Menstruation

Menstrual periods are more than just potentially disruptive monthly events. See symptoms of irregular menstruation, plus why you should track your cycle.

Introduction

If you're like many women, getting your period is just something you learn to experience every month. But is there more to menstruation than meets the eye? Could it actually be a window into a woman's health?

Get the facts about how your menstrual cycle works and see what’s actually happening during a typical 28-day menstrual cycle. Plus, learn the importance of tracking those cycles no matter what phase of life you're in.

Are you worried that your period is not normal? Or that irregular bleeding may indicate a health condition? Uncover common and not-so-common symptoms of menstruation, why you may be experiencing skipped or irregular periods, and why it's important to discuss any changes with your HCP.

Menstrual cycles

Young woman working on a laptop.

Your monthly period is just a small part of your overall menstrual cycle. Get to know the different stages of your cycle and find out how it may provide insight into your overall health. See why understanding the dimensions of your cycle may also come in handy if you're trying to get pregnant.

Irregular menstruation symptoms

Woman sleeping on the couch under a blanket next to her hound dog.

Do you have irregular periods? While everyone's cycle may be a little different now and then, irregular menstruation can make life difficult. Whether you bleed between periods, have abnormally heavy periods, have pain that interferes with your daily life, or other symptoms, see what's normal and what's not.

Causes of irregular menstruation

Could irregular periods be caused by factors like age, stress, or even changes in your weight? What about the type of birth control you use or your diet and exercise routine? Irregular symptoms during menstruation can be due to many factors. See what may be causing irregular menstruation and why it’s a good idea to track your cycle and keep your HCP in the know about what you are experiencing.

Featured menstruation articles

More On Menstruation

video

Are There Alternative Treatments for Menstrual Problems?
Watch as Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Pina LoGiudice shares some alternative t...

video

What are causes of an extremely heavy flow?
If your menstrual bleeding is very heavy, this usually indicates your estrogen levels are too high. ...

video

When Does PMS First Appear?
Premenstrual syndrome is practically a rite of passage for women of most ages. In this video, Health...

video

How Are Heavy Menstrual Periods Diagnosed?
Heavy menstrual periods are usually diagnosed from the patient's history - but doctors have other to...

video

How do hormone fluctuations affect women?
Severe hormone fluctuations affect both men and women but at different frequency and severity levels...