Nine Things You Did Not Know About Menstruation

Basic facts on Menstruation

1. It occurs monthly throughout the reproductive life of females, except in pregnancy.
2. The menstrual cycle begins with the onset of bleeding on the first day. The first day is “Day 1,” which marks the start of the menstrual cycle and lasts until the next menstrual period.
3. Menstrual cycles range from 24 to 38 days.
4. Only 15% of women have a 28-day menstrual cycle. Also, at least 20% of people have irregular periods. 
5. The menstrual cycle is influenced and regulated by hormonal factors; the hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle are luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.
6. Unlike blood from an injury, menstrual blood does not clot until and unless heavy bleeding occurs.

Nine Fast Facts on Menstruation

1. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India introduced a scheme in 2011 in 17 states where a pack of six sanitary napkins called “Free Days” will be distributed for six rupees through ASHA (an accredited social health activist).
2. The scheme also creates awareness programmes about menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls to increase the use of high-quality sanitary napkins and ensure the correct disposal of used sanitary napkins in an environmentally friendly manner 
3. In a lifetime, a woman menstruates for seven years.
4. The first period is a unique event in a young girl’s life and is perceived as a celebration of the next step in her lifetime. Correctly educating them builds their confidence. Complete support should be provided to ensure this transition, as it will affect the overall health of the young girls.
5. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) has specific problems due to inadequate washroom facilities, unsafe places to use during menstruation, insufficient water supply, insufficient menstrual supplies, and negative surrounding influences or effects on females, such as teasing by peers and men.
6. Menstrual cups are being used worldwide but are less popular in developing countries. Menstrual cups can hold 10 to 38 ml of blood and need to be changed every 4–12 hours, depending on the flow and type of menstrual cup. The menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina to collect blood.
7. Menstrual cups are made up of medical-grade silicone, rubber, and latex; they usually last up to 10 years. Disposable menstrual cups, which are for one-time use, are also available. Studies have shown no harm from using menstrual cups. 
8. Globally, 2.3 billion women do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities. And, in less developed nations, only 27% of the population has access to basic facilities like hand washing with running water and soap. 
9. In India, menstruation is associated with menstrual stigma. Menstruating women are considered impure during this period; hence, restricted mobility, restricted daily activities, etc., are observed by family and neighbourhood people. Restrictions have a negative influence on the overall health and safety of women. Such stigma should be dealt with for a safe and happy life for women.

Conclusion

Menstruation has a huge significance in women’s lives. Scientifically, menstruation cleans the body from infectious agents and conserves energy. In the absence of menstruation, these two important activities are not carried out. So, it is a clear protective mechanism for women’s health. With respect to restrictions imposed on women, one interesting fact as per alternative medicine (Ayurveda) is that simple satvik food is best for menstruating women. The goal of the restriction is to protect women’s health during these times. Although the stigma attached to menstruation in some areas is present, other areas of life have a sensible meaning, too, like food restrictions or eating the right type of food. Avail teleconsultation from our expert doctors on our online pharmacy when you order for medicines, or you can also download our Truemeds app to do the same. Get branded as well as generic medicines by uploading your prescription on Truemeds. When placing an order for medicines online, you may save more money by selecting alternative or generic medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. And also, save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery pan India.

Disclaimer – Truemeds’ sole intention is to ensure that customers have access to information that is accurate & trustworthy. However, the information here should not be used directly, and it cannot act as a substitute for the advice of a doctor. The information provided is only to stay informed. The information on side effects, drug interactions or warnings, and alerts are not exhaustive. Please consult your doctor for the right advice on diseases & medication information.

References

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29530426/
• https://indiafacts.org/hindu-view-menstruation-vi-menstruation-restrictions-attitudes/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7175471/