Four words for four different period problems

Menstruation is normal vaginal bleeding, part of a monthly cycle. Each month
the body prepares for pregnancy; if pregnancy does not happen, the uterus
sheds its lining, and the blood and tissue leave through the vagina.

The menstrual cycle is that whole monthly process, counted **from the
first day of one period to the first day of the next**. Most cycles last about
28 days, and shorter or longer cycles can be perfectly normal.

The timeline

• Most girls start between 9 and 15, some earlier or later.
• A period usually lasts three to seven days, light or heavy.
• It may take a few years to become regular.
• Hormonal events change it — after childbirth, while breastfeeding.
• Periods continue until menopause, most often between 45 and 55.

What comes with it

Besides bleeding: cramping pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, lower back
pain, bloating, sore breasts, food cravings, mood swings or irritability,
headaches or fatigue.

Premenstrual syndrome is a group of physical and emotional symptoms in the
days before a period starts. Many women have some, and they usually go once
the period begins.

Pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear all manage the bleeding;
changing or cleaning them often is what keeps you comfortable.

The four named irregularities

Menstrual irregularities are changes in the usual cycle — missed periods,
irregular periods, heavy bleeding. Four have their own names, and the names
are not interchangeable:

Prolonged menstrual bleeding is a fifth: periods that regularly last
longer than 8 days.

Why tracking matters

Keep track of your period each month. It shows you your own usual cycle,
tells you when to expect the next one, and — the real point — **makes a change
visible**. Without a record, a cycle that has quietly drifted is hard to
notice.

Talk to your provider about major changes in your cycle, very heavy bleeding,
or severe pain. **These may be signs of other health problems that need
treatment**, which is the reason not to simply absorb them.

*Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, via
MedlinePlus.*