Menstruation Directory
Menstruation is the time of month when a woman's womb (uterus) sheds its lining, causing bleeding through the vagina. Menstruation periods usually last about 3 to 5 days, but every woman is different. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about menstruation, how it occurs, when you should see a doctor, and much more.
Medical Reference
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All About Menstruation
Menstruation doesn't need to be a mystery. Learn more from WebMD about puberty and starting your period.
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Why Is My Period So Random? Why Irregular Periods Happen
Many women have irregular periods. How "off" is yours?
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What Are Common Period Problems?
Getting your period means much more than blood. Here’s the down-low on the downside.
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What’s a Normal Menstrual Period?
Periods can be long and short, heavy and light. And it's all considered normal.
Features
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Birth Control Pills That Reduce Monthly Menstruation and Periods
The newest birth control pills suppress women's menstrual cycles. But is this wise?
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Period Problems: What They Mean and When to See the Doctor
The Monthly Bill. The Woman's Curse. The nicknames we give to the monthly shedding of the uterus lining reflect the troubles it brings. So how do you know what's normal and what's not?
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When Your Period Signals a Problem
Pain, bleeding, and missed periods may be signs that something is wrong.
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Stop Your Periods With Continuous Birth Control
Birth control doesn’t just prevent pregnancy. It can also help with your periods. Find out which ones stop or lighten them.
Video
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How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Sleep
How does your menstrual cycle affect your sleeping patterns? Sleep expert Michael Breus, PhD, has answers.
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What Is a Normal Menstrual Cycle?
Laura Corio, MD, explains a normal menstrual cycle.
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Migraines
Seeing a doctor for your migraines.
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Starting Menstruation
Teenage girls unravel the myths and mysteries of menstruation.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: Answers to Your Top Period Questions
Get answers for your period and menstruation questions. See what’s normal and what’s not for missed periods, flow, and more. Plus, PMS coping tips.
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Slideshow: What Your Period Says About Your Health
Some things about your period -- like heavy flow and type of cramps -- offer clues to problems in your body. Find out what's normal and when to see the doctor.
Quizzes
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Painful Periods Quiz: What's Your Menstrual Pain IQ?
Test your knowledge of relieving menstrual pain caused by endometriosis, fibroids, or other factors.
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Quiz: Is My Period Normal?
Quiz: Is My Period Normal? Period symptoms can be painful and perplexing. Take this quiz to learn when to do something about problems like an irregular period, and how to help PMS.