Dealing with menstruation is hard enough, and to add a lack of information is like adding salt to a wound. A poor understanding of menstruation leads to unhygienic practices and can cause poor menstrual and reproductive health.
Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding period and menstrual health.
How Many Days Of Heavy Bleeding Are Usual During Menstruation?
It is normal to bleed anywhere between 2-8 days following a tapering (decreasing) pattern during the period. However, consult a doctor if the bleeding does not reduce (is still heavy flow) even after your fourth day. It is typical for your period to slightly vary every cycle. Our everyday activities, lifestyle, stress situations play an important role in determining the same.
Also, for the first few years after menarche, you may experience unpredictable bleeding patterns as the body takes time to regularise the process of ovulation. As stated in Ep1 – Normalising Periods, it takes 7-10 menstrual cycles before the body clocks it for you.
Why Are My Periods Painful?
During your period, the muscles of the uterus contract to squeeze (shed) the membrane, along with blood, out of the body. This is why many menstruators experience pain in the abdomen and lower body during their periods. Thankfully, this usually reduces with time.
What Is The Typical Duration For A Menstrual Cycle To Reoccur? Or How To Calculate My Next Period?
As a menstrual educator, my advice is to ditch the conventional monthly tracking of periods and systematically count the day-lapse between each cycle. A typical menstrual cycle for an average adult menstruator may reoccur anywhere between 21-35 days. Menstruators in their teens who are still getting accustomed to a regular cycle can expect this to be in the range of 21-45 days as the body is still getting used to the ovulation patterns.
Similarly, for menstruators approaching menopausal age, this range can be between 21-45 days. We must act with prudence by marking the first day of our period on a calendar or an app (whatever is your comfort area) and track it for a minimum of six months. Calculate the average number of days it takes for the reoccurrence of your menstrual cycle and once you have that number, your cycle will never be a terrifying maze again.
Can I Shower/Take A Bath During my Period? Does That Affect My Blood Flow?
Definitely, beyond any doubt, you can. On the contrary, you should take a bath during their periods. Certain studies also state that a warm bath helps menstruators find some relief from cramps. Practicing hygiene and cleanliness during periods is a requisite to healthy periods. Keep yourselves clean and fresh, and take lots of rest.
Why Do I Get An Acne Breakout During My Period?
While on periods, acne is a typical example of PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome). A large section of menstruators is affected by PMS. Experts suggest that changes in progesterone and estrogen levels before the start of the period are the cause of PMS. They are a pattern of behavioral, physical and emotional symptoms that usually begin a few days before your period. these might include irritability, mood swings, acne, tender breasts, pain in the calves, bloated stomach, etc.
Developing acne is also a part of PMS if they appear with the onset of the period. The symptoms of PMS usually disappear in 3-4 days of the menstrual cycle. They are generally mild to moderate and easily treatable through home remedies and lifestyle changes. However, if the symptoms start interfering with everyday life, it’s time to see a doctor to manage the same.
Stay safe and have a happy period.