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Menstruation: Living With Your Menstrual Cycle

As girls approach their teen years, many changes occur to prepare their bodies for adult life. The body grows taller, forms breasts, and grows hair. Another change prepares the body for pregnancy. Once the body, brain, and womb are old enough, a monthly bleeding cycle occurs.

The lining of the womb prepares for pregnancy each month. If a pregnancy does not occur, the lining is washed clean with blood. This blood appears from the woman's vagina. This monthly cycle is called menstruation, often referred to as her "period."

Menstruation usually begins around the age of 12, but can start as early as age 8 or as late as 16. If it does not start by age 16, a healthcare provider must be consulted. There are tests that can check for normal growth and cycles.

If periods stop for 6 months, without a pregnancy, a healthcare provider should be notified. From her first period on, a woman can get pregnant. The ability to get pregnant lasts until periods stop for a year, usually around age 51. After menopause, any vaginal bleeding must be evaluated by your doctor.

How often a period comes and how long it lasts varies from person to person. There are even variations, which occur with stress or illness, within a woman's monthly cycle. Most women will bleed 3 to 7 days every 26 to 35 days. There is no need to worry if you vary from this unless there is a lot of pain, or heavy or long-lasting bleeding. However, if the time between periods or the amount or length of flow changes from month to month, an examination is needed. Keeping a diary of bleeding patterns can help figure out if there is a problem.

Bleeding is not the only sign the body gives as it goes through each monthly cycle. When the body is ready for a pregnancy, there is usually a heavy, watery discharge from the vagina. This happens about 14 days from your next period. Pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle is also common.

Most women feel their period coming with some breast and pelvic pains. Their emotions can be confusing at this time, as well. Cramping with the blood flow is also normal. If any of these signs seem too severe, a healthcare provider should be consulted. There are ways to lessen the more annoying problems.

A good diet, low in salt, and daily exercise helps the body function at its best. Medicines, like naproxen or ibuprofen, can help with pain and discomfort. Drugs and caffeine can make the cycle worse, especially before the period. Learning the cues each body gives, and when to expect them, can better help women manage their periods.

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