Obstetrics and gynecology Menstruation (menstruation)

Menstruation (menstruation)

What are periods

Period or menstruation , this is the appearance of bloody discharge in women at a certain period of time once a month. During menstruation, the inner layer of the uterus is shed. Menstrual blood leaves the uterine cavity through the cervical canal and then enters the vagina. Typically, menstruation lasts from 3 to 5 days.

What is the monthly (menstrual) cycle?

When menstruation occurs regularly at regular intervals, it is called a menstrual cycle. A normal monthly cycle is a sign that a woman's body is working normally. The monthly cycle is ensured by the production of special chemical substances, which are called hormones. Hormones prepare a woman's body regularly every month for fertilization and pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period to the first day of subsequent months. The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days. It can range from 21 to 35 days in adult women and from 21 to 45 days in adolescents. Cycle length is regulated by the rise and fall of hormone levels during the cycle.

What processes occur during the menstrual cycle

In the first half of the cycle, estrogen levels increase. Estorgens are female sex hormones that play an important role in women's health. First of all, under the influence of estrogens, bones become stronger. Estrogens ensure strong bones into old age. Estrogens also cause growth and thickening of the uterine lining, the endometrium. The endometrium is that part of the uterus that initially serves as a medium for the implantation of the embryo and provides nutrition to the embryo during pregnancy. At the same time, along with the growth of the endometrium, a follicle grows in the ovary - a vesicle, which contains an egg inside. Approximately in the middle of the cycle, on day 14, the egg leaves the follicle. This process is called ovulation. After the egg leaves the ovary, it travels through the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity. High levels of hormones at this time provide optimal conditions for embryo implantation. The highest chance of getting pregnant begins 3 days before ovulation and ends on the day of ovulation. If the egg meets the sperm during this period, pregnancy occurs. If there is no meeting with the sperm, the egg dies, the level of hormones drops, and the inner layer of the uterus begins to be rejected. This is how new periods start.

What happens during menstruation

During menstruation, the inner layer of the uterus is shed through the cervical and vaginal canal. This is accompanied by bleeding. With the help of blood flow, the remnants of the inner layer of the uterus are washed away and removed from the body. The amount of vaginal bleeding may vary from month to month. The length of vaginal bleeding may vary from cycle to cycle. On average, it ranges from 3 to 5 days, but the norm is considered to be from 2 to 7 days. During the first few years after menstruation begins, periods are usually longer than in middle age. The usual cycle length is from 21 to 35 days.

What problems can arise during menstruation?

Many disorders that develop during menstruation have been described. The most common are:

At what age should you get your first period?

Average age the beginning of the first menstruation- 12 years old. This does not mean that your period should begin during this period. The first period can begin between the ages of 8 and 15. Before menstruation begins, breasts grow. As a rule, the onset of the first menstruation occurs within 2 years after the start of breast development. If menstruation does not appear after 15 years or does not occur 2-3 years after breast growth begins, you should see a doctor.

Early periods

If menstruation begins earlier than 21 from the start of the last menstruation, it is called early. The reason for early menstruation may be the insufficiency of the second phase. Insufficiency of the second phase occurs when the formation of the corpus luteum is disrupted or its premature extinction. During the second phase of the cycle, the corpus luteum produces progesterone. Progesterone is a female sex hormone, under the influence of which the endometrium, which grew in the first phase, enters the stage of secretion - the most favorable for embryo implantation. If progesterone is low, its falling level triggers early menstruation.

Girls' periods

If girls get their periods earlier than 8 years old, this is a sign of precocious puberty. The reasons lie in the disruption of hormonal regulation of puberty processes. If such a situation arises, it is necessary to contact a pediatric endocrinologist, who will prescribe a set of necessary tests and select treatment aimed at normal sexual development. Girls' periods are characterized by an unstable cycle. As a rule, this cycle can reach 45 days, which is considered completely normal for girls to get their periods. Also, menstruation in girls often causes pain.

Scanty periods

Lean periods last less than two days. Bloody discharge has a brown tint. Such brown periods appear due to the fact that the process of separating the remnants of the endometrium is very slow and the blood has time to clot, which causes this color. Scanty periods are also characterized by slight discharge. Such periods may indicate a violation of the second phase of the cycle and insufficient thickness of the endometrium. In women with scanty periods, pregnancy is problematic, since most often the existing disorder is associated with a deficiency of progesterone, which promotes embryo implantation.

Heavy periods

Heavy periods last more than 7 days and there is a need to change pads frequently. Frequent changing of pads means the need to change them every 2 hours or more often. Heavy periods occur due to the fact that in the uterine cavity there is a thickened inner layer - the endometrium. When menstruation begins, the endometrium cannot be shed quickly. Partial peeling delays the process of menstruation and causes more heavy bleeding. Often the cause of heavy periods can be uterine fibroids or uterine polyps. Blood clotting disorders also increase the intensity of your periods.

Periods after childbirth

A woman who is breastfeeding usually does not have periods after childbirth. This is due to the fact that the hormone prolactin, which is produced in large quantities in the body of a nursing woman, inhibits the production of hormones that trigger menstruation. However, if there is a lack of prolactin, for example with irregular breastfeeding, your period may start.

How long does a woman have regular periods?

Women have periods until menopause. Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years. The average age of menopause is 50 years. Menopause characterizes the period when a woman loses the ability to become pregnant, her periods disappear and her eggs do not mature. Menopause does not occur immediately. For some women, it takes several years for it to develop. This is the so-called transient menopause. It can last from 2 to 8 years. Some women may experience menopause earlier in life due to illness, chemotherapy, or surgery. If a woman has not had her period for more than 90 days, she should consult a doctor to rule out pregnancy, early menopause and other conditions.

In what cases should you consult a doctor if your periods are irregular?

• If your period does not start after age 15
• If there are no periods 3 years after breast growth begins, or if breasts have not begun to grow by age 13.
• If there is no menstruation for more than 90 days
• If, after a period of a stable cycle, periods begin to occur irregularly
• If menstruation occurs more often than once every 21 days or less than once every 35 days
• If bleeding continues for more than 7 days
• If the bleeding intensity is higher than usual or you have to use 1 pad every 1-2 hours.
• If vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual periods
• If you experience severe pain during menstruation
• If a high temperature suddenly appears after using the pads

How often should you change your tampon or pad during your period?

It is necessary to change a tampon or pad at least once every 4-8 hours. Always use a tampon or pad with the least absorbency rating. Absorption is the ability to retain blood. The higher the absorption rate, the more blood can accumulate in the pad or tampon. The use of tampons and pads with a high degree of absorption can cause the development of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock develops due to the absorption into the blood of bacterial waste products that colonize a pad or tampon soaked in menstrual fluid. Although this syndrome is rare, it can have fatal consequences. It is safer to use a pad rather than a tapmon.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, remove your tampon or pad and visit your doctor:

• Sudden increase in body temperature
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• Nausea
• A rash on the body that looks like a sunburn
• Redness of the eyes
• Discomfort in the throat

What to do if you miss your period

If you miss your period, this could be a sign of pregnancy. To confirm, you need to do a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, you need to see a doctor for a uterine ultrasound to make sure that the embryo is in the uterine cavity. If your period has disappeared and the pregnancy test is negative, you should consult an obstetrician-gynecologist. There can be many reasons, and the doctor will help you choose exactly those tests and examination methods that will determine the cause.

Is it possible to get pregnant during menstruation?

Many people believe that it is impossible to get pregnant during menstruation. However, it is not. The fact is that in order to get pregnant, ovulation is necessary. Ovulation (the release of an egg from the follicle) usually occurs in the middle of the cycle, but can also occur on the tenth day of the monthly cycle. Considering that the normal duration of menstruation can be up to 7 days, fertilization can occur if there was sexual intercourse on the seventh (last) day of menstruation. The lifespan of sperm can reach 72 hours, that is, 3 days. That is, on day 10 the egg has a chance to be fertilized. Usually, sperm carrying X chromosomes live this long, that is, as a result of such fertilization, the child will have a female sex.

Is it possible to get pregnant immediately after menstruation?

You can get pregnant immediately after your period if your periods last a long time and ovulation occurs within 72 hours by the end of your period. Early ovulation and prolonged periods can periodically occur in completely healthy women. Of course, the likelihood of getting pregnant immediately after menstruation is small, but it should be taken into account by those couples who do not plan to have children and do not follow a certain lifestyle (drink alcohol, smoke, take medications).

Is it possible to have sex during menstruation?

During menstruation, the cervical canal opens and rejected endometrial fragments accumulate in the vaginal cavity, which serve as a breeding ground for conditionally pathogenic bacteria. The mucous plug of the cervical canal, which serves as a barrier to the penetration of infections into the uterine cavity, is absent during menstruation. If a woman has an STD that is in a latent, hidden form, they can become active during menstruation. Thus, on the one hand, sex during menstruation can jeopardize the health of a man, who is at risk of getting a nonspecific infection or STD. On the other hand, for a woman, sex during menstruation is dangerous because at this time the natural defenses are reduced and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is higher.

Discharge after menstruation

Vaginal discharge after menstruation may be bloody. If vaginal bleeding occurs, it means that there could be a piece of tissue in the uterine cavity that has not completely separated. Such incomplete separation can occur in small portions over a fairly long period. As a rule, discharge after menstruation occurs with endometrial polyps and other processes accompanied by nervous thickening of the endometrium. Sometimes discharge after menstruation can be due to hormonal imbalances.

Discharge before menstruation

As a rule, discharge before menstruation can occur if a woman has an inflammatory disease that worsens before the onset of menstruation. Many chronic diseases genitourinary system, especially chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, can worsen before menstruation. One of the signs of exacerbation is precisely the presence of vaginal discharge.

How to induce menstruation if you haven’t had one for a long time or your cycle is irregular?

The absence of periods or their irregularity can occur for many reasons. Often the reason for the absence of menstruation can be polycystic ovary syndrome. In order to induce menstruation, you must first determine the reason for their absence. In some cases, it is enough to adjust the diet and apply rational physical activity for menstruation to resume. In other cases, it is necessary to correct hormonal levels or even resort to surgical treatment. This question is so complex and takes into account so many individual characteristics that it is necessary to consult a good specialist.

In obstetrics and gynecology we work in the following areas:

• Vaginal discharge in women, discharge during pregnancy

“During menstruation, bad (excess) blood comes out,” “Menstruation is a cleansing of the body,” “Low menstruation is bad.” Let’s say right away that all these are myths and misconceptions, but they exist precisely because many women do not understand what determines and how the most common phenomenon for us women occurs- .

Let's look at how menstruation normally occurs?

Inside, in the uterine cavity, a woman has an inner uterine layer - endometrium. He is susceptible cyclical changes associated with the ovarian cycle. When at this time the phase 1 hormone (estrogen) estradiol is produced. Under its influence, the endometrium actively grows and prepares to receive the fertilized egg. When the follicle bursts and ovulation occurs, a corpus luteum forms in its place in the ovary, which produces another female hormone - progesterone (phase 2 hormone). Under the influence of progesterone, endometrial growth stops and secretory changes begin to occur in it.

1. When pregnancy occurs, then in place of the corpus luteum, the true corpus luteum of pregnancy begins to develop, which, up to 12-14 weeks, will produce progesterone and contribute to the preservation of pregnancy and the normal development of first the chorion and then the placenta. Menses in this case no.
2. If pregnancy does not occur in this cycle, then the lifespan of the corpus luteum is on average 12-14 days, after which it stops producing progesterone and turns into an inactive white body. In response to a sharp drop in progesterone levels, atrophic changes occur in the endometrium, and it begins to exfoliate; under it, in the basal layer, the vessels are exposed and begin to bleed. This is menstruation. But already at this time, the follicle begins to grow in the ovary again, producing estradiol and the new, growing endometrium covers these vessels and menstruation stops.

Thus, menstrual blood is normal- this is dark blood mixed with mucus (secretory changes in the endometrium) and very small pieces of exfoliated endometrium. The menstrual cycle is considered to be the period from the first day of menstruation to the next first day of menstruation. The normal cycle length is 21 to 35 days.

Reader Questions

October 18, 2013 Hello, except for the absence of menstruation, everything is fine with the body, height - 1.61, weight - 50 kg, I have been eating vegetables, fruits, dairy products and everything for a year. Tests were done in Dil. Folic stimulating hormone - 6.4, (foliculin phase 3.85 - 8.78, ovulatory peak 4.5-22.5, luteal phase 1.79-5.12, postmenopause 16.7-113.6).Luteinizing hormone - 3.38 (foliculin phase 2.39-6.60 , ovulatory peak 9.06-74.24, luteal phase 0.9-9.33, postmenomaus 10.39-64.57). Prolactin-6.00(1.20-29.93).Index B. testosterone.(Gal testosterone 2.94(0.45-3.75), wild testosterone 3.1(0.14-14.5) , Dihydropiandrosterone sulfate 452.0 (134.2-407.4 - outside the norm)). B. testosterone index (globulin, binding state organs 130.3 (19.8-155.2), testosterone index 2 ,3(0.8-11)).

There's only one left to consider possible variant- persistence (or cyst) of the corpus luteum. Before ovulation, everything in the ovary and uterine cavity occurs normally and according to plan, but for some unknown reason the corpus luteum does not die, but continues to live after 12-14 days. The released progesterone acts both on the endometrium (secretory changes increase in it) and on the ovary (the maturation of a new follicle is suppressed). Bloody discharge with this pathology is irregular, spotting, full-fledged menstruation absent.

You will be able to evaluate your own menstruation by the amount of blood lost, the nature of the discharge and duration, and you will understand if there is a reason to consult a doctor. It will become your basis for understanding other issues.

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Don't hesitate to ask your questions! And our specialist will help you figure it out.

Every woman is required to know everything about menstruation, and such information will allow not only to understand the functioning of the reproductive system, but also to identify deviations and even determine the days most suitable for conception.

Menstruation or menstruation is the term for bloody discharge that occurs in a woman. They begin the menstrual cycle, which normally should last about 21-36 days. Menstruation is periodic and cyclical, and their regularity indicates that a woman’s reproductive system is functioning smoothly and correctly.

The first menstruation occurs in adolescence, which marks the peak of puberty. But the time frame is quite wide, and the period when menstruation begins depends on several factors, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle and nutritional characteristics, weight, previous or existing chronic diseases, and even place of residence and climatic conditions. Typically, menstruation begins at approximately 11-15 years of age, but as a result of acceleration, this stage of development occurs earlier in each subsequent generation. Although the onset of menstruation before age 10 signals early puberty. It’s worth sounding the alarm even if you don’t have your period at the age of 17-18.

Menstruation. What is important to know about her?

Menstruation occurs in the first follicular phase of the menstrual cycle under the influence of certain hormones. The hypothalamus stimulates the adenohypophysis, as a result of which the latter begins to synthesize small amounts of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. They trigger the process of maturation of follicles, one of which should become dominant, rupture and release the egg that has matured in it. But in the follicular phase of the cycle, the endometrium, which under the influence of progesterone and estrogens developed, thickened and prepared for possible fertilization and attachment of the fertilized egg, becomes unnecessary and, during contractions of the uterine muscles, is torn off and comes out in the form of menstrual flow.

Normally, menstruation occurs every month, and it is this feature that determines the generally accepted popular name these days. But they stop during pregnancy, since the endometrium at this important stage cannot be rejected and creates favorable conditions for bearing a child. Also, menstruation may be absent during lactation, which is caused by the action of the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovulation.

In addition to blood itself, normal menstrual discharge also includes endometrial tissue lining the uterus and secretory fluid secreted by the glands of the vagina and cervix. Normally, blood has virtually no odor or has a faint characteristic odor. The color of the discharge is dark, close to burgundy. Characteristic feature is that menstrual blood does not clot, since it contains special substances that prevent clotting and ensure timely separation due to its liquid consistency.

Duration and frequency of menstruation

Normally, menstruation can last from three to seven days. Usually the first 2 days the discharge is more abundant, then it begins to fade and become moderate, and then scanty. If the duration increases, you should consult a doctor.

Duration of the menstrual cycle.

The first day of your period is considered the beginning of the menstrual cycle, which can last from 21 to 36 days. Thus, menstruation can occur every 18-33 days. Their frequency depends on the duration of the periods themselves and the cycle as a whole. Normally, discharge should be regular, although fluctuations within a few days are possible. But during puberty, the cycle is established, and its final formation may take six months to a year. Disruptions are also observed after childbirth and during lactation.

Every health-conscious and responsible girl or woman should monitor the regularity of her menstrual cycle for several reasons. The first is identifying possible deviations and diseases. Frequent failures may indicate problems in the reproductive system. The second reason is pregnancy planning. Ovulation, in which a fully mature and ready-for-fertilization egg emerges from a ruptured follicle, occurs approximately 13-16 days after the start of the cycle, depending on its duration. That is, if your periods are regular, then with their help you can find out the days that will be most favorable for conception. In addition, the absence of regular menstruation in most cases signals the onset of pregnancy.

To prevent your period from being a surprise, you should keep a calendar, marking the days of your menstruation.

Interesting fact: there is such a thing as synchronization of menstrual cycles. There have been several studies that have found that women who live together get their periods at the same time.

Normal volumes and possible associated symptoms

On average, the volume of blood lost per day varies from 20-25 to 50 milliliters. During the entire menstruation, a woman can lose up to 250 ml, that is, a whole glass. But such an amount is quite normal and harmless, since the body quickly replenishes reserves. Scanty periods may indicate hormonal imbalances or gynecological diseases, as well as excessively abundant.

Menstruation can be accompanied by a number of symptoms, some of which are observed even before the discharge begins. The following symptoms are considered normal:

• Cramping pain. Their intensity depends on the structure of the uterus, the characteristics of its muscle contraction and the individual pain threshold. For some representatives of the fairer sex, pain causes discomfort, while others hardly notice it. But if the sensations are strong and sharp, you should consult a gynecologist.
• Weakness, dizziness, drowsiness. These symptoms are natural and caused by blood loss, albeit within normal limits. If fainting or complete disability is observed, this may indicate heavy discharge or bleeding.
• The so-called "daub". Pale pink discharge may occur for one to two days before and after menstruation. It is also normal, but should not be long-lasting.
• Shouldn't be scary a large number of clots. Their presence indicates that the body does not have time to secrete a sufficient amount of anticoagulants, and some of the secretions coagulate on the way from the uterus to the vagina.
• Separately worth noting premenstrual syndrome(PMS), which begins to appear about a week before the onset of menstruation and includes symptoms such as swelling, depression, sudden mood swings, apathy, tearfulness, irritability, weight gain, soreness and engorgement of the mammary glands. All these signs are caused by the influence of hormones.

Possible deviations

The following signs should alert you:

• Irregularity of menstruation. She talks about hormonal imbalances or diseases of the endocrine or reproductive system.
• Heavy periods are also abnormal and are sometimes a symptom of serious problems.
• Scanty discharge indicates that the endometrium is very thin, but normally by the end of the cycle it should have significant thickness.
• Excessively thick blood, a large number of clots. This is probably due to increased blood clotting and threatens the formation of blood clots.
• An unpleasant strong odor may be a sign of sexually transmitted infections.

Sex life and menstruation

Many women and girls are interested in whether it is possible to have sex during menstruation. This should not be done for several reasons. First, both partners may experience discomfort, which will reduce the pleasure of sex. Secondly, intimate relations during menstruation can result in pregnancy if ovulation is early. Thirdly, sex during menstruation is dangerous from the point of view of the risk of infection, because the cervix at this stage opens slightly, and pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate through the resulting lumen.

Sex life and menstruation. Recommendations from a doctor.

If, nevertheless, both partners decide to have an intimate relationship, then they should follow the rules of hygiene before sex, as well as after it, take a shower. In addition, a man must use a condom: this means of contraception will not only prevent pregnancy, but also minimize the risks of infectious diseases.

Knowing everything about menstruation, any girl and woman will be able not only to identify abnormalities in time and avoid serious consequences, but also to conceive a child.

Menstruation (from Latin mensis - month), menstruation or regula - part of the female body. The internal cavity of the uterus has a mucous membrane. By the time the egg matures, it becomes loose so that the embryo can become more firmly entrenched in the upper layer. If conception does not occur, the mucous membrane is rejected and excreted in the form of bloody discharge with small clots. The uterine cavity is replaced with a fresh layer of cells, which in due course will suffer the same fate.

Read in this article

When does your first menstruation occur?

Preparation for the transition from childhood to adolescence and subsequent adulthood occurs much earlier than the arrival. Around the age of 8, a girl’s body begins to prepare for the process of menstruation. For some this happens a little later, but in general it depends mainly on the hereditary factor. The first signs can be divided into 3 areas:

• Breast enlargement, which lasts 1-3 years;
• The appearance of pubic hair, as well as the appearance of vegetation in the armpits. The process lasts up to 2 years;
• Clear vaginal discharge. It usually takes from six months to one and a half years before the appearance of menstruation.

The literature describes cases of unexpected menstruation for a girl. If she is not informed about this process, does not know why periods appear, and how to behave, this can cause deep psychological trauma. A girl may consider that she is seriously ill or has become “dirty” or “bad”, so she will worry for a long time and be afraid to tell adults about what is happening. There are known cases of suicide attempts due to the sudden and incomprehensible occurrence of menstruation for a teenager. It is no less dangerous when trying to stop bleeding with ice water. This leads to severe inflammation, which haunts the girl throughout her entire life. adult life, can cause infertility. And all because the mother did not have time or was embarrassed to tell her daughter why menstruation is needed, what it is, and how a girl should react to this event.

For some women, periods begin with brownish ones, which by the 2nd day become brighter and more intense. This is also a variant of the norm, especially if you use protection.

The color of menstruation in teenagers and women approaching age may also be lighter or darker than average. This is due in the first case to the rapid development of the body and unstable hormonal levels, and in the second case to a decrease in the functioning of the reproductive organs.

In short, what color your period should be is strictly individual. If this indicator changes suddenly, is supplemented by any other incomprehensible symptoms, and this lasts several cycles, then the woman should find out the cause of such oddities from a specialist.

Volume and consistency of menstrual flow

Two more signs by which menstruation should be assessed whether it is correct or in need of adjustment are the amount of discharge and consistency. Menstruation is normal from 3 to 7 days. The time indicator is individual and, as a rule, constant, except in those circumstances when a woman

• Unwell;
• Experiencing psychological problems;
• Forced to change the climate zone of residence;
• Recently gave birth or finished breastfeeding a baby;
• She is under 16 or over 50 years old.

The volume of menstruation per day should not exceed 50-200 ml. Obviously, this indicator will not be the same on different days, since the discharge occurs with greater or less intensity. It is important that the consistency of your periods is uniform, without large clots. , rapidly erupting vaginal discharge is also a warning sign. It may conceal uterine bleeding that needs to be examined and treated.

The maximum number of periods per day does not formally exceed the normal limits. But they provoke a large loss of blood, which does not have time to be replenished before the next menstruation. A woman develops a condition that can cause even more severe illness if left untreated.

Summarizing all that has been said, we can come to the conclusion that in general, menstruation, the rate of discharge, color and consistency are very individual and should be considered in the context of the woman’s general well-being, as well as her age and other health indicators.

Features of menstruation depending on age

The functioning of the reproductive system is controlled by hormones, and menstruation is a large part of this work. How menstruation goes depends on such an objective criterion as the woman’s age:

• Teenage girls who have recently started menstruating notice that they are irregular and rather scanty. The color of your first period may be unusual. Such phenomena have the right to exist for 2 years after the start of the first menstruation. The hormonal background is in the formative stage, the organs are also still developing. This is why girls' periods may differ from what happens in later life;
• . The age range in this case is determined rather arbitrarily, since menopause can occur earlier. What matters is that reproductive function fades away, the work of the ovaries is not as active as at a younger age. Therefore, the nature of menstruation may also change; delays can be explained by a decrease in the amount of hormones produced.

Effect on the body as a whole

In the first days of menstruation, a replaceable layer of the endometrium is removed. Approximately from the second day, the formation of fresh cells of this organ begins. By the end of menstruation, the recovery process is completed. This happens in every cycle.

What menstruation is like for women can be fully felt not only by them, but also by the people nearby. After all, everything that happens to the reproductive system is inseparable from the body as a whole. Regular changes are indicated in the nervous and vascular systems. The participation of hormones in their work is manifested:

• Increased irritability;
• Drowsiness, stronger than usual, fatigue;
• Tension in the mammary glands;
• In leaps and bounds.

Symptoms may appear some time before menstruation and accompany the woman until it ends. If all sensations can be tolerated, this is the norm. Moreover, there are remedies that can relieve painful spasms and calm the nerves. If there is no effect from the medications, it is necessary to be examined. It is possible that some gynecological disease makes itself felt with severe symptoms of menstruation.

Menstrual irregularities

What a normal period should be depends on the general condition of the body. In the absence of pregnancy, for some diseases, menstrual irregularities are their first symptom:

It is also necessary to know how menstruation should proceed normally so as not to miss diseases, including those not related to the reproductive system. After all, the listed menstrual anomalies are quite often combined. For example, hypomenorrhea can be accompanied by oligomenorrhea. And this is a direct threat to future motherhood or health in general.

Lifestyle during menstruation

This is a significant aspect of a woman’s life, since improper behavior during menstruation can lead to Negative consequences. Every teenage girl should be aware of what to do if her period begins. In particular, you need to know what should be postponed until the end of this period:

• Load the body. It's not just about lifting weights and tedious long-distance running. Any physical activity can provoke increased bleeding, including fitness and dancing;
• , take a steam bath, swim in the pool. A misunderstanding of what menstruation is often leads to the fact that it is at this point in the cycle that a girl gets an inflammatory disease. When the cervix is ​​slightly open wider than usual, it allows all kinds of bacteria easy access to the body. Tampons do not solve this problem, since they are designed to prevent secretions from leaking onto underwear and clothing, and not to prevent microorganisms from entering the vagina. Heat water and surrounding air provokes overheating and increases the flow of blood to the pelvis, and hence the intensity of discharge. This is especially harmful during heavy menstruation;
• . Alcohol increases blood pressure. That is, bleeding may also increase, and the general condition may worsen;
• Eating heavy, spicy foods. This is of particular importance for those whose periods are constantly accompanied by surprises from the stomach and intestines in the form of problems with stool, nausea and flatulence. Eggs, raw vegetables, milk, carbonated drinks, strongly brewed tea and coffee can increase discomfort. Porridge, lean fish, boiled chicken, teas with chamomile and mint can help you survive menstruation with the least discomfort in the gastroduodenal area;
• Engage vaginally. Once upon a time this was a categorical prohibition on the part of doctors, but now this is allowed with reservations. It is believed that it is quite safe if you have a regular partner and use a condom. But a rush of blood to the vagina means increased discharge, that is, heavier menstruation. Therefore, each woman decides whether a moment of sexual pleasure is worth prolonging the discomfort associated with menstruation;
• Take medications on your own. This can be dangerous at any time, but some medications thin the blood, which increases the amount of monthly bleeding and makes the process take longer. Taking, for example, a woman will be surprised that her menstruation lasts for more than a week;
• Supercool. What would get away with on other days, during menstrual bleeding may result in an inflammatory disease of any part of the reproductive system or urinary system;
• Perform cosmetic procedures and surgical operations. In the first case, you can get an unexpected result in the form of a strange color or rash on the skin, which is caused by changes in hormonal levels. During surgery, problems may arise due to decreased blood clotting during menstruation.

Hygiene

When talking about what menstruation is, you should remember the importance during this period. Cleanliness always plays a significant role, but increased secretions dictate more stringent requirements than usual:

• You need to wash yourself 3-4 times a day. This is done using means intimate hygiene and water. Hand movements should be directed from the perineum to the anus to avoid infections entering the vagina. If possible, it is better to take a shower, since sweating also increases during menstruation;
• Use pads specifically designed for critical days. You need those that do not rub the skin, do not cause allergic rashes and swelling of the external genitalia, and are well attached to underwear. You need to change the gaskets at least once every 3 hours during the day. At night it is permissible to use one, but it must be specially designed for this time of day, that is, thicker and longer. Adult women in critical days can be applied . But you should not do this constantly throughout your entire menstruation. This is fraught with inflammation, even if the tampon is changed, as it should be, every 3 hours. It is better for young girls to use such products in their mini version. Otherwise, the tampon may become the first man;
• Keeping your underwear clean, what to do during menstruation, is even more important than on other days. Soiled panties become a favorable habitat for bacteria and a source of bad odor. Therefore, you may have to change them more than once a day;
• Eat properly. What you should not eat has already been said. A balanced amount of vitamins will be useful during menstruation, helping to restore physical strength and moderate negative psychological manifestations.

A clear understanding of what menstruation is is necessary at any age. Teenagers, for whom the joys of motherhood are still ahead, need a responsible attitude towards their own bodies. It will help you achieve them on time and without suffering. For adult women, well-functioning sexual function makes it possible to maintain health, youth and external attractiveness longer. Therefore, any deviations from the norm in menstruation should be discussed with a specialist.

Menstruation (menstruation) is the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus in women, caused by the rejection of the uterine lining in the absence of fertilization of the egg.

The first menstruation (menarche) begins at the time of puberty of a girl (on average at the age of 12-14 years) and accompanies the woman until menopause (45-55 years).

A later onset of the first menstruation can be caused by functional disorders of the endocrine glands - pituitary gland, thyroid gland, ovaries, adrenal glands. In this case, you should undergo a thorough examination by a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

It begins with the production of special hormones by the hypothalamus of the brain - neurohormones, which stimulate the work of the pituitary gland. Under the influence of pituitary hormones, a follicle containing an egg matures in the ovary. The follicle produces the production of female sex hormones - estrogens. At this time, the level of the hormone progesterone is quite low.

Acceleration of metabolism in a woman’s body is also associated with the production of increased amounts of estrogen. It is at the beginning of the menstrual cycle that a woman often notices a slight weight loss and increased effectiveness of physical exercise.

Having matured, the follicle ruptures and the egg is released into the abdominal cavity - this is the process of ovulation. In place of the burst follicle, a corpus luteum forms, which begins to secrete the hormone progesterone, which in turn marks the second - luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. As the follicle matures, the amount of mucus in the cervical canal increases and reaches a maximum during ovulation. During the same period, an increase in basal temperature can be noted (basal temperature is measured rectally).

During the luteal phase, a woman may experience premenstrual syndrome. In addition, under the influence of progesterone, fluid retention in the body can occur and appetite may increase. Moreover, depending on the woman’s height and initial body weight, weight fluctuations of up to 5 kg are considered normal throughout the cycle.

Under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, the uterine mucosa thickens and becomes loose, “preparing” to receive a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur and the egg dies, blood from the vessels of the uterine mucosa pours into the loose mucosa and is then rejected. All this is accompanied by the release of blood from the uterus - menstruation. Menstrual bleeding lasts 4-5 days, after which the cycle repeats again.

The duration of the menstrual cycle - the interval between the first day of menstruation and the first day of the next - is 21-32 days, for most women it is 28 days. During menstruation, 100-150 ml of blood comes out within the physiological norm.

By the age of 45-55, a slow attenuation of menstrual function occurs - menopause. A year or two before the complete cessation of menstruation, they become rare and scanty. The onset of menopause depends on the woman’s state of health and her sexual constitution: the earlier the first menstruation began, the later menopause usually occurs.

Premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is a deformation of a woman’s psychophysical state on the eve of menstruation. PMS occurs in approximately 80 percent of women and intensifies when a woman experiences severe stress or is exposed to physical overload. PMS is caused by a hormonal imbalance in a woman's body.