Every girl passes through the time of menstruation, which acts as a passage to womanhood. Menstruation is simply the blood discharge in the vagina which means to say a woman is fertile enough to carry a child within her womb.
Menstruation usually begins at the age of 12 but some may start as early as 8 years old, or in any ages between 8 and 15 years old since not all girls start at the same age. Now, if you just had your period or already had it for quite some time then let’s talk about things that some may shy away to talk but you should know about: periods.
A Two Heavy Flow Might be a Sign
Period flows ranges from light to heavy and some women may experience a heavy flow especially during the first few days of their period accompanied by severe pains and discomfort.
Take note that too much menstrual flow may be a sign that there is an underlying problem in your bodies such as menorrhagia, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, thyroid problems, endometriosis, and PCOS.
Also observe your period, if it lasts for more than 7 days and you usually have to change your tampon or menstrual cup too frequently then go and see a doctor.
You can have an Irregular Cycle
Women know that periods are a monthly cycle which is an average of 28 days. However, some women might have their periods every 21-35 days and this is still normal. But if you menstruate every month and the length of your cycle changes from one month to another, then it is likely that you have an irregular cycle and may be a sign that you are not ovulating.
You can still get Pregnant during Period
Some women are thinking that they cannot be pregnant during menstruation but that is just a myth. Sperms can live up to five days in your body and can get you pregnant during these days. Thus, if you have a shorter cycle and ovulates sooner after your period then fertilization may take place if you’ll have sexual intercourse on the last day of your period.
Consider Reading: Sex in Periods
Toxic Shock Syndrome
This condition is a sudden and a potentially fatal condition which is caused by the release of poisonous substances from an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus which is found in many women’s body.
Toxic shock syndrome affects the menstruating women since the body responds to the sharp drop in blood pressure, it causes a deprivation of oxygen in organs that can lead to death.
Although it is a rare circumstance, you should still be cautious and prevent this by always changing your tampons regularly or preferably opt for less absorbent ones like menstrual cups. Menstrual cups, daisy cup for example, only collects the fluid, unlike the tampons and pads.
PMS or Pre-menstrual Syndrome
PMS or the pre-menstrual syndrome occurs weeks before your menstruations starts again. In this period of time, you may experience emotional fluctuations, acne, migraines, fatigue, clumsiness, back pains, and low enthusiasm due to hormonal changes during these days. If your symptoms are severe and it interferes with your daily activities, talk to your doctor and ask what you can do about it.
Diet and Weight Affects Period
The diet and weight that you have to affect your period. This is why eating a balanced diet while exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight will help you out in having a healthy and regular cycle. By doing these things, you are also helping yourself in relieving PMS symptoms.
There is a wide range of physical activities you can choose from, from light exercises like brisk walking and yoga to heavy workouts such as jogging, running, and pilates.
Your diet, on the other hand, should be composed of omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D. Additionally, you should avoid excessive intake of salt and caffeine to reduce troublesome symptoms of PMS.
Your Mother’s Menopausal Age Influences Yours
Your mother’s menopausal age influences yours. Every woman will eventually stop menstruating which signals the end of fertility and this usually happens between ages 40-56. This occurrence may be predicted since it is said that the time your mother’s age stopped menstruation is one of the biggest predictors for when you will.
Takeaway
Menstruation is a natural occurrence in a woman’s body which one will experience half of their lives. Thus, it is only natural to know and be knowledgeable of menstruation enough to protect one’s self from harm during this time period.
Some women might shy away from this kind of talks, but that shouldn’t be done since it might hinder you from knowing possible dangers of overlooking the importance of menstruation in a woman’s life. Thus, it should be wise for it to be talked about, especially to younger women or little girls that are still new to periods.
