Menstruation and Menopause

A

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation (periods) in individuals who typically menstruate. It can be classified as primary (when menstruation never starts) or secondary (when menstruation stops for three or more consecutive months in someone who previously had regular periods).

C

Concealed Ovulation

Concealed ovulation refers to the biological trait where females show no obvious external signs when they are most fertile during their menstrual cycle, making it difficult for others to detect when ovulation occurs. This is a characteristic shared by humans and some other primates, in contrast to many other mammals who display clear physical or behavioral signs during their fertile period.

F

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is the first part of the menstrual cycle, beginning on the first day of menstruation and ending with ovulation. During this phase, follicles in the ovary mature, and estrogen levels rise, preparing the body for potential pregnancy. This phase typically lasts about 14 days but can vary from person to person.

L

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase is a crucial stage of the menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation and before the next menstrual period. It typically lasts about 12 to 14 days and is characterized by the production of progesterone from the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured follicle that released the egg during ovulation.

M

Menarche

Menarche is the term used to describe a person's first menstrual period. It's a significant milestone in female puberty, marking the beginning of reproductive capability. Typically occurring between the ages of 10 and 15, menarche signals that the body has started releasing eggs and is physically capable of becoming pregnant.

Menopause

Menopause is the natural biological process that marks the permanent end of menstruation and fertility in women, typically occurring in their late 40s or early 50s. It is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. During this transition, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms.

Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is the monthly hormonal sequence that prepares the body of a person with a uterus and ovaries for a possible pregnancy. It runs from the first day of one period to the day before the next, lasts roughly 21 to 35 days, and is driven by a coordinated rise and fall of estrogen, progesterone, and two pituitary hormones. Across each cycle the ovaries mature and release an egg while the uterine lining thickens to receive a fertilized one; if no pregnancy occurs, the lining sheds as a period and the sequence begins again. Understanding the phases, the hormones behind them, and what is normal for your own body helps with tracking fertility, anticipating symptoms and mood shifts, and recognizing when something is worth a clinician's attention. This article is general education, not medical advice.

Menstrual Hygiene Products

Menstrual hygiene products are items designed to absorb or collect menstrual flow during a person's period. These products are essential for maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and health during menstruation. They come in various forms to suit different preferences, body types, and flow intensities.

Menstruation

Menstruation, commonly known as a period, refers to the monthly shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) in people who menstruate, resulting in bleeding from the vagina. It is a natural biological process that occurs as part of the menstrual cycle when pregnancy does not occur.

P

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause in a woman's reproductive life. It typically begins in a woman's 40s but can start as early as the mid-30s or as late as the 50s. During this time, the body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and emotional changes. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years, ending when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, which marks the onset of menopause.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their menstrual period. These symptoms typically begin 5-11 days before menstruation and usually subside once menstruation starts. PMS can affect women of any age who menstruate, but it's most common in women in their late 20s to early 40s.

V

Vasomotor Symptoms

Vasomotor symptoms are physical reactions typically associated with menopause and perimenopause. They primarily include hot flashes and night sweats, which are sudden feelings of heat in the upper body, often accompanied by flushing, sweating, and sometimes chills. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes that affect the body's temperature regulation system.