Menstrual cycle What is the Menstrual cycle When

Menstrual cycle

What is the Menstrual cycle? • When girls go through puberty, the vagina, uterus and oviducts (or fallopian tubes) grow in size so that they can perform reproductive functions. The processes behind these functions are described as menstruation and ovulation. • Menstruation is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus from the body through the vagina. Menstrual fluid contains blood, cells from the lining of the uterus and mucus. • The average length of a period is between three days and one week.

• Menstruation is a 28 -day cycle that is repeated throughout the reproductive life of women. This process centres on the production of an ovum or egg on about the 14 th day.

How does menstruation happen? • Menstruation begins when a hormone called FSH causes an egg to be presented in the ovary. Another hormone, oestrogen, is then released by the egg and causes the FSH levels to decrease. As the levels of oestrogen increase, it signals a third hormone, luteinising hormone, to be released. This new balance of hormones causes the egg to be released from the ovary in a process called ovulation.

• A fourth hormone, progesterone, is then produced. This causes the wall of the uterus to become thick and increase its blood supply. In the absence of sperm to fertilise the egg, about 14 days after ovulation, the uterus wall falls away and is shed in a blood and tissue flow called a period.

When does menstruation occur? • All young women experience periods. They are a natural part of female life. Girls generally get their first period sometime between 11 and 14 years of age, though some girls can start menstruating as early as nine or as late as 16. • The average of first menstruation is 12 years. • Your first period will not occur until your body is ready; that is, when you have the right amount of body fat and weight. Girls who are underweight often get their periods later.

Why does menstruation occur? • To help the female be ready in order to reproduce. • Without the menstrual cycle, females would not be able to reproduce. • Which means that there will be more human beings within one generation!

Phases of Menstrual cycle

Sanitary pads • Sanitary pads are items that can be worn in underwear to absorb menstrual flow. • They are considered a good option for girls to use during their early periods before trying tampons. Pads come in different levels of absorbency for heavier or lighter flows. Super is the most absorbent and is useful at the beginning of your period when the flow is heavier.

Tampons • Tampons are small, bullet-shaped pieces of absorbent material that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. They can be inserted with fingers or with an applicator tube. Tampons have a string attached to the base for removal after use. Like sanitary pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter flows, with super being the most absorbent and mini being the least. • Tampons should be changed regularly and left in for no longer than eight hours. • Wearing the same tampon for more than eight hours and using tampons of greater absorbency than necessary can increase your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). To lower your risk of TSS and other infections, you should always wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon.

What is TSS? • Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a severe disease caused by a toxin that is produced by a particular type of bacteria. It is extremely rare but very dangerous. TSS can cause fever, nausea, diarrhoea, dizzy spells and even death. Tampon use can increase the risk of TSS; however, tampons do not contain the toxic bacteria and are completely safe when used correctly.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that many females get before their periods. Also known as premenstrual tension (PMT), it is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms caused by the normal hormonal changes that occur during menstruation. • Symptoms of PMS can include bloating, sore breasts, aches and cramps, fatigue and mood swings.

Period pain • It is very common for females to experience cramping and pain before and/or during their periods. This is partially caused by hormonal changes but mostly it is the uterus contracting to shed its lining. Period pain is unpleasant but it can be eased by a healthy, balanced diet, exercise, rest and painkillers. If your period pain is particularly intense, you should see a doctor.

How to deal with the pain • Drink tea • Apply heat. Heat helps to relax the contracting muscles in your uterus, which is the cause for your pain • Fish oil or Vitamin B 1 • Massage with essential oils

Do you ever stop having your period? • Yes. This is called menopause and sets in between the ages of 40 and 60.

Reading between the lines • Read ‘Going Blue’ on page 17 and answer questions 1 to 4.

Going blue It was really hot one morning on the school bus. I was feeling really tired and I could feel myself sweating onto the seat. Gross! I hadn't made any real friends on the bus so I was sitting next to this girl, Tabby, who was a bit weird—she was always wearing crazy accessories to school and getting in trouble for it—but she seemed ok. When the bus got to school, I stood up to get out, reached down for my bag, and noticed this red patch on the seat. I sat down again quickly, in a panic. That wasn't sweat that I could feel. It was blood! Mum had talked to me about getting my period but I never thought that it would happen like this. I had no idea what to do! Tabby had stood up and was looking down at me impatiently. ‘Can we get off the bus now? ’ she asked. I felt frozen in my seat. I couldn't walk into school with blood on the back of my dress! I had to ask for Tabby's help. ‘I… I think I just got my period’ I whispered. The other kids were shuffling off the bus and Tabby started digging around in her bag. I hissed, ‘Tabby, what are you doing? What should I do? ’ I heard Tabby make an ‘Aha!’ kind of noise as she pulled a long blue scarf out of her bag. ‘This could totally work as a belt on you!’ she said loudly. ‘Here, stand up and I'll show you. ’ I stood up and she quickly wrapped the scarf around my hips. ‘Ok, you're fine for now, let's go’ she whispered. We got off the bus and Tabby came with me to sick bay. I'll never forget how much she helped me out that day. It’s funny how close you get to people who help you through a bad experience. Now we're best friends! To girls reading this, Kim recommends: Girls are good at helping each other out with personal problems so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.