Main /

Menstruation

Menstruation, or having your period, is the emptying of a woman's uterus's lining out through the vagina. It does this every menstrual cycle when no pregnancy has occurred, because the lining needs to be discharged and recreated. The fluid discharged is made of blood and mucosal fluid. Menstruation happens about every 28 days for about 3 days, though those numbers can vary a lot. If the egg has not been fertilised ? it will be reabsorbed into the body or discharged, I have heard both.

Menstruation is perfectly normal and nothing to be scared of. It's a natural part of keeping a woman's body ready for reproduction (having babies).

Early in puberty a girl's menstrual cycle (period) may not be regular, but usually it becomes regular. Some girls never become regular, though..

Menarche

The first menstruation (or first period) is called menarche. It usually occurs between 12 and 15 years old in girls, although as young as 8 would still be normal. The menstrual fluid that is discharged in the first menstruation may be brown and muddy, as opposed to the blood red of later menstruation. Pregnancy is possible up to 2 weeks before menarche.

Cleanliness

To keep clean women use a sanitary napkin (Maxi pad), tampon or menstrual cup when menstruating.

Menopause

Eventually, in middle-age, a woman will stop menstruating. This is called menopause ? and is its own kettle of fish.

Slang and euphemisms

Having your period
After the manner of women (very Biblical)
Paying your monthly bill
That time of the month
On your rag (rude)
Visited by Aunt Flo ("flow")
The dot
Shark week (this is my favourite)

External links