Menstrual Cycle Facts

Girls often ask about the menstrual cycle. They want to know what will happen when their period begins. This part of the Web site can help you talk about menstruation with your daughter.

Menstrual Regularity

In the beginning, menstrual periods are often not regular. After a few years they usually become regular. Some things that can make the menstruation cycle change include: stress, a lot of weight gain or loss, high levels of physical activity, travel, and some medicines.

Menstrual Cramps

During menstruation, the muscles of the uterus contract (tighten) to help the body get rid of the surface of the endometrium. This can be uncomfortable for some girls and women. This pain is often called cramps. Cramps can be made to feel better with moderate exercise, a warm bath, or a heating pad. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen will usually help. Menstrual cramps that are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a group of physical and emotional signs (symptoms) that some girls and women have before menstruation begins each month. Common symptoms include: tenderness of the breast, head aches, fatigue, bloating, weight gain, moodiness, sadness, being irritable and angry, and cravings for sweet and salty foods.

Exercise, good nutrition, and getting enough sleep can help some girls and women feel better.

Sanitary Pads

It is used to absorb the menstrual fluid as it leaves the body. Sanitary pads absorb the flow from outside the body and are worn inside the underwear. It is important to change pads several times a day. Tampons absorb the flow from inside the vagina, as it leaves the uterus. It is important to wear the lowest absorbency needed and change them regularly, at least every 4-6 hours.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

TSS is a rare condition caused by toxins released by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus that can be present in the vagina during menstrual cycles. Using tampons can increase the risk for TSS, especially if they are not changed every 4-6 hours. In addition, men and children and women who are not menstruating can also develop TSS because the bacteria can enter the body in different places. It is important to use the lowest absorbency tampon that is right for a female's flow. It is also important to change the tampon every 4-6 hours. Switching between using pads and tampons (for example, using a pad during the night) may also lower the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

To read more facts about the menstrual cycle, check out Menstrual Cycle Truths.

Last revised: May 28, 2008