Menstruation, often colloquially referred to as "period", is the regular discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus when a mature egg is not fertilized. The cyclical shedding of the uterine lining is a vital part of a woman's reproductive function.
It all starts from birth – when a baby girl is born, her ovaries already contain millions of immature oocytes (eggs). As she reaches puberty, hormonal changes trigger these eggs to grow and develop. Typically, one oocyte will fully mature and be released from the ovary during each monthly cycle, a process known as ovulation.
Concurrently, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for potentially receiving and nurturing a fertilized egg. However, if fertilization does not occur, this lining is no longer needed and is shed, leading to the menstrual flow we experience.
The onset of menstruation is an important milestone, signifying that a girl has entered her reproductive years and is now capable of becoming pregnant. From that point forward, most women will have a regular monthly cycle, with the menstrual flow lasting from 3 to 7 days until they reach menopause later in life.
What is menstrual health?
Menstrual health is all about how your body and mind handle your monthly period. It's not just about the bleeding part; it's about how you feel physically, emotionally, and socially during that time.
Physical menstrual health
Physically, it's about keeping track of your cycle, knowing how long it lasts, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. However, many women experience common menstrual health problems such as:
- Dysmenorrhea – painful, cramping periods that can significantly interfere with daily life
- Irregular periods – cycles that are unpredictable in length or flow
- Heavy bleeding – menstrual flow that is excessively heavy or prolonged
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – mood swings, bloating, and other symptoms before the period
Taking care of your physical menstrual health means using the right products, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention if any issues arise.
Emotional menstrual health
Emotionally, menstrual health is all about understanding and managing the roller coaster of emotions that can happen during your period. You might feel more irritable, moody, or even experience anxiety or depression. These reactions are directly linked to the hormonal and physiological changes within our bodies. While we cannot completely control these natural fluctuations, there are steps we can take to better manage our emotional well-being during menstruation.
Taking care of your emotional well-being means practicing self-care, finding ways to manage stress, and reaching out for support if needed. For example, during your period, be extra kind and gentle with yourself. Make time for relaxing activities that soothe your mind, such as meditation, light exercise, or meaningful conversations with loved ones. Allow yourself the rest and pampering you need. At the same time, we can find healthy outlets to manage stress and tension effectively, such as keeping a diary, listening to music, and doing deep breathing exercises. If you notice your emotions becoming significantly low or unmanageable, do not hesitate to reach out to friends or even professionals.
Social aspects of menstrual health
Socially, menstrual health is about breaking the stigma around periods and making sure everyone has access to the resources they need.
Menstrual health is not just an individual concern but is deeply rooted in societal norms and cultural attitudes. Even in modern times, menstruation remains a sensitive and often taboo topic in many parts of the world. Many people still prefer to avoid discussing it openly, and some women even feel ashamed or embarrassed about their natural biological process.
This situation needs to change. Promoting menstrual equity and cultivating a more menstrual-friendly social culture are crucial steps in destigmatizing menstruation. Even women should have fair and equitable access to the necessary menstrual hygiene products, the right to receive comprehensive reproductive health education, and the freedom to openly discuss menstrual issues and seek appropriate support without judgment or stigma.
The origin and significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed every year on May 28th, is a global awareness campaign that unites people for a common cause: to promote effective menstrual hygiene management and raise awareness about menstrual health. This day originated from the efforts of the German non-profit organization WASH United in 2013 and has gained widespread recognition on an international scale. The choice of May 28th is not just a date but a celebration of women's resilience and strength. With the average menstrual cycle lasting 28 days and menstruation lasting around 5 days typically, May 28th was deliberately selected to symbolise International Menstrual Day.
Menstrual Hygiene Day provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together and make a tangible impact by addressing the challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene. We can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for women worldwide by spreading awareness and knowledge.
Embracing menstrual health
Menstruation is a natural physiological process experienced by every girl and woman. Over a woman's lifetime, from her first menstrual cycle to menopause, this period can span approximately 30 to 40 years. Considering that each monthly menstrual cycle lasts around 5 days, it's remarkable to think that women may spend up to 6 years of their lives dealing with menstruation. This day not only highlights the significance of understanding and embracing menstruation but also empowers us to take control of our bodies and our health.
So, ladies, on this Menstrual Hygiene Day, let's take the opportunity to deepen our knowledge and undersetanding of menstruation, challenge societal taboos, and ensure that every woman has access to the resources and support she needs for optimal menstrual health and hygiene.
Reference
- Department of Health, the HKSAR. (n.d.). All about periods. Family Health Service – all about periods. https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/woman/12547.html
- Hennegan, J., Winkler, I. T., Bobel, C., Keiser, D., Hampton, J., Larsson, G., Chandra-Mouli, V., Plesons, M., & Mahon, T. (2021). Menstrual health: a definition for policy, practice, and research. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 29(1), 1911618. https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1911618
- NHS. (n.d.). PMS (premenstrual syndrome). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/
- About Menstrual Hygiene Day | MHDay. (n.d.). https://menstrualhygieneday.org/about/about-mhday/
- Gouvernement du Canada. (2023, September 22). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/funding/menstrual-equity-fund.html
