Why Do You Get Your Period?

About every twenty-eight days between puberty and menopause, the body prepares itself for possible pregnancy. The lining of the uterus grows thicker and an egg is released from one of your ovaries. If you aren’t pregnant, estrogen (a type of hormone) levels fall, telling your body to begin menstruation. This is when your uterus sheds its lining along with blood out through your vagina.

A typical period lasts between three to eight days. Irregularity of your period (meaning it doesn’t come around the same time every month) is normal for the first few times you get it, but if it continues after about 2-3 years you may want to discuss it with your doctor. Most people start their period between the ages of eleven and sixteen, but it’s completely fine to start later or sooner! Just remember that everyone's period is different, and you may have a different experience than some of your friends and family. But, there are some signs you can’t ignore and here is a quick list:

1. Abnormally heavy bleeding

This entails using up more than one tampon/pad in an hour. You may also experience shortness of breath. These all could be signs of menorrhagia. Learn more about menorrhagia:

2. Not having regular periods

This could mean having unpredictable periods, not having a period for extended periods of time (which could be related to abnormally low body weight) or having periods more than once a month. This is normal for the first 2-3 years of a period, but it may be a cause for concern later.

3. Having cramps that can’t be controlled by Ibuprofen or other medications.

4. If you haven’t started your period by age 16, you may want to talk to your doctor- this doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but it may be worth discussing.

If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.