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Have you ever been asked if “Aunt Flo” pay you a visit every month? Well, “Aunt Flo” is a euphemism for menstruation. “She” visits you periodically and stays for a few days.

WHAT IS MENSTRUATION?

Menstruation, or period is vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Each month, the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. The lining of the uterus thickens and the ovaries release an egg which can be fertilized by a sperm. However, if the egg isn’t fertilized, pregnancy won’t occur in that cycle. As a result, the body sheds the uterine lining, and period is passed out of the body through the vagina.

Here are some interesting facts about menstruation:

1. The average female will attain their first period (menarche) between ages 11 and 14, and will continue regularly until menopause, or around age 51.

2. You could have as little as 150 or as many as 450 periods in your lifetime. Every woman has a slightly different menstrual cycle length that can vary from every 21 to 35 days.

3. Your brain can be affected by your period. Ever wondered why you have episodes of brain fog and difficulty concentrating during the time of the month? Well, according to a research carried out at the University of Bath, the cognitive function and attention span may be affected due to period pain.

4. You bleed a lot less than you think. Although on bad days it feels like a gory horror movie in your underpants, you actually lose a few tablespoons to about one cup of blood per period. The rest of it is actually from the uterine lining, some blood vessels and mucus.

5. Some women pass blood clots during their periods. These clots are from uterine contractions and cramping that occurs frequently that the blood doesn’t have time to thin out before passing.

6. A missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. This is a misconception, although it is safe to take a pregnancy test to make sure. Other reasons include hormonal imbalances, stress or even body weight that could have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. Thus, in case you’re wondering why your period comes late during finals week when you’re caught up with revisions and assignments, stress could be the cause.

7. Water can temporarily stop your flow. Pressure from the water counteracts the gravity of blood exiting your lady parts. So, you don’t have to worry about stains when you go for a swim!

8. Despite its reputation as a female’s excuse for their cranky behaviour or chocolate cravings during their period, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is an authentic syndrome. Symptoms include breast tenderness, acne, bloating, weight gain, mood swings and food cravings that start a week or two before menstruation.

9. Spotting between periods is nothing unusual. Some people bleed a little a few days before a period. Women who take a daily birth control pill may also notice spotting if they skip a pill. Usually spotting resolves quickly once they take the missed pill. However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you never spot before and suddenly spotting.

10. Did you know, Walt Disney produced a movie in 1946, called “The Story of Menstruation” about period? Watch it here.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Check your health condition here.

References:

1. 20 Amazing Period Facts That Will Blow Your Mind | Betty

2. 25 Little Known Facts About Your Period | Thought Catalog

3. 15 Interesting Facts About Your Period | A. Vogel

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