a normal occurrence and a sign of healthy well-being.
Complications with Health and Irregular Periods
Missing menstruation is associated with specific medical problems. some of them are:
Endometriosis
It is a condition in which endometrial tissue protrudes from the uterus. The tissue frequently sticks to the fallopian tubes or ovaries. This might lead to extreme discomfort, painful cramps, and unusual bleeding during periods.
Bleeding Disorders
In some conditions, a blood clotting or bleeding disorder might occur in the body. This results in heavy bleeding and discomfort.
Polycystic Ovarian syndrome
People who have PCOS have significant levels of androgens, a hormone produced by their ovaries. Ovulation is prevented or delayed by this hormone, which results in irregular periods. PCOS patients may entirely cease menstruation.
Tips to reduce the risk of irregular periods:
- Ensure that you get enough sleep.
- Reduce your frequency of long workout sessions.
- By engaging in moderate exercise and consuming wholesome meals, try to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
- For routine checkups, visit your gynecologist.
- Use unwinding and stress-reduction practices.
- Observe the instructions on birth control pills or other birth control alternatives.
Importance of Maintaining Hygiene During Periods
If you do not practise good hygiene during menstruation, your health may deteriorate. Here is the learning.
UTI
Urinary tract infections may result from the bacteria entering your urethra. If ignored, UTIs can potentially harm your kidneys.
Rashes
Rashes are a fairly common issue while on your period, and the major cause of them is a failure to change your pads often.
Probability of Infertility
In the course of your period, poor hygiene might encourage the growth of bacteria in the vagina, which can result in RTIs. RTIs can contribute to issues like infertility if they are not addressed. We have established how closely our health and periods are connected. It is extremely important to take care of your body and adapt healthy practices during periods.
Some tips to maintain hygiene are:
- Use only one menstruation product, such as a tampon, menstrual cup, disposable or reusable sanitary napkin or period pants.
- Sanitise and clean your menstrual cups or period pants between uses, and replace the sanitary pad or tampon often.
- Ensure that the blood within and around the vulva, which is the outer portion of your genitalia, is well cleaned with water on a regular basis.
Conclusion – Normalising Period Conversations
Menstruation is a regular occurrence for almost half of the population. However, major changes are required to promote general social norms and, ultimately, influence behaviour. Simple actions like education, awareness-building, media representation, period-positive language use, inclusiveness, and support for menstruation-related events can help bring about these improvements. Every month, millions of teenagers worldwide endure a painful, humiliating, anxious, and lonely cycle of misery when their periods finally arrive. It’s time to put a stop to the absurd shame and quiet around this frequent biological condition. Periods are a sign of healthy health and should be celebrated and adjusted.
Reference Links:-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/menstrual-cycle
https://www.unicef.org/timorleste/media/2376/file/Menstrual%20Hygiene%20Management%20-%20English%20.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132001/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle#:~:text=The%20typical%20menstrual%20cycle%20is,but%20each%20woman%20is%20different.&text=Also%2C%20a%20woman’s%20menstrual%20cycle,every%2024%20to%2038%20days.
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