Menstruation
Menstruation is a natural body function. This is one of the processes, which prepares a girl’s body to conceive a baby in the future. Menstruation is a sign that her reproductive system is functioning healthy and well. The right age for menarche (onset of menstruation) has a wide range of normalcy. Onset of menstruation before 10 years or the absence of menstruation after 16 years in a girl is an alert sign. These girls are likely to be normal, but must be seen by a Medical Officer or lady doctor to rule out serious problems.

The periods usually last 5-7 days ± 2 days but may be longer or shorter in exceptional case. A girl loose 50-80 ml blood on an average during a period. This is equal to 4-6 tablespoons. If she soaks more than 3-4 pads / day in the initial 2-3 days, it may be considered excessive bleeding.

It is usual that during the first few years after initiation of menstruation, the girl may skip a few cycles. This should not be of much concern unless the girl is sexually active when she may be at risk of pregnancy.

It is important to talk about this normal body function since a significant number of adolescent girls have concerns related to the menstrual cycle, most of which require only reassurance or counseling. Also a number of myths and misconceptions in the society have led to it being perceived as something, which is unclean or polluted. Many traditional cultural beliefs and practices, which are followed even today, are not very helpful or sometimes harmful for the growing girl. .

Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation (also called periods because they occur every month), marks the onset of sexual maturity in girls.

Menstruation is a normal body function. It usually begins (menarche) in the pubertal process, when the physical growth spurt is at its peak and breasts are fairly developed. This is one of the processes, which prepares a girl’s body to conceive a baby in the future.

Menstruation is the periodic shedding of blood and tissue from the female reproductive organ called the uterus. Each month an egg (ovum) matures in one of the ovaries under the influence of hormones. This travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The uterine lining becomes thick as a preparation of the uterus for receiving the fertilized egg (which grows into a baby). This can happen if the egg meets a sperm. If the egg does not get fertilized by sperms, the inner lining of the uterus begins to break away. It is this lining which flows out like menstrual blood. This cycle is repeated every month and has a duration of about 25 days ± 2 days. Average duration of bleeding is 4 to 5 days and estimated blood loss is between 50-80 ml in each cycle.