Kuukautta

Kuukautta is the Finnish term commonly used to refer to menstruation, the monthly biological process by which the lining of the uterus is shed in people with a uterus. It is part of the menstrual cycle, which is driven by hormonal signals and varies among individuals. In Finnish, the plural term kuukautiset is often used to refer to monthly periods generally.

A typical menstrual cycle is governed by hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. It usually lasts 21 to 35 days, with ovulation occurring roughly in the middle. Menstruation itself is the bleeding phase, typically lasting 2 to 7 days and resulting in blood loss around 30 to 80 milliliters for many people.

Common symptoms include abdominal cramps, lower back pain, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, and mood changes. Many people experience premenstrual symptoms in the days before bleeding. In some individuals cramps are severe and may require medical attention; rare conditions include heavy bleeding or irregular cycles.

Health considerations: persistent heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), very painful cramps (dysmenorrhea), or cycles that are absent (amenorrhea) or infrequent (oligomenorrhea) warrant medical evaluation. Treatments can include NSAIDs, heat therapy, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and, when appropriate, hormonal contraception to regulate cycles.

Social and cultural aspects: accessibility to menstrual products, education about puberty, and reducing stigma around menstruation are important for health and equality. In Finland and many countries, menstruation education and hygiene resources are part of public health and school curricula.