Menstruation is when your body prepares for pregnancy every month. During this process, the lining of your uterus sheds to produce menstrual cycle blood. Menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue.
This comes from the lining of the uterus. Menstrual blood must be discharged when a woman’s eggs are not fertilized. According to the U.S. Department of Health Services, the cycle can range from 21 to 35 days, and the bleeding lasts between 2 and 7 days.
Don’t be alarmed; to have a period, also known as a “cycle”, means your body is working normally. As you transition through puberty and age, your hormone levels will increase.
Puberty is when adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. When you discover your period, this is a sign of puberty that normally starts between the ages of 10-15, depending on the factors.
If you are underweight, exercise a lot, deal with a lot of stress, or even have a hormone imbalance, these can delay your cycle. If you have not been exposed to your period by the age of 16, it is encouraged to consult a doctor.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Menstrual Cycle?
If you ever experience bloody discharge from your vagina and are around the age range mentioned above, you probably have just started your period. Here is a list of symptoms you may experience when exposed to your period.
Symptoms:
- acne
- abdominal bloating
- soreness in your breast
- back pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- feeling emotional or irritable
- food craving, especially sweets
- clear or white vaginal discharge
From this day forward, you will experience a 28-day cycle every month until you reach menopause. Usually, menopause happens around your mid-40s to mid-50s.