Menstruation: What To Expect

This video explains the process of menstruation, a physical change that occurs during puberty for individuals with a uterus. It covers the menstrual cycle, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and ways to manage menstrual cramps. The video emphasizes that menstruation is a normal part of puberty and varies from person to person.

"Okay, so let's see... We have a first aid kit, acne cream, hot water bottle, sleeping mask... um, ice cream and tuna cans, check. Uh, Jane, what's going on? Are you preparing yourself for the end of the world?" "What? No! I'm getting myself ready! You know, for that time of the month." One of the physical changes of puberty that a person with a uterus will experience is getting their period as part of what's called the menstrual cycle. This normally happens between the ages of 8 and 13, and for some people, even older. Everyone goes through puberty at the time that's right for their body. Once a person reaches puberty, those with a uterus prepare for the possibility of eventually making a baby. Once a month, one of your two ovaries releases a small egg or ovum into the fallopian tubes. The uterus then begins to grow an extra lining in case the egg becomes fertilized with sperm. When no sperm is there to meet the egg, the egg continues to travel down the fallopian tubes and signifies to the uterus that the person is not pregnant and the extra lining isn't necessary. The uterus then expels the lining, which looks like blood, through the vagina. This is called menstruation, or getting your period. Menstruation generally occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts from 2 to 7 days. When people first start menstruating, they may get them more or less frequently. Some people refer to their period in code, calling it "that time of the month," "code red," or "shark week." The menstrual fluid may be heavy, light, or somewhere in between. PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome and is the term used to describe the physical and emotional symptoms that many people experience 1 to 2 weeks before starting their period each month. During PMS, you might experience acne, bloating, feeling tired, backache, breast soreness, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, depression, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, trouble handling stress, or difficulty sleeping. Boy, that's a long list. But don't worry, not everyone experiences all of these and most of these symptoms usually disappear when your period begins. During their period, a person might experience menstrual cramps. They may start 1 to 2 days prior to your period and can last 2 to 4 days. Menstrual cramps are the result of uterine contractions when the uterus tightens and relaxes in order to release and shed its lining. These contractions can cause jabbing or cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen and lower back regions. Over-the-counter medicine and heating pads can reduce the discomfort caused by cramps. Always ask a parent or guardian before taking any medicine. While some people experience PMS and cramps, others do not. Either way is normal. Starting menstruation is a normal part of puberty and an important milestone in your transition to adulthood. Until next time, don't forget to visit me at omaze.org or go to my YouTube channel to watch more. Bye! www.omaze.org