All About Menstruation

Ever wonder what really happens during menstruation, when a girl enters puberty and has her period? Maybe you’ve wanted to talk to your mom or dad about it. But each time you said the word "menstruation," you stuttered, stammered, and could barely pronounce it.

It’s OK. Everyone is timid when talking about bodily functions, especially one as mysterious as the menstrual period. Perhaps this article can answer some of your questions about this normal time in every girl's life.

What Is Menstruation?

Shortly after the beginning of puberty in girls, and usually after the development of breasts, menstruation starts. While menstruation usually begins between ages 12 and 13, it may happen at a younger or older age. The first menstrual period is called menarche.                                                                                     

The menstrual cycle is about four weeks long, starting on the first day of bleeding and ending when the next period begins.

The menstrual discharge comes from the uterus through the vagina. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ, responsible for maintaining and nourishing the embryo and fetus during a pregnancy. The vagina, or "birth canal," provides a path for menstrual fluids to leave the body.

During a period, there are usually 2-3 days of relatively heavy bleeding followed by 2-4 days of lighter flow. The fluid during a menstrual period is a mixture of uterine lining tissue and blood.

The total monthly blood loss varies from 1/2 ounce to 10 ounces (averaging 4 to 5 ounces). To give you an idea of how much this is, a sanitary pad or tampon holds about one ounce of fluid. Most teens report changing pads about three to six times a day, although this varies depending on school rules and the amount of time allowed between classes.

What Does a Menstrual Period Feel Like?

A few days before and during your period, you might feel cramping and bloating in your abdomen. The cramps are caused by increased production of hormones. These hormones (called prostaglandins) cause the muscles of the uterus to contract.

Many teens who have cramps also notice aching in the upper thighs, along with lower back pain. Some also notice nausea, diarrhea, irritability, and fatigue, among other symptoms.

To ease cramping, try applying heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Taking a warm bath may also help. Some teens find that exercise helps relieve cramps. Exercise improves blood flow and produces endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Simple but effective non-prescription medications are available to treat cramps. They're called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and they include medicines like ibuprofen (such as Motrin and Advil) and naproxen (such as Aleve and Naprosyn.) These medications block the effects of prostaglandin hormones.

Ibuprofen needs to be taken three to four times daily (follow the dosage guidelines on the package). Longer-acting medications, such as naproxen, last 10-12 hours. The dosage listed on the bottle, however, may be lower than the effective dose. Discuss your symptoms with your primary health care practitioner, so you can find the best medications and dosage.