Menstruation goes by many names like periods, menarche, menses, and personal slang, among others. Still a taboo topic, still the awkwardness, and still the weight women bear every day. Menstruation brings all kinds of restrictions, from food to movement. The undignified affiliation of menstruation with religious and cultural taboo makes it uneasy to discuss openly. Rather, it is the most powerful phenomenon and a normal biological process. As a society, we need to make this topic more approachable so that women are aware of the bodily changes and educate themselves holistically.
What is Menstruation?
It is a process in which the uterus lining falls off in the form of blood and discharges through the vagina. This onset of the menstrual cycle allows women to be pregnant, physically.
The reproductive system of women consists of ovaries which houses eggs in them. As and when the egg matures it can be fertilized by a sperm cell, leading to pregnancy. The menstrual cycle starts with the rise in estrogen levels leading to the thickening of the uterus lining, which further nourishes the eggs in case of pregnancy. These hormones mature the eggs in the ovaries, the mature egg can then be fertilized by the sperm cell. This accounts for the first half of the menstrual cycle.
Thereafter, in the second phase, the mature egg is released from the ovary in a process called ovulation. The eggs (if not fertilized) exits from the ovaries, through the fallopian tube, to the uterus. If the pregnancy doesn’t occur, the unfertilized egg disintegrates and the uterus lining, made of tissues and blood, sheds. The process is the menstrual cycle and rotates in a 24 days cycle. If you do get pregnant, the uterus lining stays to nourish the fertilized egg, and hence no blood passes through the vagina. The periods resume after the pregnancy.
When does menstruation start?
Period, Menstruation, Menses, or Menarche typically begins when a woman reaches the age of puberty. It usually starts at the age of 12 to 15 years, and many a time little early or delayed. The first sign of puberty among women is the development of breasts, vaginal discharge, and pubic hair. The periods begin after hormonal changes in the body.
How long does it last?
Periods may last for 3–5 days. The duration can vary from one woman to another. However, in the beginning, it can be irregular, either lasting a few days or over a week. The menstrual cycle occurs in a 28 days cycle, starting from the first day of this period to the first day of the next period. This timing, intensity, and duration can be different for every woman. Any kind of medication like contraceptive pills and other birth control pills can change the duration of the menstrual cycle. You must always consult a gynecologist before starting such medications.
Does it cause pain?
Menstruation can bring along cramps and pain with it. Some of the common conditions that occur during periods are cramps, pain in the abdomen, bloating, and mood fluctuations. Some women experience the pains and cramps regularly, for others, it might occur sometime and another lot may not experience the pain at all. The beginning of periods can cause mild to severe pain, the cramps and pain reduces as you age. You may feel shooting pain in the abdomen, legs, thighs, and back.
What to do if it pains?
During menstruation the uterus lining is shed by contraction, usually, these contractions result in pain and cramps.
The NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen and ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain by interrupting prostaglandin production. They can assist in alleviating pain.
The use of heat therapy also helps to relax, reduce pain and provide comfort. Heat can be applied by using a hot water bottle, applying a hot towel, and by taking a hot bath or shower.
A massage with oils like mustard, sesame, and lavender soothes you from the pain.
Orgasm is another way to take the edge off menstrual pain. A vaginal orgasm releases endorphins and oxytocin which help to bring down the pain.
Exercise and menstruation are not often sought to blend. However, exercise can help reduce the tightness and stiffness due to cramps. Some of the simple yoga poses to help are malasana, baddakonasana, supta baddha konasana, and balasana.
How to maintain menstrual Hygiene?
The negligence in menstrual hygiene can breed all kinds of infections. Hence, it is advisable to follow strict hygiene methods during menstruation.
Keep a track of the duration and timing of your menstrual cycle. It indicates the status of your health as well. If you find any irregularities do consult a gynecologist.
You can use pads, tampons, cups, or period underwear during menstruation. If you are using pads during the periods make sure to change the pads three to four times a day, especially when you are working actively and during heavy discharge. If you use tampons it is advisable to change them after 4–5 hours. Another option is to use menstrual cups, they also need to be cleaned after every few hours. It is recommended to buy a medical-grade skin-friendly tampon.
Good hygiene can be maintained by washing your vagina properly, but being cautious of too much cleaning can throw off your vaginal pH levels.
Proper disposal of sanitary pads and tampons must be carried out, to prevent any kind of infections.
Keep yourself in an article of comfortable and breathable clothing. It will keep you fresh, relaxed, and dry.
