Once a month, Mother Nature has a really twisted sense of humor. 9 times out of 10, she'll make sure your period falls on the weekend. Oh, yeah. She's a real riot. But, you know, your period doesn't have to trash your life. It's annoying, but it isn't the end of the world. Here's a list of commonly asked questions about menstruation. The answers can help put your period in perspective. (And keep Mother Nature from spoiling your weekend).
- What's your most embarrassing period story?
- "My friend went to her boyfriend's parents' house for the first time, had a lovely chat in their clean living room, and got up from their white couch to discover...well, you can imagine."
- What's the deal with PMS?
- PMS, stands for premenstrual syndrome. A few days before your period, you may start feeling some soreness or heaviness in your breasts. Your stomach may feel bloated. You may get a few pimples. And thanks to fluctuating hormone levels, you may be more crabby, sad or emotional than usual. It all sounds too fabulous for words, but for most women it's not that big a deal. Some women have PMS problems, and some women have no problems at all. Exercise and hot baths can help level out the mood swings. Some natural health types swear by vitamin B, herb teas and massage. If your PMS is so horrible it seems to be getting in the way of your enjoyment of life, ask your doctor for options.
- My breasts always hurt right before my period. Why? How can I prevent this?
- Your estrogen and progesterone--you know, the hormones coursing through your system that are responsible for those womanly changes--are fluctuating, causing fluid to build up in your breasts, making them sore and heavy-feeling. Totally normal. You could try over-the-counter PMS medicine, avoiding salt and caffeine, even wearing a nice supportive jogbra if your breasts really bother you.
- How much blood do I lose during a period? A gallon?
- It varies a lot. For most women, it's around four tablespoons, but for some, it's as much as a cup. (If you're bleeding more than that, soaking tampon after tampon or pad after pad all day long, see your doctor.) Sometimes the blood is red, sometimes it's brown, sometimes it's streaky, sometimes it's got some darker bits in it. Variety is normal (hey, it's the spice of life). Every girl is different.
- I heard I can actually get pregnant during my period???
- You heard right. Women with very short (21 days or so) or irregular cycles may well be ovulating while they're still bleeding. (See Your Cycle section of the site for a complete explanation of how your cycle works.) Or if you have more questions regarding fertility and your period, talk to your doctor.
- What can I do about menstrual cramps during my period?
- Menstrual cramps vary a lot in intensity, from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle. You can take aspirin or other non-prescription painkillers, do mild exercise (stretches are good), or zone out with a book or video. Warmth is often helpful; try taking a hot bath or putting a heating pad on your stomach or lower back. You can also get your mother, your sister, or a friend to rub your stomach, which can be very gratifying. If your cramps are truly double-up nasty, talk to a health-care professional about prescription treatment options.
- What if my flow is really heavy and I have to use lots of pads?
- It's probably just that…a heavy flow, which can often happen the first day or two. For some girls, a heavy flow is normal. If you have a prolonged heavy flow, you should check with your doctor.
- Will I have to stay quiet and stop my activities such as sports when I have my period?
- No, do your normal activities. In fact, the more active you are, the less likely you are to have cramps.
- How often will I get my period?
- Every 28 days is average, but your cycle can range anywhere between 21 and 45 days. At first, your period will probably be irregular. The time between when you get it, the length of time you have it, and the amount of flow will all vary. As your body adjusts to this new change, your period will settle into a regular pattern; this can take a year or two. It's a good idea to mark your periods on a calendar, so you can get used to following your own cycle.
- Can I go swimming when I have my period?
- Yes, you can go swimming. You should not wear a pad, however, because it will just soak up the water. If you do go swimming, you should wear a tampon, but you should talk this over with your parent or other responsible adult before trying this.
Please see Questions and Answers about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Or, check out Important Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome.
- Will other people know I'm having my period?
- There's no reason for others to know when you're having your period. (Unless you want to tell them.) Regular bathing, proper use of pads and/or tampons, and loose, comfortable clothes will all help keep your period from being noticeable.
- Can I take a bath when I have my period?
- Definitely. In fact, a bath or a shower is really important at this time to keep you clean and to fight off any odors that may occur.
- What is menstruation, anyway?
- Biologically speaking, menstruation is your monthly opportunity to create a baby. When your body first becomes able to produce a child, usually between the ages of 9 and 16, it begins preparation once a month for possible motherhood. This time in your life is known as menarche ("muh-NAR-key"). A tiny egg matures in one of your ovaries, then travels down a fallopian tube toward your uterus. Your uterus, meanwhile, has been preparing for the egg's arrival, and its lining has gotten thick and velvety. If the arriving egg is fertilized by a sperm, your uterus is all set to protect and nourish it for the next nine months. Then (ta da!) you have a baby. If the egg doesn't get fertilized,then your uterus has no use for that thick, spongy lining. So it sheds the lining and flushes it out -- along with some blood, body fluids, and the disintegrated egg. For 3 to 6 days each month, all this stuff flows out of your body through your vagina as reddish-brown menstrual flow. After the onset of menstruation, you'll usually have a menstrual period about every 28 days (except during pregnancy), although your cycle may vary anywhere from 20 to 35 days. Skipping ahead about 40 years, when your body enters menopause, your ovaries stop producing eggs and your periods stop.
- What does it mean if my period is late or irregular?
- Your period may be irregular through the first year or two. But after that, when you've begun to menstruate regularly, missing a period may be a sign of pregnancy (if you've been sexually active). Other causes of irregularity may be stress, a change in your diet or an increase in exercise, or drug use. If none of these apply to you, or if you're still concerned, check with your physician.
- Why do I feel crabby and sad just before my period starts?
- Some women feel moody, anxious or depressed for several days before their period. These feelings are part of a group of symptoms known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Some women don't experience PMS at all; others experience it in varying degrees. Other symptoms may include headaches, backaches, pimples, nausea and food cravings. Remember, not everyone experiences these difficulties, but for the women who do, they're very real. They're due to the hormonal changes that take place prior to menstruation. Never fear, PMS symptoms will disappear when your period begins. Your hormone levels even out and you feel fine again. The emotions and problems that seemed overwhelming suddenly feel manageable. When you get to know your own cycle, you begin to be able to predict when PMS symptoms will hit; knowing where they're coming from and when to expect them will help you handle them better. If yours are particularly intense, though, you might want to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
- Why do I feel fat during my period?
- Just before and during your period, your body may tend to retain water. This added fluid might make you feel fat or make your breasts feel tender. Actually, it's normal to gain a couple of pounds during this time of the month -- and lose them right after your period. If you feel bloated, you may feel better wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Avoiding salt immediately before and during your period is also a good idea; salt increases water retention.
- What if I bleed through my clothes?
- Well, it happens to almost all of us at one time or another. Just tie a sweater or jacket around your waist to cover any possible stain. (If you don't have a sweater on you, ask a girlfriend to borrow hers. This is what sisterhood is all about!) Then get yourself a tampon or pad, head to the bathroom, do what you have to do and scrub out any noticeable spot. Voila. For future reference, you might want to stash an extra pair of undies in your locker and wear dark clothes on days when you're expecting your period or when your flow is at its heaviest.
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