Menstruation (also known as having your period) is when blood from your uterus drips out of your vagina for a few days every month. You start getting your period during puberty, usually when you’re around 12–15 years old.
Your menstrual cycle is what makes your period come every month. It’s controlled by hormones in your body. The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to help your body get ready for pregnancy. Your menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period.
Some people get cramps or other symptoms before and/or during their period; this is called PMS. Luckily, there are things you can do to feel better if your period is painful or uncomfortable.
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It’s when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause changes in your body and emotions around the time of your period.
Some of the most common PMS symptoms are:
Bloating (when your belly feels puffy)
Breakouts (getting pimples)
Sore breasts
Feeling tired
Mood swings
Cramps are one of the most common symptoms to have before or during your period. They can be super painful or just a little annoying. You can calm cramps by taking pain medicine (like ibuprofen). Putting a heating pad where it hurts, taking a hot bath, exercising, or stretching your body can also help.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Belinda Quansah
