Period how does it happen

The uterus then sheds the lining which had grown to receive a fertilized egg. Your cycle uses hormonal signals as cues for what to do next. In the first part of your cycle, one of your ovaries prepares to release an egg. It also produces an increasing amount of the hormone estrogen. This estrogen helps grow and prepare the lining of your uterus the endometrium for a potential pregnancy 1. After your ovary releases an egg ovulation , it produces the hormone progesterone.

If an egg is fertilized, it then travels to the uterus over the next several days, implants in the uterine wall, and starts growing a hormone-producing placenta. This drop in hormones prepares your endometrium to shed, and triggers the production of hormone-like prostaglandins , which cause your uterus to contract, causing your period 3, 4.

And the cycle starts again. In addition to the bleeding that happens during a period, some people also experience light, mid-cycle ovulation spotting. Periods fluctuate for a while after they first start. You may still notice changes from time to time, though — the heaviness and length of your period depends on your hormones, which can fluctuate. Hormones can change temporarily because of things like stress , over-exercising, diet, or taking an emergency contraception pill the morning after pill.

Periods can also fluctuate because of certain health conditions, like uterine polyps , fibroids , or PCOS —conditions that should be addressed with your healthcare provider. Certain bleeding conditions and medications can also affect menstrual bleeding 6. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why Do Women Have Periods? Menstrual disorders Stopping my period Not all women have periods Takeaway A period menstruation is normal vaginal bleeding that is a natural part of a healthy monthly cycle for a person with a uterus and ovaries.

So, why do women have periods? Menstrual disorders. Can my period be stopped? Not all women have periods. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Why Do Periods Hurt? Menstruation: Facts, Statistics, and You. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Can Men Get Periods? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.

How Late Can a Period Be? By about 2—3 years after her first period, a girl's periods should be coming around once a month. Periods usually happen about once a month. But some girls get their periods around every 3 weeks. And others only get a period about once every 6 weeks. There are a few ways to deal with period blood.

You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods.

Although it may look like a lot of blood, a girl usually only loses a few tablespoons of blood for the whole period. Most girls need to change their pad, tampon, or menstrual cup about 3—6 times a day. Women also won't have a period while they are pregnant. PMS premenstrual syndrome is when a girl has emotional and physical symptoms right before her period starts or during the early part of her period. A girl with PMS might:. Lots of girls have cramps with their period, especially in the first few days.

If the cramps are very uncomfortable, a warm heating pad on the belly and medicines can help. Periods are a natural, healthy part of a girl's life. They shouldn't get in the way of exercising, having fun, and enjoying life. If you have questions about periods, ask your doctor, a parent, health teacher, school nurse, or older sister. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. There is a lot to learn about periods.