What processes occur in the female body on the eve of and during menstruation. Menstruation (menstruation): onset, cycle, signs and hygiene during menstruation Menstruation what happens

Period or menstruation (lat. mensis - month, menstruus - monthly) is a monthly process of cleansing the female body, during which girls experience bleeding from the vagina.

According to science, menstruation is the shedding of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) and its removal along with blood from the vagina.

Often, during a conversation, instead of “menstruation” you can hear: critical days, affairs, monsters, Bloody Mary, guests from Krasnodar, guests from Krasnoarmeysk, guests on the Red Cossack, days of closed doors, days of the Red Army, hedgehog in tomato sauce, ship gave flow, crimson rivers, friends have come, red days of the calendar, accident, revolution.

The color of menstruation. Blood clots during menstruation

The blood during menstruation in the first days is bright scarlet, in the end it is dark, with a specific smell. If you find lumps and clots in the blood during menstruation, do not be alarmed, these are areas of the inner layer of the uterus - the endometrium, which is secreted along with the blood. If a woman is not pregnant, the endometrium is constantly renewed: the old layer dies and comes out during menstruation, and a new one grows in its place.

First menstruation (Menarche)

The first period is called "Menarche". Menstruation begins between the ages of 9 and 16 and indicates the body's ability to become pregnant. Often, the age at which a girl’s first period begins depends on the age at which her mother began menstruation, i.e. - established by inheritance.

Signs of your first period may begin a couple of months before your period appears. White or mucous discharge becomes more frequent, the lower abdomen feels a little tight and the chest ache.

The first menstruation may appear as just a couple of drops of blood, which over time develop into regular and equal discharge.

Symptoms during menstruation

Before and during menstruation, almost all women experience the same symptoms, only in some they are less pronounced, in others in full:

- nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
- swelling, heaviness and pain of the breast;
- lower back pain;
- irritation;
- fatigue;
- heaviness in the legs;
— ;
- apathy.

Cycle and duration of menstruation

The menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of the onset of menstruation to the first day of the start of the next menstruation. The normal menstrual cycle is 20-35 days. The duration of menstruation is from 3 to 7 days.

After the first menstruation for a year, the cycle may not be regular, but then it improves and repeats clearly each time.

You can track your menstrual cycle using a calendar by simply marking each day of your period. There are also special applications for PCs and smartphones, by installing which you can mark and track your cycle.

In order for women to feel less discomfort during menstruation, scientists have come up with some hygiene products - pads, tampons, and even a device that I think not everyone still knows about - the menstrual cup.

Both pads and tampons are classified according to the amount of secretion they hold. This capacity is indicated by the number of drops on the package. The more droplets, the longer the tampon/pad lasts until the next time they are replaced.

Of course, it is advisable to have these hygiene items in different capacities. For example, at the beginning and end of menstruation it is better to use a tampon or pad with 2-3 drops, at the height of menstruation - 4-6.

What to use - pads or tampons - is up to you. You can alternate, for example, if you go to the pool, you can’t do without a tampon, but at night you can use a pad. For some girls, pads create diaper rash, while for others, the tampon causes enormous discomfort. Therefore, try and look for the most convenient option for yourself.

As I already said, there are menstrual cups in the world that are reusable. They need to be removed and the contents poured out. True, this is not always convenient.

During menstruation, it is necessary to strictly observe. Wash yourself at least 3 times a day, and when changing a pad or tampon, be sure to wash your hands, both before and after contact.

If you have inserted a tampon or pad and suddenly become very ill, immediately take out this care product, and if you do not feel better, consult a doctor immediately.

What not to do during menstruation

During your period you should refrain from:

- going to the beach or solarium;
- facial cleansing;
- depilation;
- Do not drink alcohol, coffee and spicy foods.

All of these factors can increase bleeding and lengthen your period.

When should you see a doctor?

For questions about menstruation, please contact.

You should contact a gynecologist if:

- first menstruation appeared before 9 years of age;
- You are already 17 years old, and your first period has not yet appeared;
- menstruation lasts 1-2 days or more than 7 days (menstruation failure);
— the discharge is very scanty (a couple of drops) or very copious (change your pad or tampon more often than after 2 hours);
- the menstrual cycle lasts less than 20 days or more than 40 days;
- feel severe pain during menstruation;
— when using a tampon you suddenly began to feel unwell;
- there is bleeding between periods;
— after the cycle was settled, the failure began;
— I haven’t had my period for a couple of months.

Video: All about periods

Let's talk about the time when a woman starts menstruating. For many representatives of the fairer sex, the appearance of cramps and bloating, a bad mood is just the tip of the iceberg when talking about the side effects of this physiological phenomenon. It turns out that the monthly cycle can force women's bodies to make serious changes, and some of them they are not even aware of.

Your voice is changing

Recent studies have shown that women who do not use some form of hormonal contraception may experience some slight fluctuations in the pitch of their voices during their periods (which may be slightly lower than usual). And for sure, some professional singers notice that their ability to hit high notes varies at different periods of the menstrual cycle.

According to experts, this is due to changes in the level of sex hormones, which naturally fluctuates during the appearance of a woman’s period. This is normal and there is no need to worry.

You may have problems with your teeth or mouth

But experts say the hormonal changes that occur in the body due to the menstrual cycle can also lead to problems such as gum disease or tooth sensitivity.

It may even spread to the entire jaw. Although there is little research on this topic these days, women with TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) anecdotally report that pain in the affected area gets worse during their periods.

Headache is a companion to menstruation

Headaches and migraines are common during menstrual periods. Unfortunately, the reasons causing this unpleasant symptom are still not fully understood. Some researchers argue that the culprit is vascular disorders, which worsen during this period, because the load on the vessels increases noticeably.

In addition, toxins that are released into the blood by various organs during menstruation can also cause headaches. The blood releases these substances into the intestines. But when it becomes clogged with various deposits, the toxins, instead of being eliminated from the body along with feces, are again absorbed into the blood. By the way, this is why women during menstruation often feel not only a headache, but also aches throughout the body.

Is bathing prohibited?

It's probably no secret that the habit of soaking in a hot bath is prohibited during menstruation. Doctors do not recommend that women get involved in this, as the high temperature of the water can cause increased bleeding.

In addition, during menstruation the cervix is ​​slightly open, which is why there is a risk of getting an infection that can cause gynecological diseases. This is especially true for those who like to swim in small ponds and pools.

You may look a little clumsy

If you don't need to demonstrate super-dexterity, then this point shouldn't bother you too much. The fact is that, according to doctors, the menstrual cycle can make a woman a little more prone to accidents. This is most often associated with increased fatigue, as well as fluid retention in the body, which can affect the brain (which, in turn, can cause some loss of coordination).

Sleep disturbances are observed

Getting quality rest at night can also be a challenge when you're on your period. This may be due to a number of unpleasant symptoms that occur during menstruation, such as cramps, headache, nausea and increased irritability, which usually bother a woman during this period.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, it was found that 23% of women begin to experience these problems in the week before their period begins, and 30% report experiencing this problem throughout their period.

Over the course of a calendar month, a woman’s body undergoes cyclical changes that culminate in menstruation. From the first day they begin to count the new menstrual cycle.

Menstruation (periods, critical days) is the main stage of puberty in girls. This is one of the many physical signs that a girl is turning into a woman.

Some girls can't wait for it to start. Others may feel afraid or anxious. Many girls (and most guys!) don't have a full understanding of the function of the female reproductive system and what actually happens during the menstrual cycle. This can make the process even more mysterious.

Everything that happens during menstruation depends on the rhythmic release of sex hormones and pituitary hormones.

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1. First period

Puberty begins no earlier than 9 years of age. This does not mean that your first period will come at this age.

First, the girl’s body must prepare and go through the following stages:

1. 1 The appearance of pubic hair, almost simultaneously, hair begins to grow in the armpits.
2. 2 Growth and development of the mammary gland.
3. 3 Menarche is the first menstruation.

Sometimes changes in the mammary gland occur before pubic hair begins to grow. It takes about two years from the start of breast growth to the appearance of the first menstruation. A girl's first period appears at about 13 years of age.

About six months before, the girl may notice an increase in the amount of discharge; this is normal. There is no need to worry if the discharge does not have an unpleasant odor and does not cause itching or burning.

Sometimes puberty occurs at a slower pace, then menstruation may begin at 14-15 years of age.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if you do not have periods at the age of 15, and other signs of puberty are not expressed.

2. What periods are considered normal?

Menstruation is bleeding that occurs due to the shedding of the inner lining of the uterus. Bleeding can last from 3 to 7 days, most often 4-5.

The duration of a full cycle from the beginning of one menstruation to the next is on average 28 days. Shortening the cycle to 21 days or increasing it to 35 days is not considered a deviation.

During menstruation, about 30-80 ml of blood is lost. This amount of blood loss does not affect the general condition and well-being. The body manages to compensate for blood loss by diluting the blood and releasing additional blood cells from the depot.

Menstrual discharge contains parts of the endometrium and epithelial cells; they differ in appearance from any other bleeding.

The blood itself is dark in color and does not clot. In the first few days, it contains mucous blood cords and clots - remnants of the inner lining of the uterus. In the last days of menstruation, only blood is released. It is gradually becoming smaller.

The amount of blood loss can be determined independently by the fullness of sanitary pads. If one pad lasts more than 2 hours, then there is nothing to worry about.

They need to be changed at least every 3-4 hours. Blood is a good breeding ground for bacteria, so a rare change in hygiene products can lead to the development of an inflammatory process (vulvovaginitis).

During this period, your health may deteriorate: pain and cramps in the lower abdomen and lower back, dizziness and headache, and weakness. Paracetamol and ibuprofen, which your doctor may prescribe, will relieve these symptoms. A warm heating pad and a warm shower will also help get rid of cramps.

Some girls feel a deterioration in their condition a few days before the onset of menstruation. In this case, signs appear that are combined into the concept:

1. 1 Breast engorgement.
2. 2 Headache.
3. 3 Changes in mood.
4. 4 Tearfulness.
5. 5 Sometimes – aggression.
6. 6 Digestive disorders, constipation, bloating.
7. 7 Sleep disorders.

The severity of these symptoms can vary - from slight discomfort and heaviness in the chest on the eve of menstruation to serious disorders that force you to change your lifestyle and social activity.

They do not require special treatment, and in severe cases, you cannot do without the help of a doctor. Usually all unwanted symptoms disappear with the onset of menstruation.

3. Deviations from the norm

Menstruation is a reflection of the health of the female body. If the duration, regularity and volume of blood loss are not within the normal range, you need to look for the reasons and eliminate them.

Girls need to remember the date of their first menstruation and monitor their body. For most, it takes about a year for a normal cycle to develop; sometimes this process can take longer. In this case, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor.

The period between bleeding may initially vary; it may lengthen or shorten. The amount of bleeding sometimes ranges from scanty spotting for a couple of days to intense bleeding.

Pay attention to the following symptoms that may be signs of illness:

1. 1 The menstrual cycle lasts more than 35 or less than 21 days.
2. 2 In the middle of the cycle there are .
3. 3 Irregular periods, there are no equal spaces between them.
4. 4 Excessive discharge, one pad only lasts for 2 hours.
5. 5 The bleeding continues more than 7 days.
6. 6 No periods for more than 3 months, and pregnancy is excluded.
7. 7 Arises lower abdomen.
8. 8 Increases during menstruation temperature.

A doctor's help is also necessary for severe premenstrual syndrome. In some girls, its symptoms appear long before menstruation, immediately after ovulation.

The doctor will conduct an examination, find out the causes and prescribe treatment that will help reduce the severity of discomfort.

4. What sets the rhythm?

The menstrual cycle of any woman is controlled by the pituitary gland, a special part of the brain whose cells produce hormones.

Over the course of three weeks, under the influence of pituitary hormones, changes occur in the ovaries and uterus. Menstruation completes the development of the endometrium. But it is from the first day of menstruation that a new cycle begins.



This is due to the fact that at this moment the concentration of all hormones is in the “starting” state. The amount of estrogen is reduced.

At this time, the pituitary gland secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It causes the follicles in the ovaries to grow and prepares the egg for maturation. Estrogen is also intensively produced there. They affect the inner lining of the uterus and lead to a gradual increase in the thickness of the mucous layer.

The pituitary gland also secretes luteinizing hormone (LH). In the middle of the cycle there is a sharp release. This provokes ovulation - the release of an egg from the follicle.

Then the level of LH decreases, but under its influence a corpus luteum is formed at the site of the burst follicle. This hormone is needed to maintain the function of the corpus luteum.

Cells of the corpus luteum secrete progesterone. This is a hormone that prepares the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) for pregnancy. The number of vessels and glands in it increases, it becomes suitable for the attachment of a fertilized egg.

So, over the course of a month, the body prepares for pregnancy. This is a natural process that occurs in a girl who has not yet matured mentally to have children.

When pregnancy does not occur, the reverse process begins:

1. 1 The corpus luteum “fades” and gradually disappears.
2. 2 The endometrial vessels are compressed.
3. 3 Blood flow and nutrition of the mucous membrane deteriorate.
4. 4 The blood flow to the uterus does not change.
5. 5 Blood separates the functional layer of the endometrium from the wall of the uterus; it leaves the body in the form of dark red, brownish cords and lumps.
6. 6 Various influences on the phases of the menstrual cycle can lead to irregular periods.

5. How to behave during menstruation?

Menstruation is a normal phenomenon in the body of any woman. This period should not significantly affect your lifestyle. But you need to follow some rules so that problems do not arise during your period.

Hygiene is an important issue. This includes a daily shower and change of linen. Girls can use pads and sanitary tampons.

Modern pads for critical days are thin multi-layer napkins, the bottom oilcloth layer of which reliably protects the linen. They differ in the degree of absorption and size. They are changed, regardless of how full they are, at least every 3-4 hours. Why can't you do this less often?

There is a gap between the pad and the vaginal opening. Menstrual blood flows freely and drips onto the pad, but can stain the skin of the perineum and linger on the vulva.

Blood is a breeding ground for bacteria, and increased humidity and heat create favorable conditions for their reproduction. The degree of microbial contamination on the vulva is very high, so menstrual blood is quickly decomposed by bacteria. A pungent odor appears. Therefore, rarely changing pads is unhygienic.

Girls can also use tampons. They will not damage the hymen. For virgins, special tampons of minimal size are suitable.

Under the influence of estrogen, the hymen tissue softens and becomes slightly folded, so it does not interfere with the insertion of a tampon. Its use may be difficult only if there is an abnormal development of the hymen or vagina.

The tampon needs to be replaced every 3-4 hours, the maximum allowable time for its presence is 7-8 hours. If you change a dry tampon too often, mechanical irritation of the vagina will occur. Changing swollen tampons less frequently can cause infection and toxic shock.

In addition to hygiene, many girls are interested in the question of playing sports on menstruation days. There are no absolute contraindications to this. On the contrary, moderate physical exercise can reduce the severity of pain and keep the body in good shape.

In the first two days, when bleeding is most pronounced. You should not lift heavy objects or visit the bathhouse or sauna these days. Properly selected tampons will not interfere with swimming, dancing and training.

6. Sexual life and pregnancy

For some girls, the onset of sexual activity is between 14 and 16 years of age. Most likely, none of them wants to become a mother at this age, so you need to remember about contraception.

Don't forget about the possibility of pregnancy. Sometimes ovulation occurs not on days 12-14 of the cycle, but earlier. Sperm can remain viable for up to 3 days, so sex during menstruation can result in pregnancy.

Sex without a condom is dangerous. The cervix during menstruation does not protect against the penetration of bacteria into the body of the uterus and appendages. Inflammation that develops in these areas can cause infertility.

After the first menstruation, girls begin to truly grow up and become more responsible for their health. Therefore, if you have any questions or concerns, you should contact your gynecologist.

In our article you can read about why the uterus hurts during menstruation, how menstruation occurs during lactation and while taking contraceptive medications, and also why you can’t sing during menstruation and actively play sports.

Uterus during menstruation

Menstruation is the process of detachment of the endometrium and its subsequent removal together with blood from the uterus. As a rule, this process occurs monthly in women of childbearing age.

The first day of the monthly cycle is the first day of menstrual bleeding. The menstrual cycle is considered to be the time period from the first day of menstruation to the beginning of the next one. The normal menstrual cycle is 21-38 days. If you experience any deviations from the norm, you must immediately inform your doctor.

An unstable menstrual cycle is usually characteristic of young girls after the first menstruation, called menarche. But from year to year it becomes more stable and over time it completely normalizes. During menstruation, the uterus gets rid of the endometrium, which has prepared after ovulation for the attachment of a fertilized egg. But when this does not happen, the endometrium begins to slough off. With a regular cycle, ovulation during menstruation is almost impossible. But if a woman’s cycle is irregular, for example, if menstruation appears several times a month or is absent for a long time, then ovulation during menstruation can still occur. With a cycle length of 28 days, ovulation usually occurs 14 days after the start of menstruation.

The cervix is ​​slightly open during menstruation. This fact, and the presence of blood discharge, create favorable conditions for the proliferation of dangerous pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to diligently maintain personal hygiene, since the uterus is especially vulnerable during menstruation. You should wash at least twice a day and remember to regularly change tampons and sanitary pads. It is advisable to stop sexual relations during menstruation for the same reason.

Pain during menstruation

Many women experience pain during menstruation. This is due to the fact that the uterus contracts rhythmically during menstruation. Minor pain is not a deviation from the norm and disappears after the end of menstruation.

The cause of too heavy, long and painful menstruation may be an excess of the hormone estrogen in the blood. With hormonal fluctuations, women can simultaneously suffer from algodismenorrhea and PMS.

The occurrence of pain is often associated with an increase in the level of prostaglandins in the blood. These are special chemicals that play an important role in causing many of the symptoms associated with period discomfort. They are produced by the tissue of the uterus and provoke its contraction. The higher the content of prostaglandins in the body, the more intensely the muscle tissue of the uterus contracts and, consequently, the pain increases. Excess prostaglandins can also cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, chills, sweating, and tachycardia.

In addition, factors that cause pain during menstruation may include:

• intrauterine device;
• bend of the uterus;
• endometriosis;
• cysts, fibromatous nodes;
• venereal diseases;
• calcium deficiency in the blood;
• inflammation of the genital organs;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• hormone imbalance;
• stress.

Therefore, women who experience abdominal pain during menstruation should be examined by a specialist, since gynecological diseases often cause infertility.

Girls should also watch for heavy menstrual bleeding. Blood loss should not exceed 80 ml. If you have to change pads every 2-3 hours, you are bleeding heavily. It can be caused by poor blood clotting, endometriosis, various tumors in the uterus, etc. If you experience heavy bleeding, accompanied by pain and high fever, then you simply need to see a gynecologist during your period.

Menstruation during lactation

Menstruation during lactation is a fairly common occurrence. In the first two months after the birth of a child, women may continue to experience postpartum discharge, which is completely unrelated to menstruation. They are cleansing in nature.

If a woman breastfeeds her baby, her periods appear 6-12 months after giving birth. If the baby is bottle-fed, the woman's menstruation appears much earlier, approximately 6-8 weeks after the baby is born. But in rare cases, a nursing woman’s period begins just 1.5-2 months after giving birth, and this depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

Periods while taking birth control pills

Birth control, if taken correctly, prevents pregnancy in almost 100% of cases. You should start taking birth control pills during your period on the first day of the menstrual cycle, only then do the drugs take effect. The tablets are taken once a day for 21 days, after which a break is taken for 7 days, and then the tablets are continued from a new package.

In addition, the use of these drugs regulates the monthly cycle, relieves many women from heavy menstrual bleeding and pain during menstruation. Modern contraceptives help avoid the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual periods, reduce the risk of developing cancer, prevent acne and stop unwanted facial hair growth.

But it should be noted that contraceptives have some side effects. For example, when taking these medications, bleeding may occur, both breakthrough and spotting in nature. Spotting appears in the first few months of taking birth control pills. Most often, they are observed when taking products with a small content of hormones and occur because the tiny doses of hormones contained in the tablet do not have time to accumulate in the body in sufficient quantities to delay menstruation. This phenomenon is not a deviation from the norm, therefore, if spotting occurs, you should not stop taking contraceptive medications. In addition, menstruation while taking contraceptive medications may occur a little earlier or later than expected, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the female body. There is no need to worry about this; the cycle normalizes when the body fully adapts.

If your periods have not returned to normal within 6 months of stopping the use of birth control, consult your doctor.

Thrush during menstruation

Many women get thrush during their periods. The cause of candidiasis (thrush) during menstruation is the formation of favorable conditions for the spread of this fungus. Menstruation is just one of the provoking factors for exacerbation of candidiasis. This disease can also appear during pregnancy, during ovulation, and when taking contraceptives and antibiotics. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of this disease:

• redness of the genitals;
• curdled discharge.

If thrush appears during menstruation, a woman may experience pain during menstruation, and the discharge will have an unpleasant odor. If these symptoms appear, you should make an appointment with a doctor. He will conduct the necessary examinations and prescribe treatment. To avoid the occurrence of thrush during menstruation, you should be very careful about your personal hygiene.

Should I use suppositories during my period?

Often, the instructions for using vaginal suppositories indicate that they should not be used during menstruation. The fact is that all the healing substances contained in the suppositories come out along with the discharge during menstrual bleeding. And this happens because many vaginal suppositories contain a base that is washed off with menstrual blood, especially during heavy menstruation.

Gynecologists advise not to use suppositories for treatment during menstruation, even if the instructions allow it, since it is unlikely to be effective. It is best to start treatment after the end of menstruation.

Is it possible to donate blood during menstruation?

Many women, when taking tests during their periods, do not assume that their results may be distorted. For example, if you decide to donate blood during your period, you should be prepared for the fact that the hemoglobin level on these days may be slightly lower due to heavy blood loss. In addition, there is also no point in taking a test aimed at studying blood clotting. Because to prevent bleeding during menstruation, blood clotting increases.

And although menstruation does not have a special effect on other blood characteristics, it is still better to take tests only five days after the end of menstruation. Of course, if the results are needed urgently, then menstruation cannot be a contraindication.

Exercising during your period can be very beneficial. Moderate sports activities can relieve you of general weakness and abdominal pain. During training, blood circulation in the pelvis improves, tension in the lower back disappears, and endorphins are produced - “hormones of happiness” that help cope with stress and bad mood.

You should postpone fitness activities during your period if your doctor prohibits them. You should also not exercise if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or dizziness during your period. And remember that the load should not be too intense.

Why you shouldn't sing during your period

During menstruation, a woman’s body experiences slight swelling of some organs, including the vocal cords and larynx. The capillary network on the vocal cords becomes more pronounced due to a stronger than usual rush of blood. The consequence of blood flow inevitably becomes swelling of the vocal cords and, as a result, their poor mobility. When singing, this can cause damage to the ligaments (tiny tears, knots or even hemorrhages in the vocal muscle).

For this reason, singing should be stopped until your period ends.

What to do if you have pain during your period?

If you experience severe pain, you should immediately consult a doctor, especially if it is accompanied by fever, severe bleeding and dizziness. To diagnose the causes of cycle disorders, you may be prescribed: MRI, ultrasound, blood tests, smears, urine tests, etc. After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment. In case of hormonal imbalance, hormonal therapy is carried out, in case of bleeding, curettage is often prescribed, in case of various infections and inflammations - antibiotics, if pain is associated with stress - sedatives, etc.

If your doctor has not identified any pathologies and your pain is caused by natural causes, he may prescribe you painkillers, such as Celecoxib or Meloxicam. Taking Thiamine, Magne B6, Omega-3, Calcium supplements, and vitamin A will help restore the cycle.

Pain can decrease if you eat right, avoid all kinds of stressful situations, exercise regularly, and give up bad habits.

If there are any irregularities in your menstrual cycle, you should immediately consult a doctor. Failure to timely identify the causes of cycle disruptions can lead to serious consequences, such as infertility.

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Critical days are a natural process that occurs in the body of every representative of the fairer sex. To understand where menstruation comes from, you need to familiarize yourself with the physiology of a woman.

Many girls are interested in where the blood comes from during menstruation. This requires knowing what menstruation is and why it occurs.

Critical days are part of the reproductive function of women. Without them, full conception and gestation of the fetus is impossible, since they perform cleansing and preparing functions.

Regulations in girls are a process that occurs during reproductive age, and what happens in the body is purely individual.

In girls, the menstrual cycle can begin at 11–16 years of age (it is at this time that a favorable layer for the development of the embryo in the event of conception is created on the upper part of the endometrium and mucous membrane), which depends on various factors. These include:

• territory of residence;
• heredity;
• environmental situation;
• physiological characteristics.

According to some signs, the girl can... Read more about this in a separate article on our website.

Most girls know that they are about to have their period, but few people know what it is and where the blood comes from. When menstruation occurs, the upper layer of the endometrium begins to peel off, which grows every month on the walls of the reproductive organ, so that upon fertilization, the embryo is endowed with everything necessary for full development. As a result of this rejection, bloody discharge appears.

After the egg matures, ovulation occurs - at this time, the female cell is picked up by the long fimbria of the fallopian tube and absorbed inside. There it remains until it meets the sperm and only after fertilization is directed towards the uterus, usually ending up in its cavity on the 7th day.

If conception does not occur, the egg leaves the ampulla and is broken down by its own enzymes directly in the tube or falls into the abdominal cavity, where it dies.

The discharge that a woman sees when her period begins contains blood and the functional layer of the endometrium - they constantly leave the vagina during menstruation.

As a rule, critical days last 5–7 days. The cycle between monthly bleeding from the genitals is 28 days, however, due to the characteristics of the body, the menstrual period can last 21–35 days.

Considering the information provided, it becomes clear where menstruation comes from. When menstruation occurs, blood comes out of the vagina (namely from the uterine cavity), if conception has not occurred.

What does menstruation look like?

Blood, which creates bleeding during menstruation, is considered the beginning of the onset of critical days. During menstruation, the blood is slightly darker than normal.

At the beginning of menstruation, blood flows abundantly from the vagina - this happens in the first 2 days. After this, menstrual flow slows down, since most of the endometrium leaves the uterus in the first 2 days.

The onset of menstruation in girls can easily be confused with pathological bleeding, since the blood during menstrual periods is dark and appears from the vagina “in portions”.

Menstruation symptoms

We figured out where the blood comes from. Many girls are interested in how to find out about the upcoming onset of menstrual periods, because the symptoms of this condition in the fairer sex are individual and varied. Few people can boast of a complete absence of signs of premenstrual syndrome.

Typically, menstruation appears with symptoms such as:

• sharp and causeless irritability;
• pain in the lower abdomen, which sometimes radiates to the back;
• mood swings;
• frequent tearfulness for any reason;
• discomfort in the mammary glands;
• breast swelling;
• drowsiness;
• swelling that appears on the legs and face.

When spotting appears, signs of the onset of menstruation usually disappear.

What a girl should know about menstruation

Every girl needs to know why menstruation occurs every month and where the bleeding comes from. This means that her body is ready to conceive a child, so she must be extremely careful when engaging in sexual intercourse.

On average, during menstruation, 2-4 large spoons of discharge (35 ml) are released, which are taken from the walls of the uterus. Also, 1–6 spoons is considered the norm - it depends on the characteristics of the body.

The arrival of the first menstruation usually occurs at 12–13 years of age, although the limits may be shifted depending on individual characteristics.

Typically, such discharge is slightly darker than regular blood, so if your periods are light, this most likely indicates bleeding that is not associated with menstrual periods.

In the last days of menstruation, the blood becomes even darker - brown. This means there is no oxygen in it and is considered normal.

As soon as your monthly discharge begins, you should use pads or tampons that will absorb it, thereby ensuring proper hygiene.

At first, an irregular cycle may be observed, but after 3–5 months after the start of the critical days, it should normalize. Otherwise, you will need to visit a gynecologist to find out about possible health problems.