Everything you should know about menstruation

Menstruation isn’t just bleeding that’s meant to make our lives more difficult every month. It is a sign of a woman’s fertility and an indication of her health.

The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends on the day before the next menstrual period begins. During menstruation—also known as a period—the uterine lining that built up during the previous cycle is shed.
⁣This is hormone-withdrawal bleeding, because progesterone levels drop when there is no fertilized egg, triggering the bleeding. ⁣ ⁣

For many women, hormonal changes manifest as symptoms such as cramps or general discomfort. Prostaglandins are usually responsible for severe cramps. They trigger muscle contractions and, when present in excess, can lead to more severe pain. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can also lead to an excess of prostaglandins.

The duration of bleeding can vary, but it is usually between 3 and 6 days. The intensity of the bleeding can vary. Heavy bleeding may be caused by PCOS, endometriosis, or a thyroid disorder. Spotting—that is, brownish discharge—is not considered part of your period.
Along with the uterine lining, approximately 50–100 ml of blood is expelled during these days.⁣

Menstrual health: What is normal?

⁣Every woman has her own unique menstrual cycle patterns, which is why the time until her next period can vary from woman to woman. Stress is certainly one of the biggest factors that can affect the cycle. Of course, an unhealthy diet, too little or too much physical activity or exertion, and psychological or emotional stress can also play a role.
OvulaRing can help you gain a better understanding of your cycle patterns.