Menstruation period For every woman, this is a time of restrictions, often accompanied by pain and malaise. But at the same time, this is a very complex internal process, the importance of which is difficult to deny. Surprisingly, most women and girls have insufficient or even incorrect information about menstruation, which often makes them worry for no reason or, conversely, brush off the signs serious problems. Let's try to figure out together what is really important and what should not be paid attention to in this delicate issue.

At what age does menstruation begin?

Usually, menstruation (periods) begins V adolescence, in the period from 11 to 15 years. The age of puberty is very individual and depends on many factors:

1. First of all, it is heredity. Typically, a girl's period begins at the same age as her mother, aunt or grandmother.

2. General condition body - lack of nutrition (diet), some diseases or difficult life circumstances can delay the onset of menstruation.

3. Acceleration, on the contrary, is responsible for early puberty, and is not a deviation.

If the girl is already 17-18 years old, and menstruation has not yet begun, then it is recommended to conduct a serious examination of her body to identify the causes of these deviations.

Menstrual cycle.

Irregularity is often a cause for concern. menstrual cycle. First of all, it should be clarified that the menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next. In girls and young girls, the period of menstruation is not established immediately; this process usually takes about a year. And only a small part of the girls, 30 percent of the total, note that their periods became regular almost immediately.

The number of days in the menstrual cycle is also individual. It is considered normal if it is no less than 21 and no more than 35 days. A 28-day cycle is accepted as ideal, but most likely because the number of days it coincides with lunar cycle, because practical benefit this is not enough. Stress, illness, hypothermia, even the environment can affect the regularity of menstruation (that is, the number of days in the menstrual cycle). This amount may also vary, but the difference should not exceed 10 days.

If the delay is more than 10 days or the duration of the menstrual cycle does not correspond to the given figures, it is necessary to be examined by a gynecologist, since similar symptoms are possible with dysfunction (impaired functions) of the ovaries.

It is very useful (and even necessary) to keep a special calendar to mark the days of menstruation. It is easy to determine the duration of menstruation and the regularity of the menstrual cycle. The entries will help you calculate the most favorable days for conception or, conversely, determine the days when pregnancy is less likely. This calendar may also be very useful to your doctor when making a diagnosis.

Duration of menstruation.

Normal duration menstruation is considered a period from 3 to 7 days. Both the duration and the course are all very individual, but, as a rule, in the last 2-4 days the intensity of the discharge drops and turns into a “daub”.

However, if the discharge is unusually heavy and lasts longer normal deadline, you need to consult a gynecologist to determine the causes of the problem.

The effect of contraception on menstruation.

With an intrauterine device, heavy and even painful periods are the norm. But the IUD does not affect the duration of menstruation in any way.

If menstruation lasts longer than 7 days, it is better to consult a doctor.

Hormonal contraceptives or oral contraceptives, on the contrary, reduce the duration and abundance of discharge.

Menstrual blood.

Blood loss during menstruation is natural and intended by nature. During one menstruation, a woman loses no more than 250 g (20-50 g per day). This volume is easily replenished without damage to the body. Menstrual blood, “processed” by enzymes, is light and has specific smell and not so thick compared to regular blood.

Sometimes present in menstrual blood dark clumps. This means that with heavy discharge, the enzymes could not cope with the volume of blood, it accumulated in the vagina and, coagulating, formed clots.

When using intrauterine devices Clots in menstrual blood are normal. These are particles of a fertilized egg carried out menstrual blood from the uterus.

Often at the beginning and in the last days of menstruation, it is not blood that is released, but a certain bloody substance, the so-called “daub.” If this lasts no more than two days, then you should not worry. But if longer, then this may be a sign of gynecological diseases and you should definitely undergo an examination by a gynecologist.

Pain during menstruation.

Painful sensations during menstruation often become a real problem for women. Changes in hormonal levels, inevitable during this period, affect all organs and systems of the body: the mammary glands become denser and become painful, a feeling of fullness appears in the lower abdomen, lower back aches, headache, nausea, weakness, some have short-term diarrhea, others have a fever. All symptoms are individual and physiological point eyesight are not dangerous. They usually go away 1-2 days after the onset of menstruation.

However, if a woman experiences discomfort during menstruation very seriously and it affects her ability to work, she should visit a doctor.

Intimate life during menstruation.

It has already been noted above that hormonal background during menstruation has a rather serious effect on the entire body of a woman. If someone experiences weakness or lightheadedness, others, on the contrary, feel uplifted. general tone and promotion sexual desire. So is sexual activity acceptable during this period?

There is also an opinion that sex during menstruation guarantees that pregnancy will not occur. Are those who think so right?

First, those who do not interrupt sex life during menstruation, take a serious risk. The likelihood of infection in the uterus, the cervix of which is open during menstruation, increases significantly. Especially if a condom is not used. And as for the impossibility get pregnant during menstruation, then the statistics say the opposite.

Try to avoid situations where you are putting your health at risk unjustified risk, remember that it is easy to lose it, but sometimes it is impossible to restore it.

However, if you are still inclined to take risks, do not forget about the rules of hygiene during menstruation and do not neglect condoms.

Menstruation cycle – physiological changes in the body of a woman, the duration of which is usually considered from the day the bleeding begins and the beginning of the next. Their regularity is responsible for the ability to fertilize.

Duration of the menstrual cycle

The duration of the cycle depends on the characteristics of the body and its duration is purely individual. It can change throughout life.

Normal monthly cycle lasts 28 days, but can reach 35 days. The menstruation period itself lasts 5 days. Sometimes there is a delay. It is believed that such a lack of bleeding in women for up to 10 days is not a pathology and does not require drug treatment. But if the delay in menstruation exceeds this indicator, and the pregnancy test is negative, you should consult a gynecologist. He will not only conduct an examination and find out the reason for the absence of menstruation, but will also tell you how to correctly calculate your menstrual cycle, why it can change and what its average duration is.

What factor influences the duration?

If the menstrual cycle has increased or, conversely, the time interval between bleeding has decreased, this may be due to some kind of infection in the genitals or pathology. Also, how long the cycle lasts can be influenced by the following factors:

1. Diabetes;
2. Pelvic infections;
3. Diseases of various etiologies;
4. Obesity or underweight (with anorexia, periods disappear altogether);
5. Inflammation of the appendages;
6. Long transfers and travel;
7. Constant stress, hysteria and nervousness;
8. Changing of the climate.

As you can see, when a woman’s menstrual cycle begins and how many days it lasts is greatly influenced by external factors and the way of life itself. Thus, during physical and psychological stress, poor ecology, and unusual climate, secretions may be retained. Don't immediately panic and run to the doctor. Try to eliminate the influence factor, for example, relax, take sedatives or wait for acclimatization.

This is important to know! If the factors influencing the duration have not been identified, and little or a lot of time passes between menstruation, or unusual painful sensations appear in the pelvis, you should consult a gynecologist!

Phases of the monthly cycle

All women normal cycle has several phases that differ in duration. During each of them, certain changes occur in the ovaries and endometrium.

The following phases are distinguished:

1. Follicular. The normal duration is 14-16 days. In some cases it can reach three weeks. During this period, the growth and maturation of follicles occurs, which is controlled by FSH. When one of the follicles becomes dominant (its size reaches 14 mm), the remaining eggs undergo regression and are slowly destroyed. It is believed that it is in this phase that the dead endometrium is removed, which leaves the uterus in the form of spotting. After the end of menstruation, the development of a new layer begins and already before ovulation, the endometrium is able to accept a mature egg;
2. Ovulatory. When the follicle has become dominant, its size continues to increase. Soon he becomes ready and his gradual rupture begins. In this case, the mature egg moves into fallopian tube, and luteinizing hormone increases. Then there are two options:

• Direct fertilization of an egg by a sperm. Pregnancy. No bleeding;
• Conception has not taken place and the unfertilized egg dies;

1. Luteal (phase corpus luteum) . The normal duration is 12-16 days. After the rupture of the mature follicle, its cells increase the amount of lipids and luteal pigment. During this period, it becomes yellow and develops into a corpus luteum, which prepares the uterus for conception, pregnancy and gestation. If fertilization does not take place, the cells of the corpus luteum are destroyed and endometrial swelling occurs. Soon it leaves the uterus in the form of bloody discharge.

How to calculate the duration of the menstrual cycle?

As mentioned earlier, cycle length is the amount of time between the start of your period and the first day of your next period. uterine bleeding among women. Simply put, how many days pass between two periods.

Calculating how long a cycle lasts is not difficult. For example, if a woman had her last period on August 28, and her next period began on September 26, then the length of her cycle is considered 30 days and is normal. In this example, 08/28 is the first day, and 09/25 is the last, since the countdown has already begun on 09/26 next period menstruation

It must be remembered that the length of the cycle is not affected by how long they themselves last. bloody issues(3, 5 or 7 days). The main thing is to remember the day they started.

Determining cycle duration based on symptoms

Most women determine the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle, paying attention to changes in the body, well-being and discharge. For example, based on these symptoms, you can easily recognize:

1. Changes in the amount and nature of discharge (can be copious and stringy);
2. Increased sexual desire.

It will also not be difficult to determine the end of the monthly cycle, which is expressed in premenstrual syndrome. Signs of approaching menstruation begin about a week before the end of the cycle and are clearly felt:

1. Swelling of the mammary glands, increased breast sensitivity. Sometimes the appearance of pain, a feeling of “fullness”;
2. Emotionality, mood swings, tearfulness;
3. The appearance of pimples and blackheads on the face and back;
4. Bloating, swelling;
5. Headache;
6. Feeling tired.

Possible violations

The length of the menstrual cycle varies throughout life. After childbirth, it becomes unstable, “jumps” of menstruation appear, and during breastfeeding it is completely absent. The cause of this disorder is the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the production of breast milk. After stopping breastfeeding, the cycle is gradually restored. This process is not a pathology and does not require any intervention.

How long a woman's cycle lasts and its course is affected by many diseases. It can be:

1. Endometriosis. The presence of inflammatory processes in endometrial tissue;
2. Algomenorrhea. During bleeding, it contributes to the appearance of pain of varying intensity. Sometimes causes vomiting;
3. Tumor, uterine fibroids;
4. Polycystic;
5. Dysmenorrhea. Manifests itself in the form of the onset of menstruation before or after the due date;
6. Inflammation of the ovaries;
7. Oligomenorrhea. Bloody discharge is scanty and rarely occurs;
8. Amenorrhea. No periods for more than 6 months. Possible development of infertility.

Treatment of cycle irregularities

First of all, the gynecologist conducts an examination and is interested in the length of the previous menstrual cycle, the presence painful sensations, heavy discharge, diseases, including chronic ones. Important role plays the trick medicines. Some of them greatly affect women's health and contribute to the appearance of changes in the pelvic organs.

To accurately identify the cause of the violation and diagnose correct diagnosis the patient may be assigned a number of tests (ultrasound of the pelvis, smear, blood, etc.). The results obtained make it possible to choose The right way treatment.

Often the doctor prescribes hormonal treatment and prescribes appropriate medications. They correct hormone imbalances, restore their normal balance and regulate the onset of menstruation.

If a violation of the menstrual cycle is caused by any disease, you must be under the supervision of a specialist. This will help avoid the development of serious complications.

The normal menstrual cycle is the main indicator women's health. If it is violated, women experience heavy or very scanty bleeding. In this way, the body gives a signal about the disease, to which it is necessary to respond and visit a doctor.

How many days between periods should be normal?

Menstrual bleeding begins in the fair sex in early youth and accompanies them until almost 50 years of age (and for some this process lasts even longer). The monthly cycle (after the first 2-3 years after appearance) becomes stable. woman calculates approximate dates the onset of the next menstruation, and when there are delays or menstruation comes earlier than she expected, she begins to worry.

Each of us has our own norm for the interval between menstruation. Let's look at when you shouldn't worry about minor deviations, and when you need to see a doctor.

1. How is the cycle between menstruation calculated?
2. How many days between periods is normal?
3. How many days are there between ovulation and the start of your next period?
4. Small cycle between periods
5. Long break between periods
6. Bleeding between cycles: what to do?

How to correctly count the cycle between menstruation

Sometimes young girls, due to inexperience, count the time of the expected onset of menstruation according to a certain calendar date. For example, in September the “red days of the calendar” came on the 2nd - and they wait for them on the 2nd in October and get scared if this does not happen.

In fact, each new monthly cycle begins on the first day of spotting. The break between this first day and the first day of the next menstruation is the length of the cycle. This interval is different for everyone. It may be equal to:

• 24 days;
• 28 days;
• 31 days.

All these are variants of the norm. You can find out which cycle between periods is considered normal by looking at a medical school textbook. If the interval between the first days of your cycles is from 21 to 35 days, and this always happens with slight deviations, everything is in order. But it also happens differently. Knowing how to calculate the cycle correctly, you can determine whether there is a reproductive system failures. You should count every month, for which you need to get yourself a pocket calendar and mark the first day of the appearance of spotting there.

What should the cycle be like between periods?

How many days should pass between periods? There is no clear answer to this question. Reason: every woman’s body works in its own way, so everyone’s cycle lasts differently.

On average, it is believed that the duration of one cycle is 28 days. This is exactly what birth control pills do to create an “artificial cycle.” hormonal pills. However, in life everything is far from being so ideal. Gynecologists accept cycles with intervals of 21 (the shortest) to 35 (the longest) days as normal. These intervals allow the reproductive system to carry out the entire process of preparation for conception and implantation of the embryo without disruption. During this period, the woman’s body manages to:

• “grow” a dominant follicle;
• rupture it and release the mature egg;
• prepare a “lush” layer of endometrium in the uterus;
• to support pregnancy.

If significantly more or less time passes, and the break becomes shorter or longer, it means that some processes are going wrong. The cycle should be such that the numbers from 21 to 35 days are observed. Of course, one-time failures are possible - doctors in such cases attribute violations to:

• ARVI;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• change in climatic conditions;
• stress.

But if the failure recurs, be sure to go to the antenatal clinic. It is necessary to be examined.

When does ovulation occur after menstruation?

The length of the cycle depends on whether (or whether) it occurs at all. Normally, most often 14 days after the egg leaves the dominant follicle in abdominal cavity, menstruation begins. There should be 14 days between ovulation and menstruation. Normally, minor deviations are possible within 1-2 days.

If you have a normal cycle of 28 days, but for some reason earlier - on the 11-12th day, your period will come on the 25-26th day of the cycle. This happens after successful treatment diseases when the body recovers well and quickly. Another reason is a long vacation in a warm climate, at sea or mineral springs. Menstruation occurs a little earlier than usual - there is no need to be afraid of this, unless it comes before 21 days.

The second half of the cycle lasts two weeks, but the first can take longer - for example, this month you have suffered serious stress. The egg matures slowly, the menstruation “collects” only on the 31st-31st day. All these are variants of the norm.

Perhaps your cycle is always 21 days. A short cycle is typical for young girls. The main thing is to make sure that it is regular. A month is also good if this always happens. The cycle lengthens slightly in adult women with established menstruation. Closer to menopause, the cycle can lengthen to 40-48 days.

Can ovulation occur immediately after menstruation?

Immediately after the completion of the previous cycle, ovulation cannot occur. After all, the body needs to do hard work to prepare for pregnancy. It takes several days before the new dominant follicle matures.

That is why the first 8-10 days after the start of menstruation are conventionally considered safe days regarding conception. Based on this calendar method protection from pregnancy.

However, one can predict how it will behave female body with a change in lifestyle and other circumstances, it is impossible. Therefore, theoretically, there are cases when conception can occur on the 7-8th day of the cycle - if it suddenly has time to mature during this time. Then there would be a very short break - less than 21 days.

Regarding fertilization, you need to know the fact that sperm can live in a woman’s genitals for up to 7 days after intercourse. That is, conception immediately after menstruation is possible, and the days that are called safe in the ovulation calculator are conditionally safe.

Malfunctions in the reproductive system occur due to various reasons. Between the first and second menstruation, a minimal break is possible in adolescence and during menopausal changes. Premenopause is characterized by an increase in the period between menstruation.

If the amount is produced, then the egg may not mature at all - the cycle will be shortened. Reduced follicular phase(the first half of the cycle, when the eggs in the follicles mature). Normally it lasts a little less than 2 weeks. In this case, the interval between the beginning of menstruation and the starting point of the secretory phase will be less than 7 days. The shortest normal cycle is 21 days. If it is shorter, you may have . This can be diagnosed with an ultrasound, but you will need to go through it several times.

Now we know what the break between periods should be - average and shortest. And what can be the longest - but at the same time the reproductive system works normally?

Longest cycle between periods

If your cycle is more than 28 but less than 36 days, don’t worry, everything is fine. A long cycle between periods only means that the first half of the cycle (follicular) is long. Given your hormonal background, the body needs more time to mature the oocyte.

The normal interval between menstruation is up to 35 days. If it is more, this allows one to suspect a violation: the production of hormones is not happening correctly. The cycle lengthens after 45 years, as the process of maturation of the egg undergoes changes.

In women of average reproductive age Oligomenorrhea may occur - a condition when the period between menstruation reaches 40 days or more. This condition requires treatment: the function of the ovaries is impaired, they may be exhausted. Often, oligomenorrhea is accompanied by acne rashes on the face, back, an increase in the hormone testosterone, under the influence of which ovulation is suppressed. The periods themselves are scanty.

Disturbances in the production of hormones by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, incorrect operation- all this can lead to a lengthening of the cycle. If you - it is necessary to conduct an examination, and in case of violations - treatment.

Bloody discharge between periods

Sometimes observed bleeding between menstruation, the causes of which are very different. The main thing to remember is that spotting, even if they go without pain and are not plentiful, is always a reason to see a doctor.

The duration of menstruation, how should it be counted and how to understand what the length of the cycle is? Gynecologists always ask their patients about this topic during their first visit if there are any complaints. Knowing the normal duration of menstruation, we can assume that a woman has gynecological disease, iron deficiency anemia.

If all is well, menstruation lasts no more than 7 days, on average 5-6. This is how long menstruation is normal for women. Wherein copious discharge go 1-3 days, and the rest of the time moderate and daub. Also a variant of the norm is spotting 1-2 days before the onset of heavy bleeding. Some women complain that the duration of their periods has changed, they have become a little longer or, conversely, shorter, but everything is within the normal range. Doctors reassure such patients by the fact that there are many factors that determine the duration of menstruation in women. This and psychological condition, and physical, and the intake of various herbs and medications. Some metamorphoses can occur during certain life periods. For example, the length of the menstrual cycle often shortens or lengthens after childbirth, and periods may become less regular. The second feature is often explained by anovulatory cycles, which often occur in women who regularly breastfeed their children in the first 6 months after their birth.

Often average duration changes after menstruation diagnostic cleanings uterus, abortion. If menstruation becomes very scanty or disappears altogether, doctors may assume inflammatory process in the uterus, which led to the formation of intrauterine synechiae, and as a result the disappearance of menstruation. A presumptive diagnosis is made by ultrasound. Confirmation and treatment are carried out during hysteroscopy, when the adhesions are cut.

How to calculate the duration of your menstrual cycle yourself? It's very simple. The first day is the day of the beginning of menstruation, and the last, respectively, is the last “clean” day. It happens that a woman begins to have a slight spotting before menstruation. Most gynecologists tend to attribute it to last day cycle, not the first. That is, this is not menstruation yet, not a new cycle.

Typically the cycle is 28-35 days. Although it may be shorter, but not less than 21 days, or longer. If your cycle “jumps”, sometimes 28, sometimes 30 days, then this is not scary and not a reason to see a doctor. A clear cycle, when menstruation begins literally hourly, can only be achieved by taking oral contraceptives. Well, those planning a pregnancy definitely don’t need this. Small changes in the cycle will not have an impact on their fertility. Such changes are not a symptom of ovulatory disorders.

One of the most painful issues is the duration of menstruation during menopause, that is, during perimenopause. During this period of a woman’s life, her menstruation may disappear for several months and appear in the form heavy bleeding. Often in these cases, doctors clean the uterus to take samples of endometrial tissue for histology and at the same time stop the bleeding. If atypia is not found, they may be prescribed hormonal drugs, which should lead to the disappearance of dysfunctional bleeding.

The beginning of menstruation is an important stage in a girl’s life, because the appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina indicates the successful course of the process of puberty, and therefore is a sure sign of the imminent entry into puberty. adult life. However, it is impossible to establish the duration of menstruation, focusing on the very first menstruation, because the process of puberty is often accompanied by disturbances in hormonal background and malfunctions of the body's reproductive system. The average can be determined only a year after the arrival of the first menstruation.

The length of a woman's period depends on many factors. The most common are heredity, structural features of the uterus, the condition of the central nervous system and blood clotting.

Moderate bleeding is considered normal, lasting from 3 to 7 days. It is worth noting that normally, menstruation should not cause a woman discomfort and pain or interfere with her lifestyle. familiar image life and going about daily activities. If the duration of menstruation exceeds seven days or is less than two days, and bloody discharge from the vagina is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, severe pain in the lower abdomen and others unpleasant symptoms, the woman should sound the alarm and urgently go to the gynecologist. Such phenomena, unusual for the normal course of menstruation, may indicate a menstrual cycle disorder, hormonal imbalance, or even serious illness genital system.

A reduction or, conversely, an increase in the duration of menstruation may also be a consequence of following a strict diet, taking certain oral contraceptives or as a result of insomnia, stress, prolonged depression. In these cases, in addition to consulting a doctor, a woman should eliminate from her life all factors that negatively affect menstruation - start eating well, consult a gynecologist about the change contraception, try to distract yourself from problems and think about the state of your health.

Some women worry about long periods that start immediately after giving birth. In fact, this is nothing at all, and lochia is postpartum spotting that has nothing to do with menstruation. The fact is that after the birth of a child, the area of ​​the uterus to which the placenta was attached bleeds. The discharge, which women mistake for menstruation, does not stop until the wound has completely healed, and this process can last from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the individual characteristics the mother's body.

Bleeding that occurs after an abortion has nothing to do with menstruation, because it is also caused by injury inner surface uterus.

If you notice a significant reduction or increase in the duration of your periods, be sure to consult a specialist to identify the reasons for the changes that have occurred. Failure to consult a doctor in a timely manner can cause the development of irreversible consequences in the body and even the inability to conceive and bear a child normally.