What is a period? Our 101 guide to menstruation

A period — also called menstruation — is when the thick lining of a female’s uterus breaks down and exits the body, usually once a month. This lining contains blood, tissues, and nutrients, and it develops as your body’s way of preparing itself for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, your hormones tell your body to shed the lining that built up over the course of the previous 28 days or so, resulting in a period that can last up to a week.

Periods start during puberty, which is when your body begins to change and become more like an adult. This typically happens between 8 and 14 years old, though puberty is a gradual process that can take years. Periods usually begin around age 12 to 15 for young women, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different. If you don’t receive your period by the age of 16, it is important to be evaluated by a physician to assess why there has been a delay.

Periods typically stop between the ages of 45-55, in which women enter menopause.

Up to 2 weeks before the start of your period, you might start to notice changes in your body. These symptoms, often referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Lower back pain
• Headaches
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Bloating
• Insomnia
• Mood swings

These symptoms usually become predictable, as they recur each month around the same time.

To help with premenstrual symptoms, try:

1. Taking over the counter pain medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
2. Regular exercise
3. Limit fat, salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
4. Consider starting hormonal birth control like the pill, mirena, or nexplanon.

If any of these premenstrual symptoms are severe enough to impact your daily life, see your doctor right away – they can help find ways to reduce the intensity and frequency of your symptoms. If you find your mood is sharply influenced by the onset of your period, this may be a sign of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Your doctor can help you navigate the changes in your mental health and see if there are any steps that can be taken to reduce its negative impact on your life.

The most common products known as “feminine hygiene products” are pads, tampons, and menstrual cups . All 3 methods help you go about your daily life by collecting the blood released during your period.

Pads are worn outside of the body, and most are disposable after a single use. The material is highly absorbent and protects your clothes against leaks. Some women prefer pads because they’re convenient and don’t require insertion into the vagina.

Tampons act as a plug against menstrual blood, absorbing it from its place inside the vagina. These usually come with an applicator for quick insertion and a string for easy removal. A lot of women choose tampons because they’re small, are rarely felt inside the body, and allow for a greater range of activity — even swimming or playing sports.

It is important to change tampons every 4-8 hours (overnight is ok) to avoid a build up of bacteria. Tampons left in longer than 8 hours increases your risk of a very rare condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if worn for longer than 8 hours.

Symptoms of Toxic shock syndrome are:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle and body aches
• Sore throat
• Dizziness or feeling weak/faint
• A sunburn like rash

If you develop any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.

Menstrual cups are shaped like tiny bells, and — like tampons — they’re worn inside the vagina. Rather than absorbing blood like pads or tampons, menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone and collect the blood released during your period. They need to be emptied, washed, and reinserted into the vagina over the course of your period.

Women who use menstrual cups report that they enjoy that they’re reusable, can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, and don’t carry any risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Yes! Having sex on your period is completely safe, and the only real drawback is the mess that might develop as a result.

Yes. The highest risk of pregnancy is during ovulation, typically 14 days before your period. Although the risk of getting pregnant is lower on your period, it is still important to use condoms or other methods of birth control to avoid any unintended pregnancies. Check out our guide to birth control for a comparison of the various birth control methods available.

Don’t panic. It is common for periods to come a little earlier or later as not all women have their period every 28 days. A typical cycle is between 21-34 days. Activities that can affect the onset of your cycle are diet, excessive exercise, stress, medication, and several other lifestyle factors. If your period is taking longer than 35 days to occur and you are sexually active, you should take a pregnancy test even if you are on birth control. Pregnancy tests are most accurate at least 1 week after your expected period date. If you are not sexually active or your pregnancy test is negative, it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor to see if there should be any other tests you should do.

Still curious about what to expect during a period? Book an appointment today to talk with a One Medical doctor, or reach out for virtual care.