Confident Cuties

Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

The Menstrual Cycle Phases: The Details
Menstrual cycle phases are an important part of your life. Find out what’s going on at each stage of your cycle so you know what to expect.

Your menstrual cycle phases occur each month when your reproductive system repeats a regular pattern of events, all controlled by hormones. There are four parts, or phases, that repeat. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Cycle diagram
The Menstrual Phase (Menstruation)
The menstrual phase is the part commonly referred to as “your period.” The official start of your cycle is the first day of your menstrual phase – the first day of your period.

You may be thinking, “Where is this stuff coming from?” Menstrual blood is shed from the lining of your uterus. It goes from your uterus through your cervix, va**na and out through your va**nal opening.

A period usually lasts about three to seven days. It may seem like more, but the average amount of menstrual flow for your entire period is about a quarter of a cup!

The Follicular Phase
This phase is all about your body preparing for pregnancy each month. It starts with your estrogen hormone telling the lining of your uterus to thicken and develop to prepare for a fertilized egg. At the same time, another hormone, known as the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulates your ovarian follicles to grow. Each follicle contains an egg. Usually, one egg will get totally ready for fertilization each month.

Your estrogen levels rise dramatically during the days before ovulation and peak about one day before the next phase starts.
If you have regular 28-day menstrual cycles, ovulation usually occurs on day 14.

The Ovulation Phase
This surge in estrogen triggers a spike in a third hormone – the luteinizing hormone, or LH. LH is what makes a follicle rupture and release an egg. If you have regular 28-day menstrual cycles, ovulation usually occurs on day 14. However, most women have different menstrual cycle lengths. In general, ovulation happens 11 to 16 days before your upcoming period.

Ovulation is what it’s called when one of the ovaries releases a mature egg. The egg travels out of the o***y, into the nearest fallopian tube and into your uterus. As the egg moves down the fallopian tube over several days, the lining of the uterus continues to grow thicker and thicker.

It takes about three to four days for the egg to travel toward the uterus. From there, an egg waits for about 24 hours in hopes of being fertilized before it starts degenerating.

The Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. The empty follicle turns into a corpus luteum. The cells of the corpus luteum produce estrogen and large amounts of progesterone. Progesterone stimulates your uterine lining to prepare for a fertilized egg.

Here’s where two things can happen. If you become pregnant, the egg moves into your uterus and attaches to the lining. If you are not pregnant, the lining of the uterus is shed through the va**nal opening. Your period starts and a new menstrual cycle begins.

What is PMS?

PMS Symptoms
What is PMS? Every girl asks this question during puberty! Learn all about premenstrual syndrome and its most common symptoms.

PMS...You’ve probably heard of (premenstrual syndrome) by now. Whether it’s cramps or emotional changes, there’s a lot you can go through when those three letters are thrown around.

So What Is it?
PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome – it’s the combination of symptoms that some women suffer from a week or so before their period. Symptoms appear before your period starts (as many as five days) and will disappear during your period. Symptoms can affect your body AND your brain, and their intensity can vary a lot from girl to girl. (As if you don’t have enough to deal with.)

PMS Symptoms

What Causes PMS?
The bad news is that no one really knows the exact reason. What doctors and scientists do know is that it’s related to the way your body’s hormones change through your monthly cycle.

Who Gets PMS?
The Mayo Clinic estimates about 75 percent of women get at least some form of PMS. So if you have PMS, one thing’s for sure – you’re not alone! Although not every girl gets them, PMS symptoms can actually last through your period, too. If you don’t get them, consider yourself lucky

Period Calendar - Why Track Your Menstrual Cycle?

A period calendar is how you keep track of your period. It can help you stay prepared in more than one way. See what we mean!

A period calendar is a great way to make sure PMS or your period don’t take you by surprise. This doesn't mean you have to bust out the paper calendar and actually mark the day — more on that later, though. Charting gives you more control over your reproductive health and helps you understand your own body rhythms.

What to Track
Keeping track of your period symptoms on a monthly cycle calendar is easy, but it’s one of those things that won’t work unless you do it regularly. On top of noting when you start and stop your period, try writing down when you get cramps, mood changes, changes in your va**nal discharge, pain when you don’t expect it, or other symptoms you think might be period-related.

After a few cycles, you’ll likely see, a pattern. Then you can even foresee symptoms and be ready for them. PMS coming up? Stash some medicine in your purse. Period due? Stock up on pads so you aren’t caught without one when you need it most!

If you've been having periods for a while, you know what your normal flow is. Keep track of light or heavy bleeding and any changes in color and texture (like blood clots). Also note any unusual va**nal secretions that occur during the month. You may notice a thicker or stickier discharge at mid-cycle — this is normal and means you’re ovulating.

Why It’s Important
Regularly recording everything about your cycle, even if it feels weird, can give your doctor important information. Next time you visit your doctor, he or she will probably ask you the date of your last period. If you track your periods, the answer will be really easy! And that’s not the only thing your doctor will find helpful to know.

How to Use a Pad

Pads and pantiliners are simple and easy to use. Follow the steps below to learn how to place them properly.

Remove the Wrapper
With cleanly washed hands, remove the pad or pantiliner from the wrapper. Save the wrapper — you will need this for disposing the used pad later.

Remove the Backing
The backing of your pad will typically be a long piece of paper that covers the sticky back of the pad. Sometimes the wrapper doubles as the backing.

Place the Pad
Center the sticky side of the pad in the lower part of your underwear — the area that goes between your legs. Be sure not to put it too far to the back or front. If your pad or pantiliner has wings, remove the backing (if necessary) and wrap them around the underside of your un**es.

Dispose of the Pad

After your pad has become saturated, pull it off your panties and roll it up like a sleeping bag in the wrapper from your fresh pad. Then toss it in the trash. Never flush a pad or pantiliner down the toilet.

There are a variety of pads designed to have all girls feel confident about their period. They offer up to 8 hours protection.

Spotting Between Periods: 4 Reasons it Happens

Spotting Between Periods: 4 Reasons it Happens.
Spotting between periods is common. Here are four reasons it happens to most women and what to do about it.
Every once in a while, your period may make an unexpected appearance right in the middle of your menstrual cycle. With one drop here or two drops there, spotting between periods can take you by surprise. Should you be concerned?

Some women notice light spotting for a day or two after ovulation.

4 Explanations for Spotting Between Periods

Ovulation:
Some women notice light spotting for a day or two after ovulation. This happens regularly for some people. Ovulation is the time in your cycle when you are most fertile. If you are avoiding pregnancy, make sure not to get ovulation spotting confused with menstrual bleeding!

Contraception:
Spotting between periods is a common side effect of hormonal birth control, like birth control pills, hormonal IUDS and patches, shots and implants. Spotting may occur when you start the contraceptive or shortly after stopping its use. If you experience “break through bleeding” every month, let your doctor know. That may not be the right birth control option for you.

Pregnancy:
Many women experience spotting during pregnancy. It usually happens in the first few months. This can be harmless in a healthy pregnancy. If you are experiencing other symptoms of pregnancy, take a test to confirm you are. If you are pregnant, see a doctor right away. A doctor can help you get on the right track for pregnancy and make sure that your spotting isn’t caused by an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Menopause:
As your body prepares to transition out of your child-bearing years, you may experience hormonal imbalances that cause spotting. This is a sign that you are starting the transition to menopause.

Should You Tell Your Doctor?

Yes! While spotting can happen regularly for some women, it can also be a sign of a larger problem. There are many serious conditions associated with spotting. Here are just a few: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, thyroid issues, cancer, uterine fibroids or polyps, ovarian cysts or cervical or uterine cancer and many more.

Let your doctor know if you are experiencing bleeding or spotting between periods so that he or she can help you explain the cause or catch a more serious condition as early as possible.

What’s Best to Wear in Case of Spotting?

For light protection on spotty days, try ALWAYS Incredibly Thin Liners. They’re so light and thin, you’ll forget one’s there, yet you’ll feel confident knowing you’re covered.

Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

Menstrual cycle phases are an important part of your life. Find out what’s going on at each stage of your cycle, so you know what to expect.

Your menstrual cycle phases occur each month when your reproductive system repeats a regular pattern of events, all controlled by hormones. There are four parts, or phases, that repeat. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Cycle diagram
The Menstrual Phase (Menstruation)
The menstrual phase is the part commonly referred to as “your period.” The official start of your cycle is the first day of your menstrual phase – the first day of your period.

You may be thinking, “Where is this stuff coming from?” Menstrual blood is shed from the lining of your uterus. It goes from your uterus through your cervix, va**na and out through your va**nal opening.

A period usually lasts about three to seven days. It may seem like more, but the average amount of menstrual flow for your entire period is about a quarter of a cup!

The Follicular Phase
This phase is all about your body preparing for pregnancy each month. It starts with your estrogen hormone telling the lining of your uterus to thicken and develop to prepare for a fertilized egg. At the same time, another hormone, known as the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulates your ovarian follicles to grow. Each follicle contains an egg. Usually, one egg will get totally ready for fertilization each month.

Your estrogen levels rise dramatically during the days before ovulation and peak about one day before the next phase starts.
If you have regular 28-day menstrual cycles, ovulation usually occurs on day 14.

The Ovulation Phase
This surge in estrogen triggers a spike in a third hormone – the luteinizing hormone, or LH. LH is what makes a follicle rupture and release an egg. If you have regular 28-day menstrual cycles, ovulation usually occurs on day 14. However, most women have different menstrual cycle lengths. In general, ovulation happens 11 to 16 days before your upcoming period.

Ovulation is what it’s called when one of the ovaries releases a mature egg. The egg travels out of the o***y, into the nearest fallopian tube and into your uterus. As the egg moves down the fallopian tube over several days, the lining of the uterus continues to grow thicker and thicker.

It takes about three to four days for the egg to travel toward the uterus. From there, an egg waits for about 24 hours in hopes of being fertilized before it starts degenerating.

The Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. The empty follicle turns into a corpus luteum. The cells of the corpus luteum produce estrogen and large amounts of progesterone. Progesterone stimulates your uterine lining to prepare for a fertilized egg.

Here’s where two things can happen. If you become pregnant, the egg moves into your uterus and attaches to the lining. If you are not pregnant, the lining of the uterus is shed through the va**nal opening. Your period starts and a new menstrual cycle begins.

10 Common Period Questions

Period questions are so normal – you’re not alone! Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Period questions come into every girl's mind! Puberty can be pretty crazy — you shouldn't have to worry about your first period on top of it all.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers that can help you feel more confident about all the changes you’re experiencing.

What is a period and why do we have them?
Simply put: A period is when a woman’s body releases tissue it no longer needs. This tissue comes from the uterus, which is where a baby (fetus) can develop in the female body. Every month or so, the uterus lining gets thicker to prepare for a fertilized egg if the woman becomes pregnant. If the egg doesn’t get fertilized, that lining is released from the body as blood through the va**na. This monthly process is called menstruation or a period.
So when a girl has her period, her body is just getting rid of a small amount of blood and some unneeded tissue. It is a natural, normal body process for all females as they become women and mature physically.

What does a period feel like?
The actual flow of your period doesn’t feel like much when it’s happening. Chances are, you won’t even feel it coming out. When you actually start your period, you may feel some dampness in your private area — this may be caused by a few spots of blood on your underwear.

Does having your period smell?
It shouldn’t! Menstrual odor happens when menstrual fluid comes in contact with air. When menstrual fluid is absorbed within the va**na, like through a tampon, it is not exposed to the air, so there shouldn’t be an odor. If you’re feeling worried, just be sure to change your pads and tampons frequently to help keep odor at bay.

Does having your period hurt?
Menstruation itself doesn’t hurt, but some girls and women get cramps or other symptoms during their periods that may be uncomfortable. This is typically due to the hormones your body releases during menstruation that cause the uterus to contract so it can shed its lining.

I got my period, and I haven't told my mom yet. It's really hard for me to talk about things like this. I have a lot of questions. What should I do?
Lots of girls have the same concern. Your mom will be one of your best resources when you have questions about your period, so try to start the conversation yourself! Know that she will be understanding and helpful. Actually, she may be your best friend during this time in your life. Still don’t feel like you can talk to your mom? An aunt, friend’s mom or older sister are also great women to ask.

Is it OK to have a bath or shower when I have my period?
Yep! During your period, it’s important to keep yourself fresh and clean. They’re a simple way to stay feeling feminine and fresh. Always Incredibly Thin Liners and Always Xtra Protection Liners are great choices for daily liners that help you feel dry, fresh and confident every day.

Is there anything I won’t be able to do when I have my period?
Your period doesn’t have to stop you from doing things you usually do. You can still go to school, help at home, see your friends, play sports and do all the things you’d normally do.

Tip: See the whole line of Always products so you can pick the best fit for your lifestyle and flow.

Will anyone, like boys or my mom, notice when I have my period?
No — not unless you tell them! If they ask you, it’s totally up to you to share or not.

How much blood do I lose during my period?
Most girls lose about 1/4 cup of menstrual fluid during their periods (mostly in the first few days). Not to worry, though — your body makes up for it.

When will I stop having my period for good?
Women get periods until menopause, which is when menstruation and the ability to have children stops. In most women, it usually happens in their late 40s or early 50s. But menopause can happen earlier or later. Some women may stop menstruation by the time they're 35 years old, and others may not stop until their late 50s.

First Period: 3 Signs Your Period is Coming

First Period Symptoms? Learn how to read and understand these signs! Here are 3 helpful tips to get ready for this special time!

Although a lot of girls get their first period between 11 and 13 years old, you could get yours anywhere between 9 and 16. Everyone has her own “biological clock,” and yours is different from anyone else's. So even if you feel like you'll never get your period, don't worry, you will! How do you know it’s on its way? Watch for these signs.

First Period Symptoms

Puberty in itself is a big sign that your first period is on its way. Here are a few to look out for, too:

Developing breast "buds": It can take three to four years for your breasts to then fully develop, but you can expect your period about two years after your breasts start developing.

Growing p***c hair: Just after your breasts start to form, you'll probably start growing p***c hair. It will be soft and thin at first, but it’ll get coarser over time. Your period usually arrives around one to two years after.

Discharge: Vaginal discharge (white or yellowish fluid) is usually a sure sign that your first period is on its way. You may want to start using ALWAYS pantiliners to protect your underwear. Your period should start in the next few months! You will find out more information about va**nal discharge in our article Vaginal discharge: Icky but Amazing.

In addition to these body changes, you can also ask your mom when she started her period. It’s likely that you’ll get your first period within a year or so of when she got hers. Plus, it’s a good time to have a conversation with your mom about all the changes you’re experiencing. She can also help you find the right products.

Period Emergency kit: Preparing for Your First Period

Since you never know when your first period will arrive, it’s a great idea to be ready. Here are some ideas:

Prepare an emergency kit containing a pantiliner, pad and clean underwear in a discreet bag.
Keep a pantiliner or pad in your book bag or purse.
In an emergency, toilet paper can work until you can get a pantiliner or pad.
Ask a friend, school nurse or teacher for help — most schools keep extra pantiliners or pads for exactly this reason!

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