Things You May Not Know About Menstruation: Key Facts Explained

Menstruation is much more than just a monthly routine, it’s a complex biological event shaped by hormones, lifestyle, and culture. Despite its significance, many still hold outdated beliefs, overlook menstrual hygiene challenges, or remain unaware of how the cycle can be affected by stress, diet, and health conditions. From the unique experiences of the first period to innovations in menstrual care and ongoing social taboos, there’s a narrative behind every cycle. The realities of menstruation often surprise even those who experience it regularly. Here are some lesser-known facts about menstruation.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: Key Biological Facts

• Menstruation occurs monthly throughout the reproductive life of females, except in pregnancy.
• The menstrual cycle is hormonally regulated, primarily by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), along with estrogen and progesterone.
• The menstrual cycle is defined as beginning on the first day of bleeding (Day 1) and lasting until the start of the next period.
• A typical menstrual cycle length can range from 24 to 38 days [3]. It’s a common misconception that 28 days is the only normal cycle length; only about 15% of women have a cycle that is exactly 28 days [3].
• In contrast, at least 20% of females experience irregular periods [3]. If you have persistent irregular periods, consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Menstrual Hygiene, Policy, and Global Access

Here are facts shedding light on the social, policy, and product aspects of menstruation:

• Indian Government’s Menstrual Hygiene Scheme: In 2011, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India introduced the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) in 17 states [1]. Under this scheme, a pack of six sanitary napkins, often referred to as ‘Free Days’, was distributed at a nominal price through ASHA workers [1].
• Lifetime Menstruation: On average, a woman menstruates for approximately seven years of her lifetime [2].
• Navigating Irregular Periods: For individuals experiencing menstrual irregularities, it is vital to consult a Primary Care Physician or Gynecologist to identify the cause and determine a safe, evidence-based treatment plan. While some traditional or home remedies are widely discussed, they should not replace professional medical advice for managing period irregularities.
• The First Period (Menarche): The first period is a unique and significant event in a young person’s life. Providing correct education and complete support during menarche is essential as it can influence a young person’s overall health and confidence [2].
• Global Sanitation Disparity: Globally, 2.3 billion women do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities [2]. In less developed nations, only about 27% of the population has access to basic facilities like hand washing with running water and soap [2]. This lack of proper sanitation severely complicates Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) [4].
• The Rise of Menstrual Cups: Menstrual cups are made up of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex and can typically be reused for up to 10 years [2]. They can hold between 10 to 38 ml of blood and need to be changed every 4–12 hours, depending on the flow [2].

Menstrual Stigma and Health

• The Impact of Menstrual Stigma: In India and many other regions, menstruation is associated with social stigma. Menstruating individuals are often considered impure during this period, leading to practices such as restricted mobility and limited daily activities [4]. These restrictions can negatively influence the overall physical and mental health of women and should be addressed for a safe and happy life [4].
• Cultural Practices and Health: In various cultures, restrictions on diet and activity were historically intended to promote rest and nourishment during menstruation [5]. For instance, alternative medicine practices like Ayurveda often recommend simple, easily digestible (‘satvik’) food during this time [5]. It is important to understand that while a focus on rest and good nutrition is beneficial, these traditional recommendations should not be enforced as restrictions that negatively impact a woman’s health, autonomy, or safety.

Conclusion

Menstruation is a natural and essential biological process with huge significance for reproductive health. Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene and actively challenging social stigma are key to supporting women’s overall health and well-being. While traditional practices may offer insights into self-care, they must be safely balanced with modern health knowledge, prioritizing autonomy, safety, and access to evidence-based medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the key facts of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a natural process in the female body, typically ranging from 24 to 38 days [3]. During the cycle, the uterine lining thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining is shed—this is the period.

What is the importance of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is important as it signals a female’s reproductive health and function. It is a necessary part of reproduction, preparing the body for potential pregnancy each month.

What are some unique facts about periods?

Periods can vary significantly from person to person in terms of flow (heavy or light) and symptoms (cramps, bloating, or mood changes). These differences are normal, but any sudden, severe, or persistent change should be discussed with a doctor.

What happens to girls during their periods?

During periods, the body sheds the lining of the uterus, which results in bleeding. Girls may also experience normal symptoms like cramps, bloating, headaches, or mood changes.

At what age do periods stop?

Periods usually stop when a person reaches menopause, which is typically around the age of 45 to 55 [3]. Menopause is defined as when a female’s ovaries stop releasing eggs, and periods cease permanently.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a Primary Care Physician or Gynecologist. Please consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice, especially if you have an existing medical condition, are on medication, or are experiencing menstrual irregularities.

References

[1] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare-Government of India. (n.d.). Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS). National Health Mission (NHM). https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=3&sublinkid=1021&lid=391

[2] UNICEF. (n.d.). FAST FACTS: Nine things you didn’t know about menstruation. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/fast-facts-nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-menstruation

[3] Jarrell, J. (2018). The significance and evolution of menstruation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 50, 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.01.007

[4] McCammon, E., Bansal, S., Hebert, L. E., Yan, S., Menendez, A., & Gilliam, M. (2020). Exploring young women’s menstruation-related challenges in Uttar Pradesh, India, using the socio-ecological framework. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2020.1749342

[5] Sridhar, N. (2016, August 10). Hindu View of Menstruation- VI: Menstruation Restrictions and Attitudes. IndiaFacts. https://indiafacts.org/hindu-view-menstruation-vi-menstruation-restrictions-attitudes/