What Really Happens on Your Period?
Let’s get into a topic that is flooded with misinformation, biases, and anecdotal “evidence” … the menstrual cycle. Something that we have known about since the dawn of time, yet there are so many discrepancies in what we believe to be true about them. It’s no secret that many women’s health related topics tend to go under-researched and under-valued in the medical community which can lead to a lot of confusion for the general public. That is why we are going to break down what’s really going on and how this impacts menstruaters:
What really goes on during my period?
When you menstruate, your body discards the monthly buildup of the lining of your uterus if the egg that had been released during ovulation is not fertilized by sperm. Menstrual blood and tissue flow from your uterus through the small opening in your cervix and pass out of your body through your vagina. This can last anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks. This is due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone that occurs when there is no pregnancy, telling your body to shed the uterine lining.
The menstrual cycle is the monthly hormonal cycle a female’s body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. Your menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your period up to the first day of your next period. Your hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) usually change throughout the menstrual cycle and can cause menstrual symptoms. The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but each woman is different. Also, a woman’s menstrual cycle length might be different from month-to-month. Your periods are still “regular” if they usually come every 24 to 38 days.3This means that the time from the first day of your last period up to the start of your next period is at least 24 days but not more than 38 days.
How do I know which symptoms I’m experiencing are menstruation related?
The best way to “manage” and keep track of your period is by tracking it. This is not just during your period, but the entirety of your menstrual cycle. If you track your mood, acne, sexual encounters, libido, discharge, and even your energy levels every day, you will have a much better sense of what is a regular pattern and what may be abnormal. This sounds like a lot, but could be an easy thing to do if you set a reminder to jot this down as you sit in bed. There are many great apps that are designed just for this. Tracking your menstruation is not just beneficial for those who are trying to conceive, but can be a great tool to use as soon as your very first period. Many people run to birth control as their first option for managing their cycle, but tracking can give you a better handle on what your body needs during each phase.
Is “Period Brain” real?
The idea that women can’t be logical or rational during certain times throughout their menstrual cycle is an idea brought on by misogyny rather than fact. According to researchers in Switzerland and Germany who collected data on 88 women, there is “no consistent association between women’s hormone levels, in particular, estrogen and progesterone, and attention, working memory, and cognitive bias.” The study included both healthy women and women with endocrine conditions, primarily endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The women were given a series of neuropsychological tests so researchers could assess their visual memory, attention, and executive functions. Two things set this study apart from others on the topic: the sample size was larger than usual and the women were followed through two consecutive menstrual cycles. Researchers found no replicable data from the first cycle to the second; meaning, there were no universal changes to women’s thinking because of hormonal changes. The reason so many false “facts” are out there about the menstrual cycle is due to a combination of the lack of research and the cultural bias that societies across the world have against women.
Can I work out on my period?
The physical and mental benefits of exercise don’t stop just because you have your period. In fact, sticking with a routine can actually help ease some of the common complaints that accompany menstruation. While it’s common to feel a bit low energy during this time due to the hormonal changes, that makes it even more crucial to try and stay active. Avoiding exercise isn’t going to save energy or make you feel better. Physical activity is actually proven to increase energy and can even help with common menstruation symptoms such as fatigue, cramping, and mood changes. While it is beneficial to stay active, also make sure to listen to your body. Maybe instead of doing that 5-mile run, you do a 5-mile walk.
Lastly, let’s talk PMS.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle, generally just before her menses. While PMS is common among menstruating people, it is not normal. We are not supposed to PMS, which is something not a lot of menstruating people are told about. While the cause is unknown, many researchers believe that it’s related to a change in both sex hormone and serotonin levels at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. This can be helped by tracking consistently, staying active, eating a well-balanced diet, and by speaking with a specialist or your primary care physician.
Risk factors for premenstrual syndrome include:
- a history of depression or mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or bipolar disorder
- a family history of PMS
- a family history of depression
- domestic violence
- substance abuse
- physical trauma
- emotional trauma
Periods are not taboo, gross, or TMI! The more we talk about these topics, the more answers we will all get about what is really going on with our bodies. This is the cycle that most women live their lives on, and therefore we should know what is going on and how to take care of our bodies while doing so. Happy bleeding!