Overview
Menstruation or the menstrual cycle is the shedding of the lining of the uterus. A woman’s body prepares itself to get pregnant. A woman’s ovaries will produce an egg monthly for fertilisation, and the thickening of the uterus lining occurs. The menstrual cycle of a woman will have the following phases.
- Menses phase
- Follicular phase
- Follicle-stimulating hormone
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase
The menses phase usually lasts for about one to five days. During this time, the shedding of the lining of the uterus occurs. This is because the body tends to eliminate unfertilised eggs. Most women bleed for about three to five days. However, the bleeding period can vary depending on the woman.
During the follicular phase, the female hormone— oestrogen rises. This will help the lining of the uterus to thicken and grow. Hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone help the ovaries to grow and mature. For an egg to fully develop and mature, it takes 10–14 days.
The ovulation process occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, there will be a sudden increase in the hormone luteinising hormone (LH), which causes the ovary to release an egg.
The luteal phase lasts for about 15–28 days. During this time, the eggs travel from the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The hormone level progesterone rises and prepares the uterus lining for pregnancy.
If the sperms fertilise the eggs, you will become pregnant. If the eggs do not fertilise, the level of the hormones drops, and you will menstruate.
Periods or menstrual cycle is a monthly cycle a woman undergoes. There are certain myths about the menstrual cycle, and even women believe those myths are true. However, there are many camps and public speaking forums to break the myths and educate people more about the menstrual cycle.
A misconception about women is their mood swings due to hormonal cycles. It may be partially true. However, a woman’s behaviour is not solely because of hormonal changes.
Another misconception about menses is that the blood a woman bleed is impure. The answer is no. Periods blood is as clean as the venous blood that passes through various parts of the body. The blood is harmless as long as you do not have any blood-borne disease.
Micro components of menstrual blood
The blood a woman menstruates will have the following components.
Blood
When a woman menstruates, she sheds blood. However, the spectrum of blood colour will vary. Deeps red and brown colour blood means that the blood has been oxidised, and it has taken a bit longer for the blood to leave the uterus.
The brighter red colour of the blood indicates that the blood is fresh. The colour of the blood does not indicate any health condition. However, if you feel you have an underlying health condition, consult your doctor.
Endometrial lining
The menses blood will have viscous lumps of uterine tissues. These tissues are unfertilised eggs. The sloughed tissues can be uncomfortable. However, these tissues are not considered unhealthy. The elimination of the tissue is considered healthy.
Secretions from the vagina and cervix
The secretions from the vagina and cervix will also be eliminated in the same direction as the blood. These secretions are made of water and electrolytes like potassium and sodium.
The mixture of water and electrolytes help keep the pH level low and prevents the bacteria from flourishing.
Bacteria
The vagina encompasses a wide range of bacteria which can be both bad and good. The moistness of the vagina makes it favourable for the bacteria to grow. The good bacteria present will clean up the mess, and if it does not, there are antibiotics available to treat infections.
Is menstrual blood harmful/toxic?
The menstrual blood is not toxic or harmful. According to experts, the menstrual cycle is considered as a normal physiological process. Additionally, it is a vital sign of good health.
Experts also state that when a woman does not menstruate regularly, it can signify that something is wrong. However, a woman can stop her periods temporarily with the help of medication.
Busting period myths
There are certain myths about periods, and people think they are true. Some of the common myths are
Myth 1 - Only women get periods
It is a myth that only women bleed. Not every woman bleed, and there are transgender men and nonbinary people who may bleed. Periods are not a woman's issue. It is a human issue and is common for both genders.
Myth 2 - Periods shameful
Periods are not shameful, dirty and gross. They are normal physiological processes every woman faces. There is nothing shameful in talking about it or saying you are on your periods.
Some women tend to state periods as “at that time of the month”. Instead, we can tell it directly that “I am on my menstrual cycle”. Change begins within.
Myth 3 - Period blood is dirty or impure blood
Periods blood is not blood that contains toxins. The menses blood will contain blood, uterine tissues, mucus lining and coagulating agents. The period blood is clean but different from the blood circulating throughout the body.
The blood that circulates throughout the body will be concentrated and will contain more blood cells.
Myth 4 - Hormones define a woman
It is common that people tend to accuse women’s behaviour of hormonal changes. Both men and women have hormones, and these changes are common for both genders.
When a woman bleeds during her menstrual cycle, hormonal changes occur, which is common. However, these changes will solely depend on every individual and are susceptible to change.
Myth 5 - Women are always on that time of the month
A women’s menstrual cycle is different from menstruation. When a woman bleeds, it is called menstruation, and the menstrual cycle is the entire time of one period starting to the next.
A normal menstrual cycle for a woman is 29-35 days. Travel, medications, weight fluctuations and emotions can affect a woman’s period. The menstrual cycle is different for each individual.
Myth 6 - During the periods, a woman should not exercise
Exercising depends on each individual, and if you feel like exercising, you can. Exercise need not be high-intensity. You can go for a half-an-hour walk and meditate. This will keep you calm and control your PMS symptoms.
Myth 7 - Women will not get pregnant during their period
The myth is not fully true. Some women have conceived during their periods. Ovulation and menstrual cycles are unpredictable.
If a woman has intercourse during the end of menstruation, there are chances that some of the sperm can fertilise the egg and lead to pregnancy.
Myth 8 - If you miss your period, you are pregnant
If you do not menstruate for a month, it does not mean that you are pregnant. This can be due to hormonal imbalances, unhealthy diet, stress, illness, polycystic ovarian syndrome and weight fluctuations. However, a pregnancy test will be required to confirm whether you are pregnant.
Conclusion
The menstrual cycle of a woman marks her reproductive years. However, we cannot say that the menstrual period will be the best part of a woman's life, but it's a key part. So do not try to hide it instead, educate each other with facts.
Even women are blindfolded with certain myths about periods. Education about menses and self-hygiene is important for a woman to be healthy.
FAQs
Are there toxins in period blood?
What is menstrual blood made of?
1. Blood
2. Vaginal fluid and
3. Cells
4. Fluid of the late secretory phase of the uterine endometrial lining
