Understanding Menstrual Health

The menstrual cycle is more than a monthly period. It is a hormonal rhythm that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy and reflects overall health. Understanding how it works, and what is typical for you, helps you recognize when something has changed.

How the cycle works

The cycle is controlled by hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone.

1. Menstruation. The cycle begins on the first day of bleeding, when the lining of the uterus is shed.
2. Follicular phase. Estrogen rises, the uterine lining thickens again and an egg matures in one of the ovaries.
3. Ovulation. Around the middle of the cycle, the ovary releases the egg. In a 28-day cycle this happens at about day 14.
4. Luteal phase. Progesterone rises to prepare the lining for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels fall and the next period begins.

What is typical

According to the Office on Women’s Health:

• the typical cycle is 28 days, but cycles from 24 to 38 days are regular;
• cycle length can vary by a few days from one month to the next;
• the average woman loses about two to three tablespoons of blood during a period.

Periods usually begin around age 12 and continue until menopause, which occurs on average around age 52 in the United States. Cycles are often irregular in the first years after periods start and again in the years before menopause.

Tracking your cycle

Tracking helps you learn your pattern and spot changes. Note:

• the first day of each period;
• how many days bleeding lasts;
• how heavy the flow is, for example how often you change a pad or tampon;
• pain, mood changes and other symptoms;
• any bleeding between periods.

A calendar, a notebook or a phone app all work. Take your record to appointments.

What can affect your cycle

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Hormonal contraception
• Stress
• Significant weight loss or gain, or very intense exercise
• Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders
• Some medicines
• Perimenopause

When to see a doctor

The Office on Women’s Health advises seeing a doctor or nurse if:

• you have not had a period by age 15;
• your periods stop for more than three months and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding;
• your periods become irregular after having been regular;
• your period comes more often than every 24 days or less often than every 38 days;
• bleeding lasts longer than 8 days;
• bleeding is heavier than usual, or you soak through one or more pads or tampons every one to two hours;
• you bleed between periods;
• you have severe pain during your period;
• you suddenly feel sick or develop a fever after using tampons.

Period problems in brief

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): cramping is common, but pain that stops normal activities should be assessed.
• Heavy bleeding: can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
• Irregular or absent periods: may reflect hormonal conditions.
• Unusual bleeding: between periods, after sex or after menopause always needs checking.

Looking after yourself during your period

• Change pads, tampons or liners regularly, and empty a menstrual cup as its instructions direct.
• Wash your hands before and after changing products.
• Gentle exercise and warmth can ease cramps. Some people find Air-Activated Heat Patches helpful.
• Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief.
• Rest when you need to and drink enough fluids.

Menstrual products

Choose what suits your flow and routine: pads such as our Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, liners, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear. Many people use a combination.

Talking about periods

Periods are a normal part of health. Describing them accurately, how often, how long, how heavy and how painful, helps your provider identify problems early. No question is too minor to ask.

The bottom line

Know your own cycle, track it, and get advice when your pattern changes or when periods are very heavy, painful or irregular. Find period care products in our women’s health range.

Sources

1. Office on Women's Health. Your menstrual cycle.
2. Office on Women's Health. Period problems.
3. NHS. Periods.