1/4 The menstrual cycle. The period

In this new school year, we decided at Loulou to review the basics. We think it is essential to better understand and know each other. Nothing better for that to decipher our period and its mysteries. Here is our first article in a series dedicated to the female cycle. Over the next few weeks, we will address in turn, the follicular phase,ovulation or the luteal phase. First stop: with medium flows ou period. It is undoubtedly the phase of our cycle that we know the most because it is the only one that is clearly visible.

The rules appear regularly (well not always, as we will see). They annoy us, hurt us, bother us and sometimes reassure us. Why do they form? Why do periods come back repeatedly? Why don't we menstruate anymore when we're pregnant ? Why are they irregular ? We will try to address all the questions you have in order to better understand this common phenomenon but quite unknown to many.

menstrual cycle menstruation


Come on, let's demystify everything, thanks to Loulou, the rules will no longer have any secrets for you!

The menstrual cycle and periods

Small reminder (you can also find a detailed file on the question here, Menstrual Cycle Guide) on the reasons that lead us each month to put on our Loulou period panties favorite.

A woman's body goes through a cyclical process that usually lasts 28 days on average (21 to 35 days). The very well-established phenomenon prepares the body for potential fertilization. Of the puberty to menopause, the woman therefore experiences many cycles (nearly 13 per year). Miscellaneous hormones secreted in the brain, in particular, bring with them a whole process in the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and then theuterus.

menstrual cycle menstruation


Menstruation lasts a few days, 3 to 7 days on average. They are manifested by bleeding light then more lively before being light again at the end of the period. Periods are proof that the egg has not been fertilized and therefore that you are not pregnant. The uterus was however well prepared to accommodate the embryo by making its wall (the endometrium) thicker. This uterine lining thickens throughout the cycle. As no nidation is observed, theendometrium falls apart because it is useless. The whole is expelled and corresponds to the vaginal bleeding and the rules.

Rules Q&A

We looked at the questions that came up most often around the theme of rules. We have tried to answer them as clearly as possible. If any doubts remain, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be delighted to be able to enlighten you!

Why can periods be painful?

While some lucky ones know rules without a hitch, others will have the misfortune to know Painful periods are the worst. Usually, you can feel tension in your lower abdomen. It's your uterus contracting (uterine contractions) to evacuate the uterine lining. If some pain is still tolerable, you have to worry when it becomes unbearable and disabling. Excessive pain can also be a sign of something else (infection, disease, endometriosis).

Solutions exist to calm the pain: play sports or take care of their diet. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. He can prescribe you a analgesic appropriate that will help you. In any case, it is not normal to suffer during your period.

Why are my periods heavy?

Le menstrual flow is light, medium or abundant. Some women experience a sustained flow, sometimes abundant even hemorrhagic. The contraception, like the Copper IUD, can in particular make the heavier periods. It can also be genetics.
Find without further delay our articles devoted to the question of the abundant flow:

Why is my period late this month?

So don't panic. It happens to all women to notice the delay. For several reasons, the menses can shift. Stress, jet lag, medical treatment, certain eating habits, high-level sport or even new contraception can disrupt your period. Of course, you can do a pregnancy test to be fixed. Either way, irregular periods are never alarming if they remain episodic and your cycle finds its cruising speed again the following month.
Find our article on the irregular periods and menstrual cycle disorders to know more.

with medium flows

Why do I have acne when I have my period?

A beautiful button has sprung up in the night reminding that your period they also disembark. Nothing too surprising. It is typicallyacne says hormonal. Hormone levels vary greatly throughout the cycle. Just before your period, testosterone is higher than female hormones. This hormone is well known to increase the production of sebum and therefore lead to the development of acne.

Why am I bleeding between my periods?

Bleeding outside of menstruation is also called spotting. Find our article, What is spotting?

Can you stop your periods?

For a question of comfort but also for soothe pain or avoid a hemorrhagic flow handicapping, it is possible to stop menstruation. Some hormonal contraceptive solutions make it possible to greatly reduce or even stop menstruating.
More informations, here.

I don't have my period and I'm not pregnant, what does that mean?

If your pregnancy test is negative, we invite you to confirm the result with a blood test which leaves no doubt. The absence of rulesamenorrhea » or the delay of periods can have various reasons. The menstrual cycle you are going through may be anovulatory this means that there was no ovulation. It can also be a sign of pre-menopause. Other causes are possible (stress, anorexia, but also PCOS). If it happens again, check it out!

What are the warning signs of menstruation?

According to the women, you may experience (or not): migraines, bloating, fatigue, tension in the breasts, poor transit, abdominal cramps, pain in the lower back. It is SPM ou premenstrual syndrome. 80% of women experience one or more symptoms.