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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
What Is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of changes that happen before a woman’s monthly period. Learn what’s normal, what’s not, and ways to manage PMS so it doesn’t manage you.
Your Guide to the Female Reproductive System
WebMD provides an overview of the female reproductive system and how it works.
What Is Amenorrhea? What Causes It?
Doctors use this word to describe the absence of menstrual periods. But why does it happen?
Irregular Periods and Getting Pregnant
WebMD explains the causes of infertility and offers tips for getting pregnant.
Features
When Your Period Signals a Problem
Pain, bleeding, and missed periods may be signs that something is wrong.
Birth Control Pills That Reduce Monthly Menstruation and Periods
The newest birth control pills suppress women's menstrual cycles. But is this wise?
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.
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?
Video
What Is a Normal Menstrual Cycle?
Laura Corio, MD, explains a normal menstrual cycle.
How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Sleep
How does your menstrual cycle affect your sleeping patterns? Sleep expert Michael Breus, PhD, has answers.
Starting Menstruation
Teenage girls unravel the myths and mysteries of menstruation.
Migraines
Seeing a doctor for your migraines.
Slideshows & Images
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.
Slideshow: Answers to Your Top Period Questions
Slideshow: Answers to Your Top Period Questions
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
Menstrual Problems Quiz - What You Should Know
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Should You Be Concerned?
What's Your Menstrual Pain IQ?
Test your knowledge of relieving menstrual pain caused by endometriosis, fibroids, or other factors.
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.