What is a period?

Menstruation is the monthly process in which a girl or woman's body sheds the built up uterine lining because fertilization has not occurred.

During this process, blood, along with the thickened lining and an unfertilized egg, is released from the uterus and leaves the body.

The menstrual cycle , which lasts an average of 28 days, marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. This process can be accompanied by cramps, mood swings, and other symptoms such as fatigue, but it is a normal and healthy sign that the reproductive system is functioning properly.

Of course, it doesn't mean that you will suffer from everything or that you will realize that you suffer from it. It could be that your environment, for example your mother, does notice that you have more mood swings and that your hormones are starting to play up.

This process usually begins during puberty, often around the ages of 11 to 14, but it can also begin earlier or later.

Menstrual periods can also vary in length, usually between 3 and 7 days, and the amount of blood loss can vary from person to person.

What actually happens in your body when you have your period?

During your menstrual cycle, your body prepares for a possible pregnancy each month by maturing an egg in your ovaries. When the egg is mature, ovulation occurs and the egg travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.

At the same time, the uterine lining thickens, so that it is ready to receive a fertilized egg. It creates, as it were, a very nice bed for a fertilized egg to nestle.

But if fertilization does not occur, the body no longer needs this mucous membrane and the breakdown process begins. This broken down mucous membrane and the egg cell leave your body in the form of menstrual blood .

The hormones estrogen and progesterone play a major role in regulating this process. When these hormone levels drop, the uterus begins to contract to shed its lining, which can cause menstrual cramps .

Although menstruation is a natural and healthy process, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. In addition to cramps, you may experience bloating, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings , all of which are related to hormonal changes in your body.

These symptoms are completely normal, but if they are extremely severe it may be helpful to talk to a doctor.

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What should you do if you get your period at school?

If you get your period unexpectedly at school, don’t worry. You may have an emergency kit in your bag or locker. No? Most schools have pads or tampons that you can ask for. You can always go to a teacher or another school employee to ask for help. Many girls also like to ask their friends if they have any with them.

Period underwear can be a handy option, because it offers you protection all day long without having to change it, which is extra handy at school. Then you can go home after school and change your underwear there. So it is also nice to put on moodies underwear around the start of your period after a while, when your period is more regular. That way you are well prepared if your period starts at school. That saves a lot of hassle and stress.

  • Which day of menstruation is the heaviest?

    The first and second day of your period are usually the heaviest. During this time, your body loses the most blood, and this can be accompanied by more intense cramps and other symptoms such as fatigue and bloating.

    As your period progresses, the amount of blood and severity of symptoms usually decrease.

    It is useful to take extra precautions during these days, such as changing your sanitary towel or tampon more often, or opting for extra absorbent menstrual underwear that offers long-lasting protection.

  • Can you exercise when you have your period?

    Exercising during your period is not only possible, but can also have benefits. Physical activity, such as running, dancing or team sports, helps distract from menstrual cramps and improves your mood by releasing endorphins. It is important to ensure proper protection to prevent discomfort, such as leakage.

    Period underwear offers a reliable and comfortable solution because it stays in place and provides long-lasting protection, even during intense activities. It also prevents the discomfort of shifting sanitary towels or tampons, so you can fully concentrate on your workout.

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How can you tell when your first period is coming?

Your body often gives you various signals that your first period is coming. But these changes can be subtle.

One of the first signs is your breasts growing, which often starts a few years before your first period. You may also notice hair growth in your pubic area and armpits, which is a sign that your body is going through puberty. You may also notice discharge in your underwear; this is normal and can happen a few months before your first period.

Many girls also experience mild cramping in their lower abdomen or a feeling of bloating, similar to the cramps you may get later during your periods.

Mood swings, irritability, and fatigue are also signs that your body is going through hormonal changes, which are part of the preparation for your menstrual cycle. While these signs can help you prepare, it’s hard to predict exactly when your first period will start.

Some girls barely notice these changes, while others feel them very clearly. It can be useful to have an emergency kit with you in case your period starts unexpectedly.

More frequently asked questions

How do I make myself feel more comfortable during my period?

There are several things you can do to feel more comfortable during your period. Heat is a well-known and effective way to relieve menstrual cramps; a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen or back or a warm bath can help relax the muscles and ease the pain.

Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can also help reduce menstrual pain and improve your mood.

In addition, wearing comfortable period underwear can provide greater freedom of movement and less discomfort, as it does not slide or feel uncomfortable like some pads do. This type of underwear also provides long-lasting protection, which can give you more peace of mind during busy days.

How come my friends get their period earlier than me?

The fact that your friends got their period earlier than you has to do with the unique way that every body develops. The first period usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 14, but it can happen earlier or later. Genetics play a big role in when your body is ready to start menstruating. For example, girls whose mothers or sisters also got their periods later can often go through the same development. In addition to genetics, your diet and general health can also affect when your period starts.

Body fat and weight are other factors that come into play. The body needs a certain percentage of body fat to produce the hormones that make menstruation possible. Because of this, girls with a lower body weight may sometimes take a little longer to get their menstrual cycle going. It’s also important to remember that everyone has their own pace, and having a late period doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It’s perfectly normal for girls to have varying periods when they start, and the body will start on its own when it’s ready.

So if you look around and everyone is already on their period or the other way around and you are the only one on your period then there is nothing strange going on. It happens naturally and at some point you are really not the only one anymore. ;)

what do you notice about your period?

During your period, you will notice both physical and emotional changes in your body. The most obvious sign is of course the bleeding, which can range from light to heavy and can change from day to day. Your period usually starts with light bleeding, after which it can become more intense over the first few days. The color of the blood can also range from bright red to dark brown, depending on how long the blood has been in your uterus. Darker blood often appears towards the end of your period, while it is usually lighter in color at the beginning.

In addition to the bleeding, you may also experience other symptoms, such as menstrual cramps caused by uterine contractions. Some girls also experience bloating, tender breasts, or mood swings, which are related to hormonal fluctuations in your body. Fatigue is also a common symptom during menstruation, and some girls feel more irritable or emotional than usual. These symptoms, often referred to as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), can vary in severity from cycle to cycle.

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