Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is a menstrual period. The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for every woman.
Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age. Your menstrual cycle might be regular — about the same length every month — or somewhat irregular, and your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal.
Within a broad range, "normal" is what's normal for you. Keep in mind that use of certain types of contraception, such as extended-cycle birth control pills and intrauterine devices IUDs , will alter your menstrual cycle.
Talk to your health care provider about what to expect. When you get close to menopause, your cycle might become irregular again. However, because the risk of uterine cancer increases as you age, discuss any irregular bleeding around menopause with your health care provider.
To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods.
You will see the half-degree increase in temperature the day after you ovulate. This method will help you determine if you are ovulating, how regular your cycle is, and how long your cycle is. You may want to get in touch with your health care provider. Ovulation prediction kits measure the concentration of the Luteinizing Hormone LH in your urine. This hormone is always present in small amounts in your urine but increases in the hours before ovulation occurs.
More advanced kits also measure estradiol, a form of estrogen that peaks on the day of ovulation. Instructions vary from kit to kit, so read the product insert carefully before using it. We use cookies to improve functionality and performance. By clicking "OK" or by continuing to browse this site, you agree to the use of cookies. To find out more, visit the cookies section of our privacy policy.
What Causes Endometriosis? What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis? How is Endometriosis Diagnosed? How is Endometriosis Treated? Fibroids What are Fibroids? What Causes Fibroids? What are the Symptoms of Fibroids? How are Fibroids Diagnosed? How are Fibroids Treated? Home Normal Periods Menstrual Cycle Basics Understanding how menstruation works can help you understand how your own cycle works.
Explore Menstrual Cycle Basics: What is menstruation? Additional Resources. The first day of menstrual bleeding is considered Day 1 of the cycle. Your period can last anywhere from 3 to 8 days, but 5 days is average. This is normal at first.
By about 2—3 years after her first period, a girl's periods should be coming around once every 4—5 weeks. Yes, a girl can get pregnant as soon as her period starts. A girl can even get pregnant right before her very first period. This is because a girl's hormones might already be active. The hormones may have led to ovulation and the building of the uterine wall. If a girl has sex, she can get pregnant, even though she has never had a period.
Periods usually happen about once every 4—5 weeks. But some girls get their periods a little less or more often. You have many choices about how to deal with period blood. You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods. It may look like a lot of blood, but a girl usually only loses a few tablespoons of blood during the whole period.
Women also won't have a period while they are pregnant. PMS premenstrual syndrome is when a girl has emotional and physical symptoms that happen before or during her period. These symptoms can include moodiness, sadness, anxiety, bloating, and acne. The symptoms go away after the first few days of a period.
Many girls have cramps with their period, especially in the first few days. Clinical Trials. Article: Role of nurses in managing menstrual health using mobile tracking. Menstruation -- see more articles. Reference Desk. Also in Spanish. Find an Expert. Patient Handouts.
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