5 Facts About Periods That You Should Be Aware Of

By Author: Monica Quinn
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Throughout your life, you may estimate to get your period roughly 450 times. Even if you know how your period usually goes, you may be curious about any variations that occur around that time of the month. Perhaps your cycle is unusually lengthy or short, irregular, or accompanied by side symptoms such as PMS, and you're wondering if this is a normal aspect of your cycle.

Maybe you've just noticed new symptoms, such as severe cramping or a thicker flow, and you're unsure if you should visit your doctor. The truth is that it's critical to pay attention to what's normal and what isn't during your cycle since alterations might disclose details about your general health. Here is a list of five facts about periods that you should be aware of.

1. Cramps that become more painful might be an indication of something serious
Many women experience cramping during their period, which is caused by uterine contractions that help shed the uterine lining. The pain caused by these contractions might range from minor discomfort to unbearable pain. If you don't normally have cramps or the discomfort isn't very bad—and then ...
... one month it feels like someone is twisting your uterus in a knot—this is a red flag.

When cramping appears out of nowhere or worsens, it might be a sign of a more serious problem, such as uterine fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. It might also be an indication of endometriosis, a condition in which tissue comparable to uterine tissue develops outside the uterus.

2. Even if you're on your period, you can become pregnant
This is a less remarkable fact, but one you should be aware of. Many people believe that if you have intercourse while on your period, you can't become pregnant. Although it is less probable that you would become pregnant while menstruation, it is not impossible. Because sperm may survive in the body for up to five or six days, you could get pregnant if you have a relatively short cycle, have intercourse at the end of your period, and ovulate shortly after your period ends.

3. Periods might be irregular or missing as a result of stress or disease
Stress is one of the reasons why periods might be irregular or missing from our list of menstruation facts. Any type of stress on the body, whether physical or emotional, can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance.

This might lead to a late or early period. Stressful life events, thyroid problems, diseases such as the flu, certain drugs, and changing birth control can all cause irregular or missing periods. But if you have skipped three or more periods in a row, it is better to contact a gynecologist to define the exact cause of missed periods.

4. Periods can be worse in winter
Because the days are shorter and darker, you don't get enough Vitamin D (from sunshine), which produces dopamine chemicals and reduces mood swings. As a result, you may feel more tense and irritable. Moreover, many people become less active and overeat during the winter, which makes period cramps more severe.

5. Not all menstrual cycles last 28 days
Several period myths claim that your period lasts 28 days. There are also several menstruation statistics available, each with a distinct cycle average. A woman's menstrual cycle, on the other hand, might last anywhere from 21 to 35 days, depending on her age and other health conditions.

The usual menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, however, a shorter or longer period does not always indicate a health problem. A cycle that differs from the typical 28 days is considered normal and healthy as long as it is regular and quite predictable.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)