Some women suffer from the period, feeling cramps and unwillingness to perform their activities; others follow their routine normally and do not consider menstruation a nuisance.
But regardless of how the menstrual period is viewed by women, some characteristics, such as decreased blood flow or even lack of it for a few months, may indicate some health problems.
Thus, it is essential that the woman is always aware of the signals that the body gives about her health. And, within this idea, look to see if your period has occurred as expected.
Menstruation: duration and amount
Ennio Tozzi Filho, gynecologist, obstetrician and mastologist at Leforte Hospital, explains that the first menstrual flow? known as menarche? It is the milestone of women's development and reproductive maturation. "Clinically, it can be defined as a cyclic blood loss that starts between 11 and 16 years and ends between 46 and 52 years," he says.
Also according to the doctor, the duration of flow can be from two to eight days, with a blood volume that can vary from 30 to 80 ml.
"The main function of the endometrium, which is the blood secreted in the menstrual flow, is to provide a suitable place for the implantation of the blastocyst (fertilized egg) and, consequently, generate a healthy pregnancy," he explains.
Cramps and indisposition
Gynecologist Ennio Filho points out that menstrual colic, also known as dysmenorrhea, affects about 50% of women of childbearing age and is extremely normal. "It occurs due to the release of a substance called prostaglandin, which increases the activity of the uterine muscle, causing a higher frequency and number of contractions, causing cramps," he says.
The doctor also adds that this pelvic pain usually comes with back pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, causing extreme discomfort and malaise in women.
Although all the symptoms described above are normal, the intensity and frequency is very variable from one woman to another. And, once they cause a monthly social disability, dysmenorrhea becomes a disease, requiring the intervention of the gynecologist ?, highlights the professional.
Changes in menstrual cycle and contraceptive use
Ennio Filho points out that changes in menstrual flow may indeed pose health risks. "Both the volume increase or the days duration, as the excessive decrease or absence of flow", says.
According to the doctor, there are numerous gynecological pathologies that initially course with a change in menstruation. "Therefore, in the occurrence of these manifestations, the gynecologist should always be consulted", highlights.
However, it is worth remembering that the use of contraceptives can also change the characteristics of menstruation. "Contraceptive has the function of inhibiting ovulation, causing a drop in hormonal rates, reducing the volume and days of flow," he explains.
The gynecologist also adds that as the flow decreases, the blood also changes color, usually getting darker.
Thus, if you use contraceptives and have only noticed a slight change in blood color and a decrease in blood volume, this is no cause for concern.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is nothing more than the absence of menstruation. Is it considered a disorder of the menstrual cycle and can it be primary? when menstruation does not start until 15 years? or secondary, when menstrual periods are absent for more than three to six months.
This is a relatively common problem, which occurs in about 5% of women of childbearing age, yet should not be ignored by them. This is because it can signal underlying medical conditions and potentially have long-term health consequences.
Thus, a woman who misses more than three menstrual periods (consecutively or over a year) and a girl who has not menstruated until the age of 15 should consult a gynecologist as soon as possible to investigate the causes of the absence. of menstruation.
The menstrual cycle (April 2024)
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