V. Questions Answered. Period.

i. WHY DO WOMEN MENSTRUATE? i.e. GET THEIR PERIODS?

Every month one of your ovaries (there is a right and a left) releases a fertile egg. While that happens, the lining of the uterus prepares itself in case a pregnancy occurs. If it doesn’t occur, then the lining of the uterus sheds, expelling blood through the vagina and this is called menstruation — or your period.

 ii. WHAT IS CONSIDERED REGULAR?

Every woman’s menstrual cycle is a little different, and it can change each month. The average woman starts her period sometime in her teens and it continues until her early 50’s. A typical pattern may take a few years to normalize. The average cycle is 28 days from the start of her period until her next start, but this can vary, anywhere from 21-45 days is considered normal with the bleeding or flow typically lasting 3-7 days.

 iii. DOES IT HURT?

Many women experience some discomfort with their period. The cramps of the lower abdomen, which can be accompanied by some lower back pain as well, is called dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts a day or two before the flow starts and the cause of the pain is due to the uterus tightening and relaxing. Secondary dysmenorrhea usually happens to women after they have been menstruating for a number of years and is caused by other conditions that can impact your reproductive organs such as fibroids or endometriosis. 

 iv. IS IT BETTER TO USE TAMPONS, PADS OR CUPS?

There is no better option for menstrual hygiene, it is what works best for you. Pads, tampons and menstrual cups are options that can be used and intermixed based on flow, activity and what you have on hand.

Sanitary pads or napkins come in different absorbency levels, lengths and tailored to underwear style. They can be used alone or with tampons when the flow is heavy. 

Tampons, are inserted into the vagina to absorb the menstrual blood. They come in a variety of sizes based on absorptive capacity, so a woman can choose what she needs based on her flow.  A tampon should be changed every 4-6 hours regardless of saturation for safety. 

Menstrual cups come in two varieties, a soft, flexible, disposable cup and a cup made of rubber, latex or silicone that can be reused after a thorough cleaning after each use. The cup is inserted into the vagina and over the cervix in order to collect the menstrual blood which is later disposed. These devices can remain in place for up to 12 hours. Some women like to use the cup if they are going to be sexually active while menstruating because it can make the sexual experience less messy.

  v. WHAT IS PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual mood dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are a variety of different physical and emotional symptoms; bloating, fatigue, and irritability, that typically begin 1-2 weeks before the period/flow begins and usually resolves with the onset of the period. It is not completely clear what causes these symptoms, but is believed to be due to changes in hormone levels and serotonin levels. Eating a heathy diet—minimizing sugar, salt, alcohol and caffeine, getting restful sleep and regular exercise can be effective in reducing symptoms of PMS.  If symptoms remain difficult to manage then talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.