Period questions come into every girl’s mind. Trust us, we do too. It’s not just during puberty (which is pretty scary btw) but after you have had period for years.
Here are the answers to ten questions about your menstrual cycle that you might have been too afraid or embarrassed to ask.
- Why do we call it a menstruation?
Why is this monthly thing called a menstruation? Why does it have the “men-” prefix when men don’t even have it? Turns out the word “menstruation” comes from the Latin word “menses”, which translates to month.
- Is PMS even real?
If you ask any woman, PMS is most definitely real. Examples include traffic, or a work mistake, or other minor inconveniences in life, which blew up like an anatomic bomb finishing with a mushroom cloud in the air.
There have been debates in science if PMS is a “real” phenomenon for a long time now. We know this is disappointing but a study conducted by UK National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers has shown that some women may simply be more sensitive to changes in hormone levels, even normal changes. These could contribute to the increased symptoms of sadness, irritability, and depression that many women face. The study also suggested that up to 56 percent of severe PMS cases are genetically inherited.
- Can I Get Pregnant During My Period?
You can get pregnant at any time, even when you’re bleeding. If you don’t want that, talk to your doctor about using some type of birth control, no matter what time of the month it is. It’s also important to protect yourself against STDs, so check with your doctor to make sure you’re practicing safe sex.
- Does having your period smell?
It shouldn’t! Menstrual odor happens when menstrual fluid comes in contact with air. When menstrual fluid is absorbed within the vagina, like through a tampon, it is not exposed to the air, so there shouldn’t be an odor. If you’re feeling worried, just be sure to change your pads and tampons frequently to help keep odor at bay.
- Do Tampons Cause Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Tampons rarely cause infections leading to TSS. To lower your chances of getting the infection, change your tampon every 4 hours or so. Wear a thinner tampon, too. If you have fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, or a rash 2-3 days after your period starts, see your doctor.
- How Long Should My Period Last?
For most women, it goes on for 3 to 5 days. If that’s not you, don’t worry. One can last as few as 2 days of as many as 7. If you’re bleeding more than 7 days in a row, talk to your doctor.
- Why do you poop so much on your period?
If you’ve ever wondered if you could just be imagining the fact that you have to poop more on your period, let me assure you that you’re not imagining things. Your menstrual cycle really gets things flowing in your body, including making your stool flow a little more smoothly than usual. The stool is looser, so you’re more likely to have a bowel movement when you’re on your period.
Credits also go to prostaglandins which help to relax your muscles and prepare to shed your uterine lining for you. As a fun fact, those prostaglandins are also the same vital part of the labor process, to help your body get rid of excess poop that stands in the way of your baby’s descent into the birth canal.
- Why is my skin so bad before my period?
Those dang hormones. That’s why.
Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before your period starts, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts.
Hormones can also increase skin inflammation and the production of acne-causing bacteria.
- How much blood do I lose during my period?
Most girls lose about 1/4 cup of menstrual fluid during their periods (mostly in the first few days). Not to worry, though — your body makes up for it.
- When will I stop having my period for good?
Women get periods until menopause, which is when menstruation and the ability to have children stops. In most women, it usually happens in their late 40sor early 50s. But menopause can happen earlier or later. Some women may stop menstruation by the time they’re 35 years old, and others may not stop until their late 50s.