The menstrual cycle is a natural process that every woman experiences, but did you know that it can also reveal important information about your health? In this article, we will explore 5 key things that your menstrual cycle can tell you about your body.
- Bright red blood marks the beginning of your period
Yes, if your blood is bright red at the beginning of your period, this is just normal. It is not a sign of a health issue or anything to worry about. Fresh blood just flows naturally when your period has only started.
Bright red blood is the blood that has not oxidised, so the fresher your blood is the brighter its hue of red. You will notice that on the second or third day of menstruation the colour of your blood begins to darken.
This is not a source of concern either. Your menstruation blood naturally becomes browner in colour as your period progresses because this is old blood that is only being flushed out of your body now.
The blood has stayed in the uterus for a day or two and has gone through oxidation, so then, the colour becomes darker.
- Blood clots are normal, but if they are too big and too often…
A lot of women will notice blood clots getting shed during their period. Blood clots are actually a very normal part of menstruation and almost all women shed them here and there, every now and then.
In essence, blood clots in themselves are just a sign of heavy bleeding. This is not necessarily a source of concern, especially if you feel just fine anyway.
However, some women may shed much bigger blood clots in a more regular pattern and this may concern them. If you are worried, you can talk to your gyno to get yourself checked.
Bigger blood clots may be a sign of several health problems, such as hypothyroidism, symptomatic anaemia, and uterine fibroids.
All of the health issues mentioned have amazing treatment options, so if you and your gyno found out about one of them, don’t panic.
- A skipped period may be a sign of extreme stress
Women can sometimes skip a period and there are many reasons for this. Even if you may think not having a period for an entire month is very convenient, this is actually not a good sign of health.
When your body skips a period, the next one that comes along may be more painful due to more blood and uterine lining that need to be shed. With that said, it is always a good idea to maintain a regular period.
Based on research reported by WebMD, stress can be one of the reasons for skipped periods. When your body skips a period, the subsequent one may be more painful due to the accumulation of more blood and uterine lining that need to be shed. Therefore, it is beneficial to prioritize maintaining a regular menstrual cycle to potentially mitigate the discomfort and effects of irregular periods.
Be that as it may, skipping a period itself is usually caused by hormonal imbalances. One thing that can lead to this imbalance is extreme stress.
When you are stressed out—either by school or work—your body produces cortisol in exchange for female sex hormones. When you are lacking female sex hormones, the body doesn’t get the signal to shed the uterine lining.
- Spotting between periods could indicate STD or cancer
Women shed blood from their vaginas during menstruation, any spotting that happens between periods is not usual the least bit.
But don’t be alarmed just yet, sometimes spotting between periods can happen due to injury or hormonal changes. If that is the case, and you notice that spotting is very light, this is hardly a source of concern.
However, spotting between periods can indeed also mean a more serious health problem.
Based on the Northwestern Medicine study, it’s important to note that spotting between periods may not always be a cause for concern. However, it is essential to have open discussions with your physician about any instances of extra bleeding to ensure proper evaluation for potential issues. Spotting could be associated with abnormal tissue growth or uterine cancer.
Bleeding when you’re not in your period could be a result of ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, or endometrial cancer. In another scenario, bleeding when you’re not having your period can also signify a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia.
You will never know the truth if you don’t get yourself checked by a doctor. With that said, if your spotting feels concerning, don’t hesitate to make a visit to your gyno.
- Heavy and long periods could indicate uterine fibroids
Studies have suggested that most women bleed out some 60-80ml of blood each period. 80ml is usually experienced by those who typically bleed ‘heavily’ in their first and second days of menstruation.
Heavy bleeding is normal in many women and is hardly a source of concern. However, if you feel like you always bleed very heavily and your periods typically last longer than 7 days, this may be an indication of a disease.
Most women usually bleed for 4 to 7 days; 5 days being the average. If you bleed for more than 7 days and this happens often, you may be dealing with 0uterine fibroids.
According to the research reported by Cleveland Clinic, approximately one-third of women report concerns about heavy menstrual bleeding to their gynecologists. The term “heavy” refers to the need to change tampons or pads every hour or so, experiencing periods lasting over a week, or passing blood clots larger than a quarter. Several potential causes for heavy bleeding include issues with reproductive organs or hormones, pelvic inflammatory disease.
Uterine fibroids are a non-cancerous growth of muscles in the uterine walls and this causes the lining of your uterus to get thicker. This then causes more blood and lining to be shed. You may notice large blood clots as well.
To summarize everything, we can say that the menstrual cycle can tell a lot about female reproductive health and overall physical well-being. The list of things we provided about the menstrual cycle can help you identify the current state of your body.
What Your Period Says About Your Body?
Your period, also known as menstruation, is a natural and necessary bodily process that occurs in women of reproductive age. It is a monthly shedding of the uterine lining, accompanied by hormonal changes, and is a sign that your body is functioning properly. However, your period can reveal more than just your reproductive health. It can also provide valuable insights into your overall health and well-being. In this paper, we will discuss the various ways in which your period can reflect the state of your body.
Hormonal Imbalances
Your period is controlled by a delicate balance of hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. Any disruption in this balance can result in irregular periods or even the absence of periods altogether. For example, high levels of stress can lead to an overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or heavier flow. Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders can also cause hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular periods.
Reproductive Health
One of the primary functions of your period is to prepare your body for pregnancy. Therefore, any issues with your reproductive organs can manifest in your menstrual cycle. For instance, conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause painful periods, heavy bleeding, and irregular cycles. Similarly, a sudden change in your period, such as a longer or shorter cycle, could be an indication of a potential pregnancy or miscarriage.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Your period can also reveal if you are lacking essential nutrients in your diet. Iron, for instance, is crucial for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can result in anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and light-headedness. Women who experience heavy periods are at a higher risk of developing anemia, as they lose a significant amount of blood each month. Therefore, if your period is unusually heavy and accompanied by fatigue, it could be a sign of iron deficiency.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism, which is characterized by an underactive thyroid, can cause heavy or irregular periods, while hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid, can lead to lighter or absent periods. Therefore, changes in your period could be an indication of thyroid dysfunction.
Stress and Mental Health
Stress can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. As mentioned earlier, high levels of stress can disrupt the production of hormones, affecting your period. Additionally, conditions like depression and anxiety can also affect your menstrual cycle. Women with depression are more likely to have irregular periods and experience more severe premenstrual symptoms. Therefore, if you notice changes in your period along with other signs of stress or mental health issues, it is essential to seek help and address the underlying causes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your period is not just a monthly inconvenience, but a window into your overall health. Changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or missed periods, could be a sign of hormonal imbalances, reproductive health issues, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or high levels of stress. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to your period and seek medical advice if you notice any significant changes. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can also help regulate your menstrual cycle and promote overall well-being.
