Why does the menstrual period happen to females? A period happens because of the changes in the hormones of the body. Mostly, girls get their period when they are around 12 years old. Hormones cause the lining of your womb to build up. Therefore, it prepares it for a possible fertilized egg to attach. But if no fertilized egg will attach and develop in the womb, the lining breaks down and bleeds. The b happens all over again. It takes a month for the lining to build up and break down.
1. Menstrual Cycle
If you are wondering what is happening during your menstrual cycle, here is an overview of it. Hence, it is for women who have a normal period every month.
Day 1 to 5
At this stage, a small sac filled with fluid in the ovaries continues to develop. Each sac contains an egg.
Day 5 to 8
During this time, only one sac filled with fluid continues to develop while the rest stops. The levels of your female sex hormone continue rising. By day 8, the bleeding will stop. The female hormone released by the sac in your ovary is the reason why the lining in your womb thickens. The lining is being filled with blood and nutrients, thus nourishing the fertilized egg if you get pregnant.
Day 14
Moreover, it is the best time to get pregnant. It is because your ovary released a mature egg that is waiting for fertilization.
Day 15 to 24
The released egg will travel towards the thin tube in your reproductive organ. When a sperm fertilized the egg during this time, pregnancy will start.
Day 24 to 28
But when your egg was not fertilized, it will break apart. During this stage, you can feel different emotional changes, but some women do not.
During the first day of your period, this is what happens. The line of tissue in your womb breaks down and leaves the body as your period. For most women, the bleeding lasts from 4 to 8 days. You may feel irritable during this time. It is because the level of your female sex hormone is very low.
2. A Normal Period and How to Track It
Furthermore, women have different experiences when it comes to having a period. What is normal for you might not be normal for others. The period is not the same for everyone, and it may happen every 21 to 35 days.
It is better to start keeping track of your period to see any changes and abnormalities in your cycle. It is important to take note of these things every month.
End date
How long does your period last? It is to know if you have a shorter or longer cycle.
Flow
Record how heavy your period is if it is heavier or lighter than your usual period.
Abnormal bleeding
Take note of it if you are bleeding between your periods.
Pain
Describe the pain you are experiencing and on what part. A common example of pain during a period is menstrual cramps.
3. Factors that Causes Irregularities
These are the common factors that cause an irregular period.
- Eating disorder, excessive weight loss, and exercising
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- The loss of your ovaries function
- Infection of the reproductive organs
- Growth of the uterus
To prevent period irregularities, some women use birth control to regulate the cycle. You must solve the problems that caused you to miss a period. But sometimes, it is not preventable to miss a period. Having a healthy lifestyle and not allowing yourself to be in so much stress can help you have a normal period.
4. Symptoms of Period Cramps
You can feel a pain in your lower belly. Menstrual cramp is most common to happen before or during your period. To know if you have a menstrual cramps symptom, here are some signs to look out for.
- You can feel pressure in your belly
- There is also a pain in your hips, lower back, and inner thighs
When your period cramps are getting serious, you may feel these:
- You can have an upset stomach
- Your stools are loose
- Vomiting
5. Effects of Birth Control
Birth controls are being used to prevent the ovary from releasing a mature egg. This method affects your bleeding. It can make your bleeding shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.
Moreover, it is best to practice proper personal hygiene. If you just had your menstrual period, this is going to be a new milestone for you.