MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Also known as your fertility cycle. It is the time from the beginning of your flow to the day before the next flow. The average length is 28 days, but it is also normal for it to be longer or shorter.

MENSES

Your menstrual blood, also referred to as flow.

MENSTRUATION OR MENSTRUAL PERIOD

The days when your uterus releases its lining of tissue and blood through the vagina, lasting 2-7 days.

MENOPAUSE

The time when menstrual periods stop permanently, usually occurring between the ages of 45-55 years.

ANATOMY OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Ovary
Found on either side of the uterus, the ovaries store eggs.

Ovulation
The time when an ovary has prepared and released an egg.

Uterus
Also called the womb, the uterus is located in the lower abdomen. During pregnancy, it is where the fertilized egg develops into a baby.

Vagina
The female reproductive organ that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body, between the legs. Menstrual blood exits the body through the vagina.

Vulva
The outer, visible part of the female genital organs. It includes the vaginal opening, the clitoris, and two pairs of skin folds called labia.

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

What do menstrual cramps feel like?
Menstrual cramps feel like a throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERIOD SYMPTOMS

Tracking your period symptoms helps you and your healthcare provider understand your cycle better. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare in advance. Always keep track of your period at all times.