The Period

The period (menstrual cycle) is the normal phase of life that females live with throughout their lives, and it’s a part of the reproductive system.

The period

The period occurs when the lining of the uterus sheds every month because it was prepared for a possible pregnancy that doesn’t occur.

Certain hormones are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, and those hormones are released from the pituitary gland and the ovaries.

How does the period occur?

The menstrual period consists of 4 stages:

• The menses phase: it’s the first day of the period in which the lining of the uterus sheds and the bleeding starts.
• The follicular phase: it starts from the first day of the period and ends at ovulation. Throughout this phase, the estrogen levels increase, and a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the follicles in the ovaries to grow until one of them becomes a mature egg between days 10 and 14.
• Ovulation: it approximately occurs on day 14 of a 28-day cycle, and the sudden rise of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) leads to the release of the egg.
• The luteal phase: the egg here goes from the ovary to the uterus, and this continues from day 15 to 28 with the help of the progesterone. If the egg becomes fertilized, it will be attached to the uterine wall; otherwise, the levels of progesterone and estrogen will decline, and the lining of the uterus will shed to start the period.

Regular period

• Regular menstruation usually starts at the average age of 12. Sometimes it may start at the age of 8 or even 16.
• The bleeding mostly persists 3-5 days for most females, but when it’s between 3 and 7 days, it’s normal as well.
• The average menstrual period lasts 28 days, but it’s normal to be from 21 up to 35 days.
• The menstrual cycle can change and be affected by life alterations.
• Having certain symptoms, like pain and cramps, in addition to the PMS.

Irregular period

The following issues indicate an irregular menstruation and must be managed:

• Not getting the period by the age of 16.
• Having heavier or lighter bleeding than normal.
• Changing the tampon every 1-2 hours.
• Passing large blood clots.
• When the bleeding continues for more than 7 days.
• When there is bleeding or spotting between periods.
• Menstrual periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
• Not having a period for 3 months.
• When severe symptoms occur, such as excruciating pain, severe cramping, nausea, or vomiting.