What is Menstruation?
Menstruation is the monthly phenomenon, where the uterus/ womb sheds it lining along with some blood which flows out of the body through the vagina. It is described as “the bloody tear of a disappointed uterus”.
Why does it occur?
The women’s body by nature prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg/ovum in a process called ovulation. If the released ovum is fertilized by a sperm, then pregnancy continues. If the ovum is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina as the menstrual period.
What is menarche?
The age at the onset of first menses/periods is called menarche. It heralds sexual maturation and transition from childhood to adolescence among female population. The overall health/hygiene conditions, nutritional status and environmental influences also play a role in the age of onset.
When does it start?
Menarche for Indian women is around 12 – 13 years. The first period normally starts about two years after breasts first start to develop and pubic hair begins to grow.
What is the role of hormones in menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is controlled by female sex hormones. During the first part of each cycle, the hormone oestrogen rises, causing the ovary to develop and release an egg/ovum. There are two ovaries on each side of the uterus, but only one releases a mature ovum during each cycle in the process known as ovulation. Oestrogen also causes thickening of the uterus/womb lining.
In the second half of the cycle, the hormone progesterone rises and supports the uterus/womb to prepare for implantation/attachment of the developing embryo. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the egg is reabsorbed into the body. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall, and the womb lining comes away and leaves the body as a period (the menstrual flow).
What symptoms do you expect during each cycle?
Mood swings, tiredness, alterations in sleep, food cravings, lower abdomen cramps, back pain, bloating, breast tenderness, acne, and water retention in the body. These symptoms are due to hormonal changes that takes place during the menstrual cycle and are temporary.
Consult your doctor if the following occurs.
- If the period starts before 8 years of age.
- If not attained menarche by 15 years of age.
- Any growth abnormalities like excessive weight gain/ loss of weight, growth alterations like stunted growth.