MENSTRUATION

 Thursdays With Juliet biddy

Menstruation known as period is a monthly bleeding from the vagina that happens about once a month.  During this time, hormones makes the lining of the uterus thicker, getting ready incase of pregnancy.

During menstruation,  the body sheds the lining of the uterus (womb). The menstrual blood flows from the uterus through a small  opening in the cervix and passes out the blood through the vagina.

Menstruation affects most women but the experience differs amongst them. When it comes regularly, it is called a menstrual cycle and it’s a sign that the important parts of the body are working normally.  A cycle is counted from the first day of period to the first day of the next period and it can range from 21-35 days in adult and 21-45 days for teenagers. 

However, there is no particular age for a girl to start menstruation but on the average of 12 years . Some may start before then and others by 13 or 14 years of age. Also,  the supposed signs of menstruation differs in women who experiences it and it could come as:Cramps Abdominal pain BloatingCravingsMood changesBreast tenderness Acne etc

We also have specific phases that occurs in every cycle which are:

1. Menstrual phase : This phase typically lasts from 3-7days on a normal and it is the time when the lining of the uterus is actually shed out through the vagina if pregnancy has not occurred.

2. Follicular Phase : This is time the level of estrogen hormone rises which causes the lining of the uterus to grow and thicken.

3. Ovulation  : There is a certain increase in lutenizing hormone which causes the ovary to release its egg. For a 28day cycle, ovulation occurs roughly about the 14th day in a cycle. Ovulation is not certain on the 14th day of every 28days menstrual flow because every woman is unique in her own way. Its very important that you listen to your body and do the supposed check ups by looking closely at your discharge.  No woman needs a reminder for the arrival of ovulation.

4. Luetal phase : This phase begins after the egg is been released from the ovary, it begins to travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The level of hormone progesterone rises to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy  but if pregnancy is not achieved, estrogen and progesterone levels drops and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during menstrual periods. 

*** Cycles less than 21days and more than  35 days are considered abnormal and needs the attention of a doctor.