Menstruation

How many women or girls know what exactly is menstruation. When it comes to menstruation most of us are aware of the myths and misconceptions about periods rather than knowing about the topic and its importance in our life and overall health. There are numerous questions that every woman wants to know about periods.

Do you know what the body goes through during periods? What is the cycle that triggers menstruation every month. What will happen if you do not get your periods? What if you get heavy periods? Are your periods normal? What do irregular periods indicate? Does lack of periods indicate health problem? And so many questions that needs to be answered. This lack of knowledge truly shows how uneducated and knowledgeable we are when it comes to periods awareness. But not anymore, as we plan to shed light on menstruation and its impact on the health of every woman.

Menstruation is the time of the month when a woman bleeds due to the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). Blood, mucus and tissue from the uterus come out of the vagina which is also known as periods. Technically, period occurs following hormonal changes in the body which prepares the body for pregnancy by causing the uterine lining to thicken. But if the egg fails to get fertilized post ovulation, then there is a sudden drop in the hormonal levels which cause the uterine lining to shed and make you bleed. The menstrual period or bleeding from three to five days on an average. The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it can range from 22 days to 35 days.

Your periods can say a lot about your health right from stress and hormonal problems to endometriosis and pregnancy. For example, if you miss or skip a period for a month it could indicate changes in your hormonal level. This can be due to stress, changes in your diet, nutritional abnormalities, travel or infection. If you experience irregular periods for more than 3 months, it could be a sign of an underlying condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or thyroid problem. Hence, women with consistent irregular periods are advised to consult a gynaecologist to rule out any health complications or know the exact cause of it.

If you have missed your periods for more than three to four months at a stretch, then it could be a sign of pregnancy. But if a pregnancy home test has ruled out pregnancy, then it is wise to get immediate medical attention. Also, the colour of the period blood and the heavy or light bleeding during periods could also act as a sign of how healthy you are. If you experience a sudden change in the cycle from regular to heavy, then it’s a cause of concern as it may lead to anemia over a period of time. Hence, it goes without saying that regular periods are considered to be healthy and changes in your period cycle could indicate a health problem. Hence, it goes without saying that regular periods are considered to be healthy and changes in your period cycle could indicate a health problem.

You should consult a doctor if you feel light-headed, dizzy or weakness during periods or have unusual bleeding or spotting between periods. Unlike what many women believe, if your periods or premenstrual symptoms cause severe pain and discomfort that you are not able to perform day to day functions, then it is a sign of concern. If you have severe abdominal cramps during periods, stop taking painkillers and go to a doctor. It is important to create period awareness rather than spreading the myths about menstruation.