Menstruation: Everything you need to know

Menstruation is a natural and normal process experienced by women of childbearing age. Although it is a widely known topic, it is important to understand the fundamentals of menstruation to promote women's health and well-being.

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is the process by which the uterus sheds the inner lining, known as the endometrium, that has built up in preparation for a possible pregnancy. When fertilization of the egg does not occur, the endometrium sloughs off and is expelled through the vagina in the form of blood and tissue.

Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is the period of time from the first day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next period. The average length of the menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but it can vary from woman to woman. During the menstrual cycle , hormonal changes occur in the body that prepare the reproductive system for the possibility of pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is divided into several phases:

1. Menstrual phase: This is the initial phase of the menstrual cycle and is characterized by vaginal bleeding. The uterine lining, known as the endometrium, sloughs off and is expelled through the vagina . This phase usually lasts between 3 and 7 days, although it can vary in each woman. During this stage, it is possible to experience cramps, fatigue, and mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.

2. Follicular phase: The follicular phase begins immediately after menstruation and extends until ovulation. During this phase, hormone levels, especially estrogen, begin to rise. This stimulates the growth of several follicles in the ovaries, with each follicle containing an immature egg. As the follicles mature, more estrogen is produced, which helps thicken the lining of the uterus .

3. Ovulation: Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels to the fallopian tube. This process usually occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, but can vary in women with shorter or longer cycles. During ovulation, you may experience an increase in libido and notice clear, stretchy cervical mucus, indicating increased fertility.

4. Luteal phase: After ovulation, the released egg travels to the uterus through the fallopian tube. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it implants in the uterine lining, resulting in a pregnancy. If there is no fertilization , the body prepares to start a new menstrual cycle. During the luteal phase, the follicle that released the egg transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy and can also cause premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and fluid retention.

5. Menstruation: If fertilization and pregnancy do not occur, the body enters the menstrual phase again. The uterine lining, which has been thickened in preparation for a possible pregnancy, sloughs off and is expelled through the vagina. This process marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.

It is important to note that the duration of each phase can vary from woman to woman and that the regularity of the menstrual cycle can also be influenced by factors such as stress, hormonal health and other individual factors. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and associated symptoms can help you better understand your own body and spot any irregularities that need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Symptoms and hormonal changes

During the menstrual cycle, many women experience a number of symptoms and hormonal changes. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding is the most obvious symptom of menstruation. The amount and duration of bleeding can vary from woman to woman.
• Abdominal pain and cramps: Many women experience abdominal pain and cramps during menstruation. This may be due to uterine contractions that help expel the lining of the uterus.
• Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can affect a woman's mood, causing emotional swings such as irritability, sensitivity, or sadness.
• Bloating and fluid retention: Some women experience bloating and fluid retention during menstruation, which can cause a feeling of heaviness and discomfort.
• Skin changes: Hormonal changes can affect the appearance of the skin , causing acne or dryness.

It is important to note that each woman may experience these symptoms differently. Some may have symptom-free periods, while others may experience more intense discomfort. For many women, the proper management of menstruation is essential to lead a normal and comfortable life during this period. Some common ways to manage menstruation include:

Use of sanitary products: Sanitary products, such as tampons, pads or menstrual cups, are used to absorb or collect menstrual flow. It's important to choose products that are safe, comfortable, and fit your individual needs.

Pain control : If you experience pain or cramps during your period, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve the symptoms. Also, applying heat to the abdominal area or engaging in mild physical activities can help relieve cramps.

Maintain good hygiene: During menstruation, it is essential to maintain good hygiene to prevent infection. Regularly change sanitary products, wash your hands before and after changing them, and make sure to properly clean the vaginal area.

Follow a balanced diet: A healthy and balanced diet can help reduce the symptoms of menstruation. Eating foods rich in iron, calcium , vitamin B6 and omega-3 can help maintain hormonal balance and reduce fluid retention.

Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help alleviate menstrual symptoms by releasing endorphins and promoting a sense of well-being. Doing activities like walking, swimming or doing yoga can be beneficial.

If you have concerns or experience unusual or intense symptoms during your period, it is important to see a health professional for proper guidance and treatment. Remember that each woman is unique and may have different menstrual experiences, so it is important to listen to and take care of your own body during this period.