3 Things You Might Not Know About Your Period

3 Things You Might Not Know About Your Period

3 Things You Might Not Know About Your Period

Do you think you know everything there is to know about your menstrual cycle?
On average, every woman has approximately 450 menstrual cycles in their lifetime, so you will have plenty of opportunities to learn everything there is to know about periods. Nonetheless, your period has a habit of surprising you and not just by showing up when you least expect it.

Here are three fascinating facts about your periods you may not know.

1. It is possible to become pregnant while on your period.

It is time to debunk the age-old fallacy that your period keeps you from getting pregnant. 

There are several causes for this. For starters, some girls may confuse ovulation bleeding (vaginal bleeding during or immediately before or after ovulation) for actual periods. When you ovulate, you are at your most fertile. If you have sex during this time, you may increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Secondly, though you cannot ovulate while on your period; because sperm can remain in the body for up to 3 days (72 hours) following sex, pregnancy can occur from intercourse (sex) that happens during your period. So, regardless of the time of the month, never have unprotected sex.

PS: Ovulation is when their ovaries release an egg once a month for their period. 

2. Your menstrual cycle changes over time.

Soon as you start to feel like you can predict when your period will arrive, everything can change! This change is due to hormone changes that occur during your life. 

When you get your first period, your cycles may be longer, meaning more time may pass between one period to the next. A teenage girl’s cycle might last anywhere from 21 to 45 days. They get shorter and more predictable over time, about 21 to 35 days on average.

3. PMS remains a mystery.

One to two weeks before your period starts, you may experience acne, bloating, cravings, sluggishness, mood swings, etc. These symptoms are called PMS (premenstrual syndrome). PMS affects every girl differently.

However, doctors are puzzled as to why this is. PMS appears to be caused by a combination of hormone changes throughout your menstrual cycle, chemical changes in the brain, and other emotional issues you may be experiencing, such as depression.

Changing your lifestyle is usually the most effective way to manage PMS. Aim to exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week and get 8 hours of sleep each night. Fill up on fruits and vegetables. Also, avoid salt (because of bloating) and sugar.

If PMS prevents you from doing what you typically do or you experience signs of depression or anxiety, talk to your parents or guardians.

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