Menstruation is a phase that occurs on a regular basis in every woman’s life.  The menstrual blood passes from uterus to the cervix and finally comes out of the body from vagina; the menstrual blood is made up of the normal blood which flows in the body and some amount of tissue.

The menstrual period lasts normally for two to seven days but generally three to five days is more common.  The menstruation cycle is generally 28 days long but depending on the age and body conditioning it may vary from 23 days to 35 days.

Progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen and luteinizing hormone take part during the menstrual cycle. Pituitary gland, ovaries, cervix, uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes and even brain is involved during the whole process.

The blood loss that occurs during periods is around thirty five milliliters (ml); while blood loss anywhere between ten ml to eighty ml is usually considered to be safe.  During pregnancy menstruation stops but during the early stages of pregnancy some bleeding might occur.

Menstruation is accompanied by physical and emotional reactions; for some it may be intense while for others it may be normal. Emotional reaction includes tiredness, or irritability, depression, abrupt changes in the mood etc.  Headaches, menstrual or abdominal pain are some of the symptoms of this condition.

Women use different items to check menstrual bleeding; it may include tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, padettes, pads etc.  Tampons and cups are inserted into the vagina while napkins are worn inside the panties to absorb the blood flow.  These are disposable items.  While now many reusable products like towel, sea sponges, and padded panties are used; these items can be reused after proper cleaning.

Any female who has reached puberty has periods but if someone is not having periods or are having irregular periods they should immediately consult a doctor.