Menstruation- Still A Taboo Subject In The Society
By Neucrad Health desk March 8, 2019
How many of you have heard about the film ‘Period. End of Sentence’ which has won the Oscar at the 91st Academy Awards under the Documentary Short Subject category? Well, it seems very few of you would answer in affirmation. The primary reason behind this is ‘period’ or ‘menstruation’ is still a taboo topic especially in the Indian society, with very few people raising consciousness on this subject among the masses. Filmmaker Rayka Zehtabchi did a commendable work by directing a film on the menstrual cycle in rural Indian setting to abolish the negative rumours and sentiments associated with it. We, the news desk of ‘Neucrad Health’ have tried to throw some light on the scientific aspect of menstruation in women to spread awareness among masses.
What is menstruation?
When girls reach their puberty, their brain signals the release of certain hormones like (oestrogen, luteinising hormone, and progesterone) to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. These hormones make the lining of uterus thicker with excess blood and tissue. At the same time, one of the ovaries releases an ovum by the process ovulation to fertilise with a sperm. Now, when fertilisation does not take place due to unavailability of sperms or other reasons, the endometrium of the uterus breaks down and flows out of the body through the vagina. This is known as menstruation.
Since this cycle occurs regularly every month, it is also known as a period, menses, or menstrual cycle. It has four phases- the first phase is menses starting from day 1 to day 5 when bleeding occurs from the uterus. The follicular phase is the second one where endometrium grows due to an increase in oestrogen level from day 6 to day 14. Ovulation is the third phase which usually occurs on day 14 when the ovary releases its egg. The last stage is the luteal phase taking place from day 15 to day 28 when fertilisation of ovum may occur, and if it does not take place oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, and body prepares for next menstrual cycle.
At What Age do Women Start Menstruating?
Usually, women start menstruating around 12 years of age, about 2 to 3 years after they start growing their breasts. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends young women and parents to contact doctors if teenagers do not begin menstruating by the age of fifteen.
How long does each Menstrual Cycle last?
In most of the women, the menstrual cycle lasts for around 28 days. This cycle commences on the first day of the last period and ends with the initiation on the next menstrual period. However, 21 to 35 days cycle is also considered normal, and it lasts for about two to seven days. During the initial year’s teenagers tens to have, longer menstrual cycle. There are even reports of 45 days long menstrual cycle in some women.
What are the Associated Symptoms of Menstruation?
It is normal; to experience some associated symptoms along with menstruation like throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen before the initiation of menses, and during the first one or two days. In most of the cases, it is manageable with over-the-counter pain relieving medications. However, if the pain becomes intense, it is advisable to contact Gynaecologists. Sometimes, pain may also radiate to thighs and lower back. Few women also experience nausea, headache, dizziness, and loose motions at the time of periods.
What are the common Causes of Irregularities in the Menstrual Cycle?
There are some factors which may cause disturbances in the normal menstrual cycle. Detailed below are a few of them.
∙ Pregnancy or Lactation
Missing of periods often signify conception or beginning of pregnancy. However, Gynaecologists advocates women to go through other confirmatory tests before coming to any conclusion. Lactation or breastfeeding also delays the onset of periods after childbirth.
∙ Eating Disorders
Some eating disorders like anorexia nervosa — extreme weight loss or excessive exercising may also postpone the occurrence of menstruation.
∙ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is another pervasive medical condition suffered many women throughout the world. Among its many symptoms, irregularities in the period are ubiquitous. This metabolic disorder may cause absence of periods, heavy bleeding, short or light menstrual cycle, or even spotting.
∙ Uterine Fibroids
Many women have non-cancerous growth within the uterus called uterine fibroid which may also cause irregularities in periods.
This was, in brief, a few facts about menstruation. If you notice any irregularities from your normal cycle, it is always better seeking expert guidance from Gynaecologists.
Image credit: দীক্ষা দত্ত CC-BY-SA-4.0
