All you need to know about your 'Period'

For every girl, menstruation or 'period' signifies an important transition to womanhood. Though its a normal phenomena, still it is considered as a stigma or taboo to discuss openly in wide part of our society. Moreover, there are lots of information from internet which make the young teenager confused.

The key-points about the topic

• To give a general idea about menstruation, especially to educate girls and their parents before and after their first menstruation.

• To educate people, most importantly boys which in terms build their confidence, contributing to social solidarity and encourage healthy habits.

A small overview on Menstruation:

Menstruation is a normal physiological process in women where a periodical monthly bleeding occurs per vagina up to the certain age of their life. In this cycle hormones stimulate an ovary to release an egg, and thicken the lining of the uterus to support a pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the thickened uterine lining is shaded as menstruation. then next month another ovary is prepared.

The Average Menstrual Cycle is about 28 ± 7 days.

Ovulation

This is the time period of a menstrual cycle when a woman can get pregnant. It is usually around 12th to 14th day in an average 28 day cycle. This time period varies according to the duration of the cycle. In cases of irregularities of menses, you should consult a Doctor to calculate the ovulation period. Sometimes women experiences pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the cycle due to ovulation.

Menarche

It refers to the first time when a woman menstruates. Normally menarche is considered to occur between 11-15 years. In India it is between 9-15 years. Early menarche is now becoming a world wide trend which may lead to gynecological problems in later life. Whereas a late menarche also occurs due to some other gynecological problems. in both cases a direct supervision of a Doctor is recommended.

DAY-1

The first day of bleeding is considered as the DAY-1 of the menstrual cycle. It is very important and always advised to record the DAY-1 of each cycle especially in cases of irregularities, pregnancy, PCOS etc.

What is the normal duration of Menstruation?

Normally, it is 3 to 5 days. In some cases up to 7 days can be considered normal depending upon other factors.

How much blood loss is 'Normal' during a period?

Normally the amount of blood loss is approximately 30-50 ml.

How you will measure the amount of Bleeding?

• If you are using menstrual cups - it is the most easiest way to measure. There are measuring marks in every cup, so you will easily understand the amount.

• If you are using pads - regular sized pads absorb approx. 5 ml of fluid. For extra large pads it is approx. 10 ml. To calculate the amount of blood loss track how many pads you are using and how full they are when you change them.

• If you are using tampons - like pads, most regular sized tampons hold the same amount of blood, i.e. 5 ml approx. Similarly extra-absorbent tampons hold approx. 10 ml of fluid.

What is the actual colour of healthy Period blood?

Normal healthy period blood typically varies from

bright red (fresh blood and a steady flow) to dark brown (beginning or end of period) to black (beginning or end of period).

Sometimes pink blood comes especially in cases of Anaemia.

Colour like orange, gray or black with offensive smell and other associating symptoms indicate an infection.

What are the other symptoms associated with Menstruation?

• Pain in lower abdomen or pelvic area before or during the 1st day of menstruation.

• Lower back pain.

• Soreness of breasts.

• Mood swings & irritability.

• Headache (occasional).

• Constipation. Diarrhoea. (occasional)

• Fatigue.

Normally bleeding from vagina is the primary symptom. When other symptoms associates before, during, or after menstruation you should consult a physician.

Take Home Message for All the Readers

Now in 21st century menstruation may be normalized but there are lots of information regarding it that should be known to all. Sometimes young teenagers come with lots of questions. Their parents also become worried and confused. Here I have discussed some basic topics only about the normal menstruation, to give them a proper knowledge. I hope this information will help parents as well, to guide their children.

Besides the above-mentioned topics, if you have any questions you can ask via our e-mail, or visit to our clinic for further guidance.

Stay Healthy, Stay Blessed ❤️

- Dr. Susmita Sinha.