The importance of period regularity

The period is also known as menstruation or the menstrual cycle, which refers to the monthly shedding of blood from the lining of the uterus if pregnancy does not occur. During the menstrual period, a woman will lose around 80 ml of blood and experience drops in hormones. The lining will thicken again with blood and tissue to prepare for the next pregnancy.

Most women have their period every month 28 days apart. Some women have their period at a shorter interval of 26 days, while others have a longer interval of 34 days. What is most important for a woman is that she has a regular period and it lasts for about 5 days. A woman should have about 13 menstrual cycles each year and up to 450 periods throughout her life. Only women who have menstrual periods can get pregnant naturally.

If a woman sheds little blood before her period, it could be a symptom of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). A further check can be done by looking at the discharge from the vagina to check for foul odors, yellowish-green color or if she experienced severe itching. If she suspects that she has it, she can see the doctor for treatment.

During pregnancy, a woman will stop menstruating. She will resume her period after giving birth to her baby. Other factors such as being underweight, overweight, illness, stress, or drug addiction will affect the regularity of a woman’s period and stop ovulation. Menopause is when a woman has not had a period for 1 year. Clinical tests may show that the ovaries no longer produce female hormones and are unable to produce an egg for reproduction.

See a doctor if the following occurs:
A sudden change in the regularity of the period.
heavy menstrual bleeding
Unable to start menstruating at age 16
missed period
Bleeding between periods or after intercourse