Understanding your period is the best way of being in control and knowing when your next period is likely to be. Then you can be prepared, confident and minimise being caught out. Whilst many people refer to your period as monthly, it is in fact a 28-day cycle (although this varies from woman to woman and can be anything between 26 and 32 days). The 28-day cycle stars from the first day of your period, so when working out when your next period is due, remember to count from the first day, not the last.
- Days 1-5: Your period starts. The lining of your uterus is shed. When your period arrives it may seem like your losing lots of blood, but it is only a few teaspoons full. The colour of your flow may change too, from bright red to a darker brownish colour. The length of your period may also vary in length between 3 - 7 days.
- Days 6-13: The hormone; oestrogen causes the lining of your uterus to thicken in preparation for pregnancy, whilst your ovaries prepare an egg for release.
- Day 14: One of your ovaries releases the mature egg. If it is fertilised you will become pregnant, if not then the menstrual cycle will begin.
- Days 15-20: The egg travels down your fallopian tube and your uterus builds up protein, sugar and blood supplies in preparation for the fertilised egg.
- Days 21-28: Your hormone levels continue to rise, which can cause pre-menstrual symptoms such as bloating, mood swings and tender breasts. If the egg is unfertilised, then your period will begin.
If you’re discussing this subject with your daughter, or a young relative or friend view our animation on Lil-lets girls, for a more visual demonstration of the cycle.