kuukautisesta

Kuukautisesta, also known as menstruation, is a regular natural process in the reproductive system of people who can bear children. It is the shedding of the uterine lining, which occurs if pregnancy does not happen. This shedding is accompanied by bleeding, which exits the body through the vagina. The duration of menstrual bleeding typically lasts from a few days to about a week.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the uterine lining, called the endometrium, to thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, signaling the uterus to shed its thickened lining. This shedding is what causes menstrual bleeding.

The onset of menstruation, known as menarche, usually happens during puberty, typically between the ages of 10 and 16. The menstrual cycle is considered regular if the time between periods is consistent. The average cycle length is about 28 days, but variations between 21 and 35 days are considered normal. Menopause, the cessation of menstruation, usually occurs in the late 40s or early 50s.

Menstruation is a normal biological function and is not an illness. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, mood changes, or fatigue during their period. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may be managed with various methods.