3. The menstrual cycle prepares your
body for pregnancy. If you are not
pregnant, your hormones send a
signal to your uterus to shed its
lining. This becomes your period.
Once you start your period, the cycle
starts again.
4. A menstrual cycle is measured from
the first day of your period to the
first day of your next period. The
average length of a menstrual cycle
is 28 to 29 days, but every woman’s
cycle is different.
5. Your first period is called
menarche. In Western
countries, the average age
for a first period is 12 to 13,
but it can start as early as
nine and as late as 16.
6. Your last period is called
menopause. In Australia, the
average age for women to
reach menopause is 51 to 52.
Some women might reach
menopause as late as 60.
8. 1. Menstruation
Menstruation is
commonly known as a
period. When you
menstruate, your uterus
lining sheds and flows
out of your vagina. Your
period contains blood,
mucus and some cells
from the lining of your
uterus. The average
length of a period is
three to seven days.
9.
10. 2. The
Follicular
Phase
The follicular phase
starts on the first day
of your period and
lasts for 13 to 14 days,
ending in ovulation.
The pituitary gland in
the brain releases a
hormone to stimulate
the production of
follicles on the surface
of an ovary.
2. The Follicular
Phase
The follicular phase
starts on the first day
of your period and
lasts for 13 to 14 days,
ending in ovulation.
The pituitary gland in
the brain releases a
hormone to stimulate
the production of
follicles on the surface
of an ovary.
11. 3. Ovulation
Ovulation is when a
mature egg is released
from an ovary and
moves along a fallopian
tube towards your
uterus. This usually
happens once each
month, about two
weeks before your next
period. Ovulation can
last from 16 to 32
3. OVULATION
Ovulation is when a
mature egg is
released from an
ovary and moves
along a fallopian tube
towards your uterus.
This usually happens
once each month,
about two weeks
before your next
period. Ovulation can
last from 16 to 32
hours.
12. 4. The Luteal Phase
After ovulation, cells
in the ovary (the
corpus luteum),
release progesterone
and a small amount
of oestrogen. This
causes the lining of
the uterus to thicken
in preparation for
pregnancy.
14. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
•hormonal events
before a period can
trigger a range of side
effects in women at
risk, including fluid
retention, headaches,
fatigue and irritability.
Treatment options
include exercise and
dietary changes
15. Dysmenorrhoea
• or painful periods. It is
thought that the uterus is
prompted by certain
hormones to squeeze
harder than necessary to
dislodge its lining.
Treatment options include
pain-relieving medication
and the oral contraceptive
pill
16. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
•(previously known as
menorrhagia) – if left
untreated, this can
cause anaemia.
Treatment options
include
oral contraceptives a
nd a hormonal
intrauterine device
(IUD) to regulate the
flow
17. Amenorrhoea
or absence of menstrual
periods. This is considered
abnormal, except during pre-
puberty, pregnancy, lactati
on and postmenopause.
Possible causes include low
or high body weight and
excessive exercise.
19. 1. Bright red
Your blood will usually be bright red on the heaviest days of your
period when you have a steady flow of fresh blood. It’s often brighter
in colour because it passes out of your body at a faster rate – meaning it
has little time to oxidise and go darker.
‘Some people experience bright-red blood throughout their period, but
in most cases, the blood will go from a bright red to a darker colour,’
says Dr Rosén.
20. 2. Dark red
Dark red blood is very common, especially first thing in the morning.
This is because after you’ve been lying down for a while, the blood has
oxidised inside your uterus before coming out.
Other possible reasons for dark red period include:
-Nearing the end of your cycle
-Postpartum bleeding
21. 3. Dark brown or black
Dark brown or black blood is just older blood. Like with dark red blood,
you may see brown or black blood at the very beginning or end of your
cycle when blood is taking longer to leave your body.
Brown discharge or spotting during pregnancy can indicate a miscarriage
or an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilised egg implants itself
outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. If you’re
bleeding heavily and you’re in a lot of pain, it’s important to speak to a
midwife or doctor immediately for further investigation.
22. 4. Light pink
Pink blood is likely due to your cervical fluid mixing with your
period blood and lightening the colour – you may notice this on days
when your flow is light, like at the end of your period.
Other possible reasons for pink blood include:
-Anaemia
-Spotting
- Low oestrogen
23. 5. Orange
Orange menstrual fluid may be a result of your menstrual blood mixing
with cervical fluid.
‘Orange period blood or discharge may also be a sign of an infection,
like bacterial vaginosis. Or a sexually transmitted infection, such as
trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite‘ If you have orange
blood, check for other symptoms of an infection, like vaginal itching,
an unusual smell or discomfort.’
24. 6. Grey
Grey period blood is usually a sign of an infection, like bacterial
vaginosis. ‘It may be harder to identify this blood colour, so I would
recommend you look out for other signs of infection, such as a foul-
smelling vaginal odour, a burning sensation when you pee and itching
in and around the vagina.’
