Q. What is menstruation?
A. Menstruation is also known as a period where a woman gets her monthly bleeding. This blood contains the lining of the uterus and other tissues which come out of the vagina.
Q. Why do we have periods?
A. Women have periods because their body prepares for a fertilized egg which then develops into a baby. However, when the egg does not get fertilized, the body gets rid of it along with the lining formed in the uterus and other tissues. This is a natural and normal process for all women.
Q. What is a menstrual cycle?
A. The menstrual cycle usually starts from the first day when you get your periods. It is counted till your next month’s period. The cycle helps in understanding the hormonal cycle so that you can plan for pregnancy. It also helps in noting your flow and mood swings.
Q. What do periods feel like?
A. When you get your period, you may feel the dampness as there are a few spots of blood on your panty. However, once the period starts, you will not feel much of the flow. You may feel cramps and pains. Sometimes you may feel as if something is moving out of your body.
Q. How long does a typical menstrual cycle last?
A. A typical menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days. However, this is different for every woman. It can last up to 24 to 38 days and this is considered normal.
Q. Does menstrual blood smell?
A. Usually, the menstrual blood does not have any smell. However, when it comes in contact with the air, it starts to smell. Your sanitary products smell when you have not changed them for a long time. It is advised to change it every 4 to 6 hours.
Q. What is ovulation?
A. Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg so that it can get fertilised by the sperm.
Q. When does ovulation stop?
A. Ovulation stops after menopause. Before menopause, a woman may not ovulate when she is pregnant, breastfeeding, and when she is perimenopausal. During perimenopause, the ovulation will not be regular.
Q. Do periods hurt?
A. Periods themselves do not hurt. But, before and during your periods you can get cramps, lower backaches, and leg pains. You may feel uneasy and irritable. This is because of the hormonal changes that occur during periods.
Q. How do I know if I am ovulating?
A. A few days before ovulation, you will see vaginal discharge becoming slippery and clear. You may also experience small cramps in your pelvic area.
Q. How important it is to take bath or shower when I get my periods?
A. It is very much important and necessary to take bath or shower when you get your periods. This is because keeping your vaginal area clean is important as you do not want to develop any allergies or rashes to happen. Also, taking a hot shower helps in relaxing the muscles and reduces the pain.
Q. How do I talk to my mother about my periods as I feel uncomfortable discussing them with her?
A. This is a common concern that is faced by most young girls. But, you must understand that talking to your mother about your periods even before talking to your doctor can help you a lot. Also, this is the time when she will be your best friend and can answer any questions related to your periods.
Q. How does my menstrual cycle change as I grow old?
A. Your menstrual cycle in your teens will be heavy and will last more than 38 days. Usually, after 3 to 4 years of your period, the cycle will last between 24 and 38 days and the flow will also become normal. As you grow old, that is, when you are in your 40s, you may notice perimenopause and menopause signs. Between your teens and 30s if you find any irregular periods, do talk to your doctor.
Q. Is there any activity that I won’t be able to do during my period?
A. Your period should not stop you from doing any of the activities. However, it is the cramps and pains associated with the period that might make you feel tired and cause discomfort.
Q. Can I swim when I get my period?
A. Yes, you can swim and do all adventurous activities when you get your period. This is possible because of the sanitary products that you will be using. Tampons and menstrual cups can be used while swimming and other adventurous activities. However, if you experience any discomfort during periods, it is okay to take a rest.
Q. Can people notice that I have got my periods?
A. No, no one can notice that you have got your periods unless you talk about it.
Q. How blood is lost during menstruation?
A. Most girls and women lose up to ¼ cup of menstrual fluid during their periods. This is common and your body will soon make it up for all its losses.
Q. When will my period stop forever?
A. Your period will stop forever when you hit menopause. This usually happens when you are in your late 40s and early 50s.
Q. Why should I keep track of my menstrual cycle?
A. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle is required because:
- It helps in checking if your periods are regular or not
- If you are planning to conceive, it helps in knowing your ovulation
- You can keep track of your mental and physical health
- You can keep a note of the flow
Q. How can I keep track of my period?
A. There are numerous ways in which you can keep track of your period. You can make a note of your first day of the period either on a calendar, diary, or you can use apps that are designed to track your periods. MFine has recently launched a free period and ovulation tracker that makes period tracking simple, private, and accurate.
Q. When does a girl first get her period?
A. The average age at which a girl can get her first period is between 11 and 15. There is no fixed age as the first period depends on various factors such as genetics, weight, food, and lifestyle.
Q. How often should I change my sanitary products during my period?
A. It depends on the sanitary product that you are using. If you are using a pad, then after every 4-5 hours you need to change it. If you are using a tampon, you change after 6-8 hours. Menstrual cups should be drained 2-3 times a day depending on the flow. If you are using cloth pads or period panties, then depending on the flow you can clean them.
Q. What is toxic shock syndrome?
A. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare and deadly condition that is caused by bacteria that makes toxins. This was first found in a brand that produced tampons. However, the tampons from this brand are completely taken out from the market.
However, the number of cases of TSS today is less but you could be at risk if you do not change your tampons at regular intervals. Also, using tampons with more absorbents than required can cause TSS.
Q. What are the symptoms of TSS?
A. If you have any of the following symptoms of TSS, before going to your doctor, make sure that you remove your tampon or menstrual cup:
- Sudden high fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Muscle aches
Q. Are there any other health conditions affected by the menstrual cycle?
A. Yes, your menstrual cycle can affect other health conditions such as:
- Depression and anxiety attacks: This is related to PMS and it usually overlaps before or during your periods.
- Bladder pain syndrome: If you are diagnosed with bladder pain syndrome, then you may have painful cramps.
- Asthma: Studies have shown that your asthma can become worse during some part of the menstrual cycle.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: This causes bloating, gassy feeling, and cramps before your periods.
- Menstrual Migraine: This causes severe one-sided headache with nausea and vomiting along with other symptoms like worsening of headache due to loud sounds, bright lights. This type of headache occurs 2-3 days before or during your menstrual cycle.
Q. What are common questions about periods?
A. Here are some of the common questions about periods:
- Why do you feel constipated or diarrhoea during periods?
- Is PMS even real?
- Why all girls don’t get their periods at the same time?
- Does not getting a period on time mean I am pregnant?
- What if my period lasts for less than 3 days?
Q. What things should we avoid in periods?
A. Here are some of the things that should be avoided during periods:
- Consuming a lot of salty foods
- Having a lot of coffee
- Do not use a douche
- Not changing sanitary products at regular intervals
- Having unprotected sex
Q. How should you sleep during your period?
A. When you get your periods, try sleeping in the fetal position. Tucking your hands and legs while sleeping on your side can help in reducing the pressure from your abdominal muscles.
Q. How to feel better during your period?
A. The following tips may help you feel better during your period:
- Taking a warm bath
- Using a heating pad on the lower back and lower abdomen
- Doing easy yoga and exercises
- Getting a massage
Q. How to shower while on your period?
A. Taking shower while on your period can be a task during your initial days of periods. This is because of the blood flowing out of your body. However, you must shower every day when you get your period. Make sure that you remove your sanitary products before hitting the shower. Also, do not use body wash or soaps to clean your vagina. Plain warm water is sufficient. Do not use the same sanitary product after your shower.
Q. Is period blood good for your skin?
A. No, period blood is not good for your skin, as it is contaminated with sweat and bacteria. Therefore, do not use period blood on your skin.
Q. How many pads a day is normal?
A. There is no exact answer to how many pads a day is normal. This is because it completely depends on your flow and how often you feel the need to change it.
Q. Why do women get angry during their periods?
A. Women get angry and easily irritated during their periods because of the hormonal changes that happen in the body and the chemical changes in the brain.
Q. Why does my pad leak at night?
A. Pad leakage at night is commonly experienced by most women and here are the reasons why:
- Tossing and turning in your sleep
- The angle at which you are sleeping
- Shifting of menstrual pad
- It also depends on which day of your period it is
Q. Why do I poop a lot on my period?
A. You might have noticed that as your period nears, there is a change in your bowel movement. This is because of the hormonal changes that are happening inside your body. Prostaglandins are responsible for the muscle contractions in the uterus as well as in the intestines as it is close to the uterus. This causes frequent poop.
Q. Why do I sometimes get constipated during periods?
A. This is again due to the hormonal changes. Low levels of prostaglandins and high levels of progesterone slows the digestive system. This is the reason why you feel constipated during periods.
Q. Is chocolate good for periods?
A. Dark chocolate is considered to be good for periods. This is because of the magnesium content present in dark chocolate. Magnesium helps in relaxing muscles.
Q. Can I get pregnant during my period?
A. Yes, the chances of getting pregnant during periods are less likely to happen as it depends on the ovulation cycle.
Q. How to insert a tampon?
A. Here are steps to follow:
- Before using a tampon, make sure you get the right size. There are different sizes available and get the size that suits you.
- The next step is to clean your hands so that dirt and germs are prevented from entering your vagina.
- Get into a comfortable position by either placing one foot on the toilet seat or by bending your knees so that you get enough vaginal opening.
- You can now insert the tampon either using an applicator or your finger.
- To remove the tampon after use, you can slightly pull the string.
Q. Can you sleep with a tampon in?
A. Yes, you can sleep with a tampon inside you. However, if you are sleeping for more than 8 hours, make sure that you shift to other sanitary products. This is to avoid the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.
Q. What to do if you have no pads left?
A. If you are out of pads, then you can use toilet paper as an immediate sanitary product. You can also ask others for an extra sanitary pad.
Q. What is the best pad for a 12-year-old?
A. Any pad that is easy to use and prevents her from leakage is the best pad for a 12-year-old.
Q. Is it normal to get your period at age 11?
A. It is completely normal to get your period at the age of 11. Getting a period anywhere between 9 to 16 years of age is normal.
Q. Can an 80-year-old woman have a period?
A. No, an 80-year-old woman cannot have a period as the age for menopause is the late 40s and early 50s. If there is vaginal bleeding after hitting menopause, you should see your doctor.
Q. At what age do hot flashes start?
A. Hot flashes are a sudden surge of hot skin and sweat which is associated with perimenopause and menopause. This usually occurs when you are in your late 40s.
Q. How do you sleep with a pad on?
A. There is a fixed position while sleeping with your pad on that can prevent leakage. However, it is better to avoid sleeping on your front as it can squeeze your abdominal muscles and cause more blood as you move around.
Q. Can I wear a pad for 12 hours?
A. You can wear a pad throughout your period, but make sure that you change every 5-6 hours. When you are sleeping for more than 7 hours, you can change the pad in the morning after you wake up. This is because if you keep the pad for more than 6 hours, it will start to smell.
Q. Do bananas delay your period?
A. No, no research shows bananas delaying your period.
Q. Is tea good for periods?
A. Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass, and peppermint can relieve you from period stress and pain. These teas will make you feel fresh and active.
Q. Do orgasms help cramps?
A. Yes, orgasms help in cramps. This is because when you orgasm your blood releases chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine that act as painkillers to deal with cramps.
Q. What are some period hacks?
- Keep your spare panties handy
- Avoid salty foods
- Avoid caffeine
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Use heating pads
Q. Can periods stop in 3 days?
A. Yes, periods can stop in 3 days. For most women period lasts between 3 and 5 days.
Q. Is it better to wear pads or tampons?
A. Pads and tampons both are better to wear depending on how comfortable you feel. However, pads are easy to wear as they stick to your panty. Whereas tampons are worn internally, that is inside your vagina. You may find it difficult to insert and remove.
Q. What are the benefits of menstruation?
- Menstruation helps in detecting any other health conditions
- It makes your sexual experience better
- It makes you look beautiful as the levels of estrogen are so high that you will be filled with endorphins
- It naturally cleanses you
Q. Why is my period black?
A. Black blood during your period is normal. This is seen either at the beginning or at the end of the period. This also indicates that the blood is old or took time to leave the uterus and hence it got oxidised.
Q. Can I stop my daughter’s period?
A. Yes, it is possible to stop your daughter’s period. This is known as menstrual suppression in which the treatment helps in either reducing or stopping the period.
Please note that this is done under the supervision of your doctor.
Q. What is the oldest woman to have a period?
A. The oldest menstruating woman to have a period is 57 years old.
Q. At what age periods stop in Indian Women?
A. According to the PAN India survey, the perimenopause age in India is between ± 44 years and the menopause age is after 45 years.
Q. How many periods does a woman have in her life?
A. According to the survey, a woman has 400-450 periods in her lifetime.
Q. Can we use diapers for periods?
A. Yes, diapers can be used as makeshift pads for periods in case of an emergency.
Q. Can a woman get pregnant after menopause?
A. No, a woman cannot get pregnant after menopause as her ovaries will stop producing eggs. However, if she finds a donor egg, then it is possible to get pregnant.
Q. Can you use two pads at once?
A. Yes, it is possible to use two pads at once. You can place one in the front and the other at the back. Do not keep these two pads one over the other.
Q. What drinks help your period?
A. Water is the best drink during your period. Apart from this, you can try different herbal teas and smoothies.
Q. Do you bleed more at night during your period?
A. No, you do not bleed more at night during your period. During the day, gravity helps your menstrual blood to flow easily. But at night, blood does not flow easily and with all the turning and tossing, your pad moves to make you feel you bleed more.
Q. What should we avoid eating during periods?
A. Fried foods and junk foods should be avoided during periods. This is because they are rich in salt causing more water retention leading to bloating.
Q. How can I delay my period for my wedding?
A. You can delay your period for your wedding by taking norethisterone. This pill is taken 3 to 4 days before your due date and is continued 3 times a day for the next 14 days.
Q. Can we drink milk in periods?
A. No, it is not a good idea to consume milk or milk products as it can lead to bloating, gassy feelings, and diarrhoea.
Q. Are menarche and puberty the same?
A. No, menarche and puberty are not the same. Puberty is the onset of adult sexual life whereas menarche is when the first menstrual cycle begins.
Q. What is menarche?
A. The first period is known as menarche.
Q. What is a hematometra?
A. Hematometra is a medical condition in which there is blood collection or retention in the uterus which is caused by a transverse vaginal septum.
Q. Which fruits are good during periods?
A. Water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber are good to stay hydrated. To satisfy sugar cravings fruits such as sapota and berries are good.
Q. How many eggs does a woman have?
A. At the time of birth, a woman will have approximately 1 million eggs. At the time of puberty, 300,000 eggs remain. During her reproductive phase, 300 to 400 eggs are present.
Q. Can a 4-year-old get her period?
A. No, a 4-year-old cannot get her period. The average age at which she can get her first period is between 11 to 15 years.
Q. Are period cups safe?
A. Yes, period cups also known as menstrual cups are safe. There is no evidence that period cups are dangerous like tampons as tampons can cause TSS. if you feel any irritation, pain, or urinary problems, please talk to your doctor.
Q. What is hematocolpos?
A. Hematocolpos is a medical condition in which the vagina is flooded with menstrual blood due to various reasons which lead to blockage of the menstrual flow.
Q. Why is my period blood orange?
A. Orange blood during periods indicates infection. This could be a bacterial infection. When you have an infection, you will feel vaginal itching, foul smell, and discomfort.
Q. How do you know if your period is ending?
A. When you reach the late 40s or early 50s, your periods will get irregular, you will get hot flashes, chills, and vaginal dryness. These are the signs that tell if your period is ending.
Q. What foods make your period heavier?
A. Foods such as beets, papaya, dairy products, coffee, and certain chocolates may make your period heavier.
Q. What are the natural methods for inducing a period?
- Hormonal birth control
- Exercise
- Orgasm
- A healthy diet and weight
Q. Does getting into the water stop my period?
A. No, getting into water will not stop your period. This is a myth. Due to the counter-pressure of the water, your menstrual blood will not flow outside the vagina.
Q. What are the different colours of menstrual blood?
A. The following are the different colours of menstrual blood:
- Pink blood: This is seen during the start of your menstrual cycle. It is pink because of the vaginal discharge and inner lining of the uterus along with other tissues.
- Bright red blood: This is seen when the uterus actively sheds blood. This is an indication that it is a fresh discharge.
- Dark red blood: This is when the blood is stuck inside the uterus for a long time.
- Brown or black colour: This is when your period comes to end it appears as either brown or black.
If you have any further concerns related to periods, connect with a gynecologist today.
