The menstrual cycle is something that happens all month long beginning with the period (when the lining of the uterus actually sheds and you will see some blood). Don’t worry, this is all very normal. The cycle for the month ends the day before you start your period again. Some women have menstrual cycles that are 21 days, some 28 days, and some even longer. Everyone is different.
A girl usually starts her period sometime between the ages of 9 and 12. It is perfectly normal to start earlier and later, so don’t worry if you haven’t started yet.
The period can last for 3 to 7 days and the flow may go from very light to heavy. Also, please remember that menstrual flow is only a made up of a little blood, the rest is tissue and secretions so it is normal to have some globs rather than just liquid.
Once a woman has her period, she moves onto the next part of the menstrual cycle. During this part, an egg will finish maturing and be released from the ovaries (ovulation). The egg then begins its ride down the fallopian tubes.
Next, the lining in the uterus thickens in case the egg that was just released should become fertilized so that it will have nourishment and housing. If an egg is fertilized by sperm and implants on the uterine wall (creating a pregnancy), hormone levels rise and then a woman will probably not have a period. However, should the egg not be fertilized, hormone levels drop in the body and the shedding of the lining occurs: The Period.
Then, it starts all over again.
Things you can use to manage your flow
Most women wonder what the best product to use during their periods is: Truth be told, it is different for every woman. Some women like pads, some tampons, some menstrual cups.
So here is a run-down of some of the different options:
Pads: These are usually best when you first start your period, for back up during heavy flow times and/or while sleeping. There are disposable pads which are thrown away after use and come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and absorbency levels. There are also pads that are washable and reusable (may sound strange, but they are better for the environment and just as sanitary as disposable ones).
Tampons: Tampons also come in a variety of styles and absorbency levels. You always want to pick the absorbency level that is the lowest for your needs. They also are great for times when you want to go swimming, for special occasions, or if you are extremely active. Tampons need to be changed according to the directions (usually every 4 to 6 hours).
Menstrual Cups: These are reusable and are similar to tampons in the ease of use and the ability to use them during activities like swimming when a pad might be uncomfortable or just not the best idea. These cups hold menstrual flow within the cup until you remove it, empty the cup, and then reinsert it.
For more information about your period including a short movie, quiz, and calendar to map your menstrual cycle, click here.
