R. : Each month, from puberty until menopause, women’s bodies prepare for a pregnancy.  A change in hormone levels prepares for the release of an egg and the uterus lining is thickened to prepare for it.  When there is no fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, the uterus sheds its lining.  This is the monthly menstrual bleeding.  These phenomena are the menstrual cycle.

R. : Women usually have their first period around age 12 or 13.  It sometimes can come as early as 9 years old, or much later, around 16 or 17.  In general, cycles become more regular after the third year.

R. : The first day of the period is Day 1 of the cycle and the last day of the cycle is the day before the next period.  The length of a menstrual cycle varies between 21 and 35 days.  A woman’s cycle is considered regular when the length of the cycles is stable or varies of only a few days.  In the teenage years and nearing menopause, the menstrual cycle can be much more unpredictable.

R. : Ovulation occurs when the follicle reaches maturity and releases the egg.  The oestrogen level is then at its highest.  Some women may feel a bit of lower pelvic pain.  During this time, the uterus lining continues to thicken and cervical fluid becomes clear and slippery to make it easy for the spermatozoid to get to the uterus.

R. : Yes!  It is called the Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which regroups all cyclic manifestations of physical and psychological symptoms related to periods.  Many women suffer from PMS and even if the cause of this syndrome remains unknown, the modification of hormonal secretions is implied.  In fact, it is believed that it is caused by oversensitivity to biochemical fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.  These symptoms vary in nature and intensity for every woman.

• Symptoms related to fluid retention: weight gain, aching or heavy legs, heavy sweating of the hands and feet, and breast tenderness;
• Emotional and psychological symptoms: irritability, mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, depression, anger;
• Cravings for salted or sweet foods;
• Headaches or migraines;
• Physical pain, especially to lower back, stomach and pelvic area;
• Severe fatigue with sleeping disorders (insomnia or hypersomnia);
• Skin problems: acne, oily skin, greater hairiness;
• Increase or decrease in sexual desire;

R. :  

R. : It is a known fact that healthy and well-balanced food, regular exercise and good stress management prevents PMS symptoms aggravation. As the cause of the Premenstrual Syndrome remains mysterious, recent studies looked into reducing its manifestations.  However, the wide variety of symptoms explains why the miracle remedy is yet to be found...

R. : The pheromones, odorless and volatile, are chemical molecules transmitted by glands located under armpits, around nipples and in groins (apocrine glands).  They have a great influence over animals’ behaviors, and according to recent studies, on humans too.  In fact, they can indeed activate instinctive behaviors related to sexuality, aggressiveness and recognition of close relations (mother’s pheromones would attract her infant to her breasts).

R. : It is possible that pheromones have created this sync.  Indeed, among the benefits resulting from the pheromones, it was noted that they can have a positive effect on the physiology and behaviors of others.  As a matter of fact, women who work or live together tend to get their menstrual cycles in sync, because they are exposed to another woman’s female essence.  Another positive effect is that pheromones make men attracted to women when they ovulate.

R. : There are a lot of choices, but most women use pads or tampons.  

Some women also choose to vary the protection they use according to their activities, their blood flow and depending on how at ease they are with their body.  

Whatever the chosen option, women have to remember to change their product regularly.  Leaving any product in place for a long time allows bacteria to grow which may cause odors and even infection.  

Because there are so many brands and different products on the market, you might have a hard time finding what you need.  The document “Choosing the right protection” indicates some characteristics to consider in helping you find the most appropriate product for yourself.

R. : A pad is worn inside your underwear, so it is outside your body, and it stays in place with its adhesive strip.  It absorbs the blood that flows out of the vagina and protects clothes.  There are so many different varieties that you might want to try a few before finding the one that suits your needs best.  Some women keep different kinds and sizes on hand for various situations.  A good sanitary pad should be comfortable, irritation-free and help you feel fully protected against leakage.  Pads are the most popular protection, even more so for overnight use.  

A tampon is placed inside the vagina where it will expand and absorb the menstrual blood.  Some come with an applicator to facilitate the insertion of the tampon.  Plastic applicators are often preferred by women as they are gentler.  

Tampons have different absorption levels (from “slender” to “super plus”), you can pick the one that matches your flow.  A lighter, slender size is a better choice for young women.  Some women have apprehensions on the first try, but with practice, tampons quickly become easy to use and are often found to be most practical, especially when you have an active lifestyle or for swimming.

R. : With tampons, there is a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).  This is a serious and life-threatening syndrome. You can reduce your chances of getting TSS by changing your tampon regularly. Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by a toxin that builds up in your system.

Signs of TSS include:

• sudden high fever
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• generalized aches and pains
• dizziness and feeling faint (especially when rising from a lying or sitting position)
• disorientation (confusion)
• a rash like a sunburn on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
• extremely low blood pressure, rapid weak pulse (shock)

These cases are very rare, but if you feel any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.