Menstruation – Body Talk

The menstrual cycle describes the changes that happen as a girl’s body prepares for a possible pregnancy; the lining of the uterus thickens to allow a fertilised egg to implant. These changes are controlled by hormones in the ovaries and the brain. If no pregnancy occurs, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed, and leaves the body through the vagina – this is called a menstrual period. Menstrual fluid contains blood, cells from the uterus lining and mucus.

A full menstrual cycle usually lasts about a month, but this can vary. The first day of bleeding is counted as ‘day one’ and the cycle ends on the last day before the next period starts.

When does menstruation start?

Girls usually get their first menstrual period between the ages of 9 and 16. Each girl is different and their periods may start earlier or later than someone else; their menstrual periods will start when their body is ready.

How often do periods occur?

At first, a girl’s periods might be irregular and not come at the same time every month, but after the first year they usually settle into a pattern of starting every 21-48 days (average 28 days). The pattern is different for each girl.

How long does a period last?

Each period lasts for about three to seven days. The first few days usually have the heaviest flow.

What does period blood (menstrual fluid) look like?

Period blood is thicker and darker than other blood. It might be bright red or brownish and be blobby or stringy. This blood is healthy, it doesn’t smell and isn’t dangerous to touch. No-one can tell that someone has their period just by looking at them.

What is used to manage periods?

To catch period blood girls can use pads or tampons. Using pads or tampons is a personal preference; some women with very heavy periods use a tampon and a pad together at the same time.

Pads and tampons are bought at the supermarket or pharmacy and come with instructions for use. Don’t flush pads and tampons down the toilet; they will block the drain! Instead, wrap them in some toilet paper and put them in the bin.

Pads

• Are fixed into the underwear.
• Come in different shapes and thicknesses, with wings or without.
• Soak up the period blood that comes out of the vagina.
• Should be changed every three to four hours or when needed.
• Can be worn overnight.

Tampons

• Are put inside the vagina.
• Come in different sizes and some include an applicator.
• Soak up the period blood inside the vagina.
• Are useful when swimming or wearing something tight like a leotard.
• Should be changed every three to four hours or when needed.
• Women who have not had sex can still use a tampon.

What girls may experience during a period?

There can be different experiences that accompany the various stages of the menstrual cycle. The range of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience before and sometimes during a period (menstruation) is known as ‘premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is caused by the hormonal changes that occur leading up to the period. Some girls will experience these; others will have no symptoms at all. Each girl is different and will get to know how their body changes during their cycle.

Common symptoms of PMS include the following:

Mood swings: Some girls may experience mood swings around the time of their period. Some people will feel quite fragile or emotional, some get short tempered and snappy – for others they won’t notice anything in particular.

Period Pain: Just before or during a period, some girls might have cramps in their lower abdomen (these are caused by the uterus involuntarily contracting in an effort to squeeze the lining out). Some girls find a hot water bottle on their lower abdomen or having a hot bath can help ease the cramps. Simple painkillers (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)) can be very effective. Some girls will have more severe cramps – others won’t notice any pain whatsoever.

Other symptoms can include: breast tenderness just before the period, bloating, tiredness, acne or a headache.

Things that might help relieve these symptoms:

• Mild exercise
• Heat packs
• Herbal remedies
• Painkillers or anti-cramping medication such as aspirin, mefenamic acid (Ponstan®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), naproxen sodium (Naprogesic®) and ibuprofen (Nurofen®)

If you are having trouble managing experiences with your menstrual period, ask your doctor for further advice.

What are some common menstrual problems?

There are a variety of problems that can occur with the menstrual cycle. Some of the common problems are covered briefly below but it’s best to discuss any specific period problems with your local doctor, Family Planning clinic, or Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS).

Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

Most people have some pain with their periods. This common type of period pain is caused by hormones which make the muscles in the uterus cramp so that it can shed it’s lining during a period. As long as it’s not particularly severe and it settles after a couple of days, it’s probably nothing to be concerned about. Pain-relieving and anti-cramping medications, a hot water bottle or a heat pack on the lower abdomen might help – make sure to read and follow the instructions on the packet.

If the pain is severe and the treatments you are using are not helping, other pain relieving medications and/or a hormonal method of contraception can be used as treatment options. The most common method used is the combined oral contraceptive pill.

If severe period pain is still experienced after trying all these treatments there may be an underlying condition such as endometriosis.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis or ‘endo’ is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This condition affects 1 in 10 people with a uterus, after the start of their menstruation (getting a period). Endometriosis can cause a lot of pain during or just before a period, and can make period flow heavy (increased amount of blood/tissue). Endometriosis may cause other problems as well, such as pain when having sex, tirednes or fatigue and it might make becoming pregnant more difficult for those trying to have a baby.

There are different ways to treat endometriosis. Treatments include hormonal contraception like the pill or a hormonal IUD. There may be surgical options for some people where hormonal options do not work.

Severe period pain is not normal and periods shouldn’t keep you from doing anything you would normally do. You should see a doctor if:

• Period pain is so bad you have to miss work, school or recreational activities
• Over-the-counter medicines, pain relievers don’t help reduce the pain
• Your symptoms are getting worse, or begin to affect other things in your life like your hobbies, relationships or mental health

If you think you have very severe period pain or suspect you have endometriosis, it’s important to discuss this with a doctor – visit your local doctor, Family Planning NSW clinic, Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or call Talkline on 1300 658 886 for advice.

Heavy periods (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)

Heavy periods (excessive menstrual flow) can interfere with a girl’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Some girls find heavy periods to be quite difficult to manage, causing emotional distress; and over time, heavy periods can cause anaemia if not treated. Heavy bleeding can be caused by many things, including hormonal imbalance, endometriosis and uterine growths such as polyps and fibroids. Often hormonal contraceptives are an effective treatment to help regulate the menstrual flow; however treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding.

If your periods are heavy, see your doctor for advice.

Absence of menstrual periods (Amenorrhoea)

Some women have never had a period – this is called primary amenorrhoea and is very rare. Primary amenorrhoea is usually due to a genetic or physical abnormality. If a girl has not had a period by the time she is 16 it is important that she sees a doctor to make sure there are no medical problems delaying the period.

A woman may also have had periods in the past but they have stopped. This is called secondary amenorrhoea and the most common cause is pregnancy. If a woman is not pregnant it is usually caused by a hormonal disturbance. These are often temporary and can be caused by such things as stress, weight changes, over-exercise, travel and emotional upsets. Sometimes periods will stop when a woman is in her thirties or forties because of early menopause. This sometimes runs in families. When the periods don’t stop completely but where there are long spaces of time between them, it is called oligomenorrhoea.

Women who have no periods for more than six months or who have only three or four periods in a year should talk to their doctor.

Unusual vaginal bleeding

This is any vaginal bleeding that is not part of a regular period; bleeding between periods, bleeding after having sex (unless it’s their first time) and bleeding after menopause can be a sign of problems. Common causes can include infection or hormonal changes. Even if the bleeding is very light, or only happens now and again, it is important to see your doctor for advice.

Some women may experience bleeding or ‘spotting’ when using a hormonal form of contraception and this can be normal and may not be bothersome. The doctor will discuss this with the women when receiving the contraception. If the spotting is a concern, see your doctor for further advice.

If you are concerned about your periods, or just have more questions, call Family Planning NSW Talkline 1300 658 886 for information and advice.

Myths and Facts About Menstrual Bleeding – Menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a normal process that happens to nearly all women during their childbearing years, from puberty till menopause. Despite this, there are still a lot of inaccurate ideas revolving around menstruation — possibly because many women (and men) are uncomfortable talking about it. Take this quiz and find out if you can tell fact from fiction when it comes to your menstrual period.

What Is Menstrual Bleeding?

Menstrual bleeding is the result of the uterus shedding its lining.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Fact!

Each month, a woman’s body prepares itself for pregnancy, but if no pregnancy occurs, the uterus will shed its lining and the woman’s period will commence. Menstrual blood leaves the uterus through the cervix and then it is released from the body through the vagina.

Is Menstrual Blood Just Blood?

Menstrual blood is not just blood; it’s also made up of tissue.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Fact!

Menstrual blood consists of blood as well as extra tissue from the uterine lining. It also can contain the remnants of the egg that traveled down the fallopian tube into the uterus during ovulation and wasn’t fertilized.

Is Soaking Through a Pad or Tampon a Sign of Menorrhagia?

Soaking through a pad or tampon during your period is usually a sign of “heavy” menstrual bleeding.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Myth!

It is not uncommon to occasionally soak through a pad or tampon. In most cases, it probably means that you need to switch from a regular to a more absorbent or “super” pad or tampon on the heavier flow days of your cycle. It may seem like you’re experiencing a lot of blood loss during menstruation, but on average, women lose only around 2 to 3 tablespoons during the whole period. However, some bleeding can be abnormally heavy or long-lasting. Referred to as menorrhagia, a truly heavy period is characterized by soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours, needing to double up sanitary protection or wake in the night to change it, bleeding longer than seven days, or experiencing symptoms of anemia, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Who Gets Heavy Periods?

Heavy bleeding only happens to women who have given birth.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Myth!

Menorrhagia is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance that causes anovulatory cycles (menstrual cycles without ovulation). If an egg doesn’t get released during the typical ovulation stage, there won’t be enough progesterone in the body to keep the cycle regular, and therefore, it is likely to cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Those who are most at risk for menorrhagia are adolescent girls who recently started menstruating and women in their 40s and 50s who are approaching menopause.

Can Women’s Menstrual Cycles Get In Sync?

Women and girls who live together may get their periods at the same time.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Fact!

While it’s true that women who live together may indeed get their periods at the same time, the scientific evidence supporting the theory that living together causes menstrual synchrony remains unclear. The concept arose in 1971 when then University of Chicago psychologist Martha McClintock published a paper with her theory that women’s bodies react to the pheromones of other women around them, and it causes a synchronization of menstruation. She did a follow-up study that supported her theory in 1998. However, others have tested McClintock’s theory and the scientific results remain divided. Women who live together sometimes do get their periods at the same time, but it may just be a coincidence.

Should You Exercise While Menstruating?

Women shouldn’t exercise or do strenuous activities while on their periods.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Myth!

Unless you have severe cramping (dysmenorrhea) or excessive blood flow (menorrhagia) that interferes with your ability to participate in physical activities, there’s no reason to refrain from exercise or regular strenuous activities when you have your period. Your period is a normal function of your body; not a handicap. In fact, many health experts recommend exercise during menstruation to help reduce cramping, since aerobic activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, or swimming, produces chemicals that help block pain.

How Long Does a Typical Period Last?

A normal menstrual period can be as short as two days and as long as seven days.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Fact!

While most menstrual periods last from three to five days, they can be as short as two days and last for as long as seven days without being cause for concern about menstrual irregularity. However, if you only get your period for a single day or if you have it for more than a week, you should consult with your doctor, since it could be a sign that something is wrong. The average menstrual cycle goes for 28 days, though a woman’s cycle can span 21 to 35 days and a teen girl’s cycle can be in the range of 21 to 45 days. Women on birth control often experience lighter periods, or sometimes no period at all.

Can You Get Pregnant While Menstruating?

You can’t get pregnant during your period.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Myth!

It is very unlikely, but still possible to get pregnant while on your period. For conception to occur during your period, it most likely means that you have either an extremely short menstrual cycle or a long period that closely connects your ovulation stage with the onset of menstruation. An egg only stays in your fallopian tube waiting to be fertilized for about 24 hours, so if sperm is present during that time (and keep in mind that sperm can live for 3 to 4 days), you could get pregnant.

Do You Need to Worry About Heavy Periods?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is no cause for concern.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Myth!

The heaviness — or amount — of blood flow varies from woman to woman and it can also vary at different points in the menstrual cycle; some days the flow is heavier than others, and this is normal. But abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is definitely a cause for concern, since it can lead to complications like iron-deficiency anemia or dysmenorrhea (severely painful menstrual cramps). Not to mention that it can “cramp” your lifestyle by limiting your desire — or physical ability — to engage in everyday activities, cause weakness, fatigue, and headaches, and make you feel self-conscious. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also be a sign of another condition, such as polyps or an infection. If heavy periods put a damper on your life every month, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Is PMS All in Your Head?

PMS is not a real syndrome.

Myth or fact?

Answer: Myth!

Despite its reputation as something that women use to excuse their snappy behavior or chocolate cravings around the time of their periods, PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is an authentic syndrome. It’s characterized by a variety of symptoms that typically start a week or two before menstruation, and usually subside by the time the period begins. Approximately three out of four menstruating women experience the physical and/or emotional symptoms of PMS, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. PMS symptoms commonly include breast tenderness, acne, bloating or weight gain, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, food cravings, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and others. Many women and girls find relief from PMS through lifestyle changes, medication, and vitamin or herbal supplements.

How does menstrual blood appear in the 4 elements, where does it come from?

How does menstrual bleeding occur and where does it come from?

Menstrual bleeding results from the shedding of the inner layer of the uterus, called the endometrium, at the end of each menstrual period. With the onset of menstrual days, this layer thickens under the influence of the female hormone estrogen. This is called the proliferation phase.

Ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. When approaching the end of menstruation, the secretory phase passes under the action of the hormone progesterone. Later, with a decrease in the hormone progesterone, the endometrium is rejected and menstrual bleeding occurs. In other words, menstrual bleeding consists of pieces of the endometrium and a small amount of blood. This blood comes only from inside the uterus. There is no such thing as an exit from the ovaries or the abdomen. After some time, the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium, thickens again under the action of hormones, and the period of bleeding ends. This period consists of a cycle that systematically continues every month.

What is the content of menstrual bleeding?

Menstrual bleeding consists of eruptions occurring in the endometrium and a small amount of blood. Later, the wall of the uterus begins to thicken, so the discharge and bleeding gradually decrease and stop. In general, the menstrual cycle in every healthy woman proceeds in this way. Sometimes there may be menstrual irregularities.

Is menstrual blood bad blood?

This idea of ​​menstrual bleeding is completely wrong. With the arrival of menstrual blood, the inside of the uterus is cleansed. There is no dirty blood. The uterus and its internal organs are a very sterile area. When the menstrual period ends, it is possible to conceive a child with a pregnancy referral. Also, when it is not possible to provide the necessary environment for the formation of a child in an unsterile uterus, how can pregnancy occur after each menstruation? In short, this completely eliminates the idea that menstrual blood is dirty.

The uterus is a hygienic place

Under normal conditions, the menstrual cycle that every woman experiences on certain days of each month consists of bleeding from the uterus. This bleeding is a ritual that the endometrial layer with the uterus performs to get rid of the bits and pieces shed during the self-renewal phase.

The uterus goes through this cycle every month to prepare the right conditions for pregnancy. In a way, he does his own cleaning. Since the endometrium, which is secreted by the uterus with each menstruation, will create an environment in which the baby will live, when the egg is fertilized by male sperm during the period of ovulation, this menstrual bleeding does not occur. Considering this whole systematic cycle, the possibility of menstruation through the uterus and contamination of the uterus cannot be ruled out.

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Everything about menstruation: 25 answers to stupid and embarrassing questions

1. Is it possible to get pregnant during menstruation?

Yes. Most often, the fertility window (the so-called period when conception is most likely) falls on the 10-14th day of the cycle. But sometimes – even with a regular cycle – it can shift unpredictably. So, there is a risk of getting pregnant even during menstruation.

2. Is it normal if your stomach hurts?

No. Menstruation can be uncomfortable, but this discomfort most often does not affect the quality of life. Moreover, the pain can be reduced.

But if convulsions and heavy bleeding become really exhausting, this is an alarm signal. Perhaps it’s about menorrhagia – the so-called menstrual irregularities, which are accompanied by excessive discharge.

If you notice that there is more blood than usual, and cramps become more painful, be sure to consult a gynecologist to rule out hormonal failure, uterine fibroids, circulatory disorders and other possible diseases.

3. Can I play sports during my period?

It is possible and even necessary. According to some reports, physical exercise – especially aerobic (walking, running, swimming, Zumba, Pilates, yoga) and stretching – can reduce the pain caused by uterine cramps.

However, we note that it is important to listen to the needs of the body. If you feel weakness and pain that discourage every desire to work hard, it is better to refuse training, transfer hard work, and instead go for a consultation with a gynecologist.

4. Is it possible to swim during menstruation in open water bodies and pools? What if something gets in there?

If you use tampons, the risks are minimal. Swim for health.

This recommendation even applies if you encounter sharks in your favorite water body. Lifehacker already wrote: there is not a single confirmed case when a predator would attack a swimmer during menstruation.

In general, sharks prefer to hunt men for some reason.

5. Is it true that menstruation stops in water?

No. And when you swim, and when you relax in the bath, the uterus still contracts, and menstruation continues.

The only nuance is that water blocks the exit of blood. Because of this, it seems as if less blood is released during water procedures. But as soon as you go to the (conditionally) shore, all the blood accumulated during the voyage will rush to the exit and menstruation will continue as usual.

6. How long can one tampon be worn?

Doctors recommend changing your tampon every 4-8 hours.

But there is an extremely rare, but very dangerous complication associated with prolonged use of hygiene products. This is toxic shock. It is caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin. Sometimes they penetrate the fibers of the tampon and begin to multiply rapidly there, simultaneously releasing a huge amount of toxins. The consequence of this is severe intoxication, sometimes even fatal.

If you don’t remember exactly when you changed your tampon, but you start to feel like in the early days of the flu (fever, chills, weakness, headache, nausea), call an ambulance immediately.

7. Can a tampon get lost inside? For example, fall into the uterus?

Excluded. The vagina is not as deep as it might seem: its length, even in an excited state, does not exceed 17-18 cm. When something gets into it, this something somehow rests on an extremely narrow area – the cervix.

Female reproductive organs. Illustration: Fancy Tapis / Shutterstock

The cervix is ​​a protective barrier that doesn’t let in any extraneous bacteria or any mechanical particles. Including, of course, a tampon. He just has nowhere to go.

8. How much blood should be released during menstruation?

Average – 30-70 ml (2-5 tablespoons) during the entire period – whether it lasts three days or a week.

9. I’m losing more blood! It is very dangerous?

Depending on what “more” means. If this word means a volume of just over 4 tablespoons, then in general this is normal. The fact is that menstrual fluid is not only blood. It also includes particles of the uterine mucosa.

The concept of “normal volume of menstrual fluid” varies quite widely. In addition, each menstruation is individual: sometimes there is less discharge, sometimes more. So unless you’re experiencing painful cramps, nausea, extreme weakness, or other unusual symptoms, you’re probably fine.

Really dangerous blood loss is rare. But be prepared to see a gynecologist as soon as possible if:

• Blood soaks one or more pads (tampons) per hour for several hours.
• To prevent leakage, you have to use double protection: both a tampon and a pad at the same time.
• Bleeding lasts more than 7 days.
• Your periods are so painful that you have to change plans because of them.
• Menstruation is accompanied by severe weakness, fatigue, dizziness and other signs of blood loss.

10. Is it normal to have clots?

Yes. Clots are particles of the mucous membrane of the uterus shed during menstruation. If their diameter is not more than 2–2.5 cm, you don’t have to worry.

If the clots are larger, be sure to consult your gynecologist. Such discharges often occur with cysts, polyps, uterine myoma. It is necessary to establish their cause and, according to the results, undergo treatment.

11. If the test showed pregnancy, and then blood began to flow, is it a miscarriage?

Not fact. Several options are possible here.

• Two bars were a mistake. This happens if, for example, you violated the instructions and allowed the test to stay in the urine longer than recommended. Or the test was overdue.
• You have elevated human chorionic gonadotropin levels (referred to as hCG or hCG). As a rule, the level of this hormone increases during pregnancy, and it is this hormone that is fixed by standard tests, showing a second strip. However, in some cases, hCG may increase for reasons unrelated to pregnancy. For example, because of taking fertility drugs. Or because of health problems: often hCG grows with ovarian cysts and tumors, certain kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, and so on.
• You really had an early miscarriage. Most often, this happens when there are chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg and the uterus rejects the fertilized egg shortly after implantation. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 50-75% of all miscarriages are of this early type.

Be that as it may, if the test showed two lines, and menstruation soon began, it is necessary to see a gynecologist. Only a doctor can determine why this happened and exclude possible dangerous violations.

12. If you don’t get your period, is it pregnancy?

In most cases, if you are healthy and sexually active, yes. Menstruation that did not come on time is a definite reason to buy a test and contact a gynecologist.

However, sometimes missed periods have nothing to do with pregnancy. The delay can be caused by a variety of factors, from hormonal disruptions to jet lag, nutrient deficiencies, or stress. Still, it is worth consulting with a gynecologist.

13. And if menstruation has come, is it definitely not pregnancy?

Almost certainly. If you start to discharge the usual volume, then you are not pregnant.

It is important to note that about 25-30% of women experience spotting during early pregnancy. Their causes can be very different: from completely normal implantation bleeding to a developing infection.

However, it is almost impossible to confuse them with real menstruation: they are too scarce and short-lived.

14. What should menstruation smell like?

Normal – nothing. More precisely, you should not smell any special aroma until you start sniffing on purpose. And when you start, you will only feel the metallic smell of blood with the slightest admixture of vaginal amber.

A strong, pungent, perceptible odor often indicates an infection. Therefore, do not try to just disguise it – be sure to consult a gynecologist!

And you should definitely go to the doctor if, in addition to an unusually strong smell, you note:

• Yellow or green discharge.
• Menses more painful than usual.
• Pain and discomfort in the stomach and/or pelvis.
• Temperature increase.

Such symptoms clearly indicate that inflammation is developing somewhere inside.

15. Is it normal to have cough and shortness of breath during menstruation?

Rather, this is one of the variants of the norm. Menstruation is accompanied by a decrease in the level of the female hormone estrogen, and the deficiency affects the functioning of the lungs. As a result, a cough and slight shortness of breath may appear, which pass along with menstruation.

16. Can menstruation be detected by voice?

A 2011 study found that women experience significant changes in voice characteristics during menstruation. In general terms: before ovulation, the female “vocal” becomes higher and more melodic, the speed of speech increases, and by the monthly timbre and tempo decrease. Some young ladies have it so much that it becomes obvious even to uninitiated ears.

17. Is it true that women become nervous and unpredictable during PMS?

Rather, more impulsive. For example, it has been found that before the menstruation itself, women spend money more actively and make rash purchases. This is due to the fact that young ladies experience physical discomfort and are looking for ways to feel better. Reckless impulsive shopping is one of them.

18. Do you get stupid during your period?

Hormonal fluctuations can indeed impair memory and concentration in at least some women. Physical discomfort also plays a role: experiencing discomfort in the uterus, women are distracted, get tired faster, and become less focused. But to speak of a decrease in mental faculties in this case is the same as to assume that people become stupid during a cold.

19. Can I dye my hair during my period?

There is an idea that hormonal fluctuations during menstruation somehow change the properties of the hair, because of which the paint does not lay down well. But professional hairdressers do not confirm this. The result of staining does not depend on the day of the cycle, so bring beauty when you want.

20. What about eyelash extensions?

Possible. Menstruation does not change the properties of the hair, so the procedure for gluing “extenders” to the cilia will go exactly the same as on any other day of the cycle.

21. They say you shouldn’t go to the dentist or get waxed during your period because it will hurt more. This is true?

Yes, but only in part. Indeed, the pain threshold varies depending on the phase of the cycle. A week before menstruation, it decreases. This means that dental treatment or, say, sugaring, will seem more unpleasant than usual.

But after the end of menstruation and up to ovulation, the pain threshold, on the contrary, grows. So it is worth prescribing any painful procedures for these periods.

22. Can I get tested during my period?

Much depends on what kind of analysis we are talking about.

For example, hemoglobin levels naturally decrease with blood loss, so it would be a mistake to measure it during menstruation. Cholesterol levels, on the contrary, are higher during menstruation than before and after them. If you are taking pain medications, they can also affect the results of the tests.

Therefore, if possible, postpone blood and urine tests until your period has ended. If the analysis is urgent, be sure to consult with your doctor so that he deciphers the results, making an adjustment for the phase of your cycle.

23. Can vaginal suppositories be used during menstruation?

You can bet. But keep in mind that bleeding can wash off the drug even before it works. This means that the effectiveness of treatment will also decrease. This situation is usually spelled out in the instructions for specific suppositories.

Candles in most cases are assigned a course that should not be interrupted. Therefore, there are two options for solving the problem:

• Start the course in such a way as to complete it before the onset of menstruation. For example, if your candles are designed for 10 days of use, you should start the course no later than 11-13 days before the planned start of menstruation.
• Use wash-resistant candles. Such suppositories are quite rare and cost more than their rinse-off “colleagues”. About which ones to prefer, ask your gynecologist.

24. Is it possible to call menstruation by the required date?

In general, yes. The most effective way is to start taking birth control pills in the cycle preceding the desired date. In this case, menstruation will begin a day or two after you stop taking the pills.

Other ways to induce menstruation include a variety of physical methods. For example, you can take a hot bath or have sex. However, the effectiveness of such methods is much lower.