Menstruation usually occurs about 2 years after development of breasts starts. It usually begins between 11 and 14 years old, sometimes earlier, sometimes later. This menstrual bleeding comes from the uterus through the vagina.
How does this happen? Is it normal?
It is a perfectly normal part of being a woman. The menstrual cycle is about 28 days. It is normal to have a cycle that is slightly shorter or longer. About once a month, the uterus grows a new lining (endometrium) to accept a fertilized egg from the ovary. When there is no fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, the uterus linings comes out as period blood.
How does this happen? Is it normal?
It is a perfectly normal part of being a woman. The menstrual cycle is about 28 days. It is normal to have a cycle that is slightly shorter or longer. About once a month, the uterus grows a new lining (endometrium) to accept a fertilized egg from the ovary. When there is no fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, the uterus linings comes out as period blood.
A girl will bleed for about a week and the menstrual cycle continues every month. An average cycle is 28 days, but for some girls, 21-35 days is also normal. Women will have their monthly menstrual period starting from their early teen years until menopause, around age of 50 years old.
The menstrual cycle starts from the first day of menstrual bleeding to the beginning of the next menstrual period. During a period, there are usually 2-3 days of heavy flow, and then 2-4 days of lighter bleeding. The fluid during the menstrual period is a mixture of uterine lining and blood. There is nothing dirty or to be ashamed of. Women use pads or tampons to absorb the period blood and can do everything they do including swimming and play sports.
The menstrual cycle starts from the first day of menstrual bleeding to the beginning of the next menstrual period. During a period, there are usually 2-3 days of heavy flow, and then 2-4 days of lighter bleeding. The fluid during the menstrual period is a mixture of uterine lining and blood. There is nothing dirty or to be ashamed of. Women use pads or tampons to absorb the period blood and can do everything they do including swimming and play sports.
Summary of a Menstrual Cycle
Remember that it is common for women and girls to experience some discomfort in the days leading to their periods. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are both physical and emotional symptoms that many girls and women experience, right before their periods, such as acne, bloating, fatigue, backaches, sore breasts, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, depression, irritability, or difficulty concentrating or handling stress. PMS is usually at its worst during the 7 days before a girl's period starts and disappears once period begins. Many girls also experience abdominal cramps during the first few days of their periods. They are caused by prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that makes the smooth muscle in the uterus contract. These involuntary contractions can be either dull or sharp and intense.
