A period, also known as menstruation or menses, is one way that a woman’s body prepares itself for pregnancy. Because they come with a variety of symptoms, and the discomfort caused by vaginal bleeding can take some getting used to, periods have gotten a bad reputation. However, understanding why they happen and what they are telling us about our bodies can make a period more tolerable. In fact, the more you know the better you can control your period symptoms and feel normal during that time of the month.
What body parts are involved
Female reproductive organs involved in a period include the vagina, cervix and uterus. The vagina is the passageway from the outside of the body to the uterus. All the way inside of the vagina is the cervix, which is the small opening into the uterus. The uterus is made up of muscles and blood vessels that can, when the situation arises, support a growing fetus (pregnancy). When there is no fetus, the uterus tries to stay as prepared as possible, keeping a fresh and healthy surface for a potential fertilized egg to implant.
What is happening during a period
During a period, the uterus is shedding its top layer of lining, like a snake shedding its skin. As the lining slowly comes off, blood vessels in the walls of the uterus also open and bleed. The pieces of lining and blood leave the uterus from the cervix and come out of the vagina. The uterus helps everything leave by squeezing its muscles which causes cramps. This entire process is the period, and it takes anywhere from 2-8 days from start to finish.
Periods are a part of a cycle
The menstrual cycle has three main phases: the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. The follicular phase starts on the first day of period bleeding and lasts until ovulation, which is the point at which one egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube (part of the uterus). Ovulation is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle (about 14 days before the next period). Once ovulation has occurred, the luteal phase begins. During this time, progesterone (a hormone) sends a signal to the uterus, building up and supporting a thickened lining. This signaling is temporary, and progesterone levels drop if a fertilized egg does not stick to the wall of the uterus. The drop in progesterone causes the top layer of the uterus to begin to break apart. This leads to menstruation and the start of a new cycle.
Maintaining a fresh uterine lining all the time and constantly ovulating would be too hard for a human body to maintain, which is why the cycle exists. It also serves the purpose of putting eggs through a recruitment process to try and get the best, most optimal egg for potential fertilization – the survival of the fittest concept.
More period norms
- The average number of days between two periods (cycle length) is about 28 days. This means from day 1 of one period to day 1 of the next period is 28 days.
- A normal amount of blood loss during a menstrual period is about 30 to 160 milliliters. It’s basically the amount of salad dressing you would get if you asked for dressing on the side.
- Besides bleeding, periods can come with other symptoms, too. These include things like cramping, fatigue and mood changes. While these may be considered a “natural” part of having a period, they can interfere with daily life. If they do, there are many options for improving period cramps (including Wave Bye supplements and medications).s
Conclusion
For the most part, periods occur on a regular, predictable schedule. However, irregularities in timing, volume or associated pain may indicate underlying health concerns. If you have any concerns or questions about your cycle, chat with your doctor.