All You Need (and want) to Know About Your PERIOD: A GUIDE

What is Menstruation/Period/Menses/AF?

men·stru·a·tion

ˌmenstro͞oˈāSH(ə)n,menˈstrāSH(ə)n/

noun

1. the process in a woman of discharging blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one lunar month from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy.

   (Google Dictionary)

   
   

   A period, or menstruation, is the shedding of the endometrium - the uterine lining. Menstruation is also known as menses. All female humans, as well as some other female mammals, have regular periods during their reproductive age. Menstruation which includes bleeding from the vagina is found mainly among humans and similar animals, such as primates. In many mammals, the endometrium is reabsorbed by the animal. As far as humans are concerned a period is a bleed from the womb (uterus) that is released through the vagina. Women have a period every 28 days approximately. However, some women may have a 24-day cycle while other may have a 35-day one. A period is part of the woman's menstrual cycle. 
   
   The word "menses" comes from the Latin mensesmeaning "months". The word "menstruation" comes from Old French menstrual, which comes from Latinmenstrualis, meaning "monthly," especially "of or having monthly courses." (Medical Resource)

   
   

   Each period may last for 2 to 7 days and can be light, moderate, or heavy. The total amount of blood loss may be 1 to 4 tablespoons (20 to 60 milliliters) for the whole menstrual period. This amount may be different among women and it may be different for you from one period to another.

   
   

   Symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical, emotional, and mental changes that you may have before your monthly periods. These symptoms are caused by an increase in hormones. They include headache, dizziness, bloating, and nausea. You may also feel very tired, have breast swelling or soreness, and problems with sleep. You may have mood changes, such as feeling grumpy, sad, or emotional. These symptoms usually go away when your monthly period starts. Ask your caregiver for more information about PMS and how symptoms can be controlled.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   WHEN DO I COUNT MY FIRST CYCLE DAY?

   According to most fertility specialists (RE), if you start a normal (steady) flow, it is your period. If this takes place PRIOR to 10pm (of whatever time zone you happen to be in), then THAT DAY is Cycle Day ONE. HOWEVER, if you start AFTER 10pm, you count the NEXT day as Cycle Day ONE. 

   Basically it's this:

   Steady flow on Tuesday at 4pm: CD1 is TUESDAY/That Day.

   Steady flow on Friday at 11:45pm: CD1 is SATURDAY.

   Hopefully this makes sense...

   
   

   
   

   Recommended treatment plan for this particular issue:

   Milo

   Heating pad

   Warm tea with honey and lemon

   Tampons/Pads

   yoga pants and comfy shirts

   warm shower/bath

   Basically whatever you know works for you.

   
   

   WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD YOU TAKE ASPRIN WHILE MENSTRUATING.

   
   

   CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MADE IT THROUGH PERIOD TALK....

   If you would like me to elaborate more, please feel free to message me via email:

   blpoeschl90@gmail.com or add me on instagram @ttc24wpcos

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Preview of Tuesday's Blog (was going to be daily, but I frantically made this blog on Sunday and was meant to on MONDAY... oi vey. xD):

   OPKs, when to start taking them and what makes a POSITIVE OPK (not a digital one, the old fashioned dipstick/pink line ones). As well as when you can expect to ovulate after a positive OPK. Times you should take them. And the reasons why they are helpful. (More, I'm sure, but it'll come)

   
   

   Things to Come:

   Asprin while TTC; is it recommended, and is it a viable option to increase the ability to become pregnant?