Health News & Fitness Tips

 Understanding your menstrual cycle can help you recognize what is normal for your body, track changes, and know when to discuss symptoms with a healthcare professional. A menstrual cycle is a natural hormonal process that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. It involves changes in the ovaries, uterus, hormones, and reproductive tract. This Period Guide explains the normal menstrual cycle, the four main phases, typical period length, common symptoms, ovulation, and signs that may require medical attention. Note: Menstrual patterns vary from person to person. The information below is general health education and is not a diagnosis. What Is the Menstrual Cycle? The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding to the first day of the next period . Although a 28-day cycle is often used as an example, a typical adult menstrual cycle can be 24 to 38 days . Cycle length can also vary between months and across different stages of life. Menstruation o...

Getting your first period can bring many questions: What is normal? How long should it last? Why do cramps happen? Which period products should you use? When should you talk to a doctor? Understanding menstruation can make these changes feel much less confusing. A period is a normal biological process that happens as part of the menstrual cycle . For most girls, the first period occurs during puberty, and cycles gradually become more predictable over time. This guide explains everything girls and teens in the USA should know about periods, including the menstrual cycle, cramps, PMS, period products, hygiene, tracking, exercise, nutrition, and signs that may require medical attention. What Is a Period? A period , medically called menstruation , happens when the lining of the uterus is shed and leaves the body through the vagina. Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormones prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining is shed, resulting ...