Menstruation

Information:

• The average menstrual cycle lasts 23-35 days. Some women may not have a regular cycle.
• Most women have their period for about 6 days.
• Blood flow can vary. It is common to have heavy blood flow at the beginning of a period and lighter blood flow at the end. Blood flow may be heavy one period and light the next.
• Dark clots of blood can be normal, especially on days when you have cramping or heavy bleeding.
• Most women have some mild cramps, discomfort, or tiredness during their period.
• Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or headache, may be other symptoms.
• Childbirth may change your symptoms and often improve them.

Cramps:

Cramps are caused by contractions in your uterus as blood is pushed out. Pain killer can help. Hot water bath or placing a hot water bottle over your abdomen can relieve cramps. Sleep in the fetal position.

Period skip:

It could be due to diet, exercise, changes in weight (especially weight loss), stress, illness, or eating disorders. A missed period could be due to pregnancy as well.

Very frequent periods/ bleeding in between pregnancy:

• If you get your period every 2 or 3 weeks, it could be due to stress, exercise, or changes in your life.
• Some women bleed a little bit between cycles, called "spotting." Spotting may be caused by an infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease. Check with your doctor soon.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS):

• This starts around two weeks before period starts.
• Symptoms include mood swings, tender breasts, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen stomach, food cravings, acne, feeling tired, tense, irritable, or depressed.
• Can be taken care of by regular healthy diet, avoid salty foods, caffeine, or alcohol.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS):

• Caused by bacterial infection.
• Women who use high-absorbency tampons are especially at high-risk.
• Symptoms include vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, difficulty breathing, confusion, weakness, thirst, rapid pulse, less urination, strange or bad smelling discharge, and muscle aches. Within 24 hours, a blotchy, red rash may appear.
• TSS can also cause redness of the eyes, mouth, and vagina.
• You can reduce your risk of getting TSS by using both pads and tampons during your period. Change tampons as frequently as possible.
• If symptoms of TSS is seen, call doctor immediately.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha; Last updated: 23.11.06