Introduction
Menstruation, also known as ‘having a period’, is a completely natural process that happens to people with uterus. It usually starts when a person is in their early teens and continues throughout their reproductive years. Despite being so common, there are often a lot of questions and misunderstandings about periods. In this guide, we'll tackle some of the most common questions about menstruation, clearing up any confusion and setting the record straight.What is Menstruation?
Menstruation, commonly referred to as a period, is a monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus - known as the endometrium, along with blood and tissue through the vagina.Typically lasting around 28 days, the menstrual cycle can vary from person to person.
During the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes in the body trigger the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining is shed during menstruation.
The lifecycle of menstruation covers a majority of a woman’s lifetime, beginning during puberty and continuing until menopause. Menstrual cycles can be influenced by various factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions.
When Does Menstruation Begin?
For most people, menstruation starts during puberty, which can be as early as 8 years of age or as late as 16 years of age. But it can vary from person to person and might be affected by factors such as genetics, weight, and overall health.What Causes The First Menstruation?
The first occurrence of menstruation, known as menarche, typically happens during puberty as a result of hormonal changes in the body. Several factors contribute to the onset of menstruation:
- Hormonal changes: During puberty, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, including increased production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the maturation of the reproductive system, including the uterus and ovaries.
- Maturation of the reproductive system: As the reproductive organs mature, the ovaries begin to release eggs (ovulation), and the uterus develops a thicker lining (endometrium) in preparation for potential pregnancy.
- Hormonal Signaling: The hypothalamus, a region of the brain, begins to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), playing a crucial role in the regulation of ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
- Menstrual cycle initiation: Once the hormonal signalling reaches a certain threshold and the reproductive organs have sufficiently matured, the menstrual cycle begins. The first menstrual period typically occurs around two to three years after the onset of breast development (thelarche) and other signs of puberty.
It's important to note that the exact timing of menarche can vary widely among individuals and may be influenced by factors such as genetics, nutritional status, body weight, and overall health.