For a fertile woman, there is a state of alarm every month. From the age of about 12-13, young girls need to think about menstrual hygiene and contraceptives. On average, a woman has her menstruation for 42 years until menopause, which amounts to 13 cycles per year, sometimes with painful menstrual bleeding. But where does menstrual blood come from and what does it contain? Let's get to know it better to experience the period more relaxed.
The Origin of Menstrual Blood
Menstruation is caused by the absence of fertilization at the end of a menstrual cycle. To understand its origin, it is important to know the different phases of the cycle and the associated hormonal changes:
- The Follicular Phase is a time of high estrogen production. This leads to thickening of the uterine lining and the formation of numerous blood vessels;
- The ovulation phase begins when an egg cell matures. It is then expelled from the ovary and transported to the fallopian tube;
- The gestagen or luteal phase starts immediately afterwards. During this time, progesterone is released in large quantities. This hormone prepares the uterus for the arrival of an embryo and therefore fills it with proteins, sugars, blood...
- If no sperm arrive to fertilize the egg in the following days, the egg dies and dissolves, while a previously formed part of the uterine lining (endometrium) detaches. These elements are expelled during menstruation through menstrual blood, and this is referred to as the Menstruationsphase.
Menstruation occurs for the first time during puberty, sometimes accompanied by PMS, which stops when the period arrives. These disturbances are due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The length of a cycle varies from woman to woman. Some women have their period exactly every 28 days, while for others, the period varies each month. Generally, the cycle lasts 21 to 35 days, and a woman's period lasts 3 to 7 days. Ovulation always occurs 14 days before the start of menstruation, but the follicular phase can vary.
Every woman has her own menstrual calendar; only significant discrepancies between her periods (e.g., amenorrhea during one or more cycles) are worth investigating. In short, normal periods are those that follow their own regularity, without the need to compare oneself to other women.
What does menstrual blood contain?
Menstrual blood, which is considered a symbol of femininity or feared due to its supposed impurity, is still little known. In fact, menstrual blood consists of dead parts of the uterine wall, fragments of the endometrium, vaginal secretions or cervical secretions, and blood. Menstrual blood is less concentrated than normal blood, as it contains more water but less hemoglobin and iron. It also contains fewer platelets. On the other hand, its pH value is similar to that of blood: 7.2.
It contains no coagulation elements. As a result, it remains liquid both inside and outside the body. If you use cloth pads, you may have noticed that while the blood dries, it does not clot. Possible clots are due to the thickness of the endometrium. Menstrual blood is more viscous than normal blood, but this viscosity varies throughout the menstruation and depending on the woman's age and situation. The consistency of menstrual bleeding is not the same on the first day of menstruation as it is on the last. It depends on the amount of cervical mucus present. Normally, the period is bright red when you are healthy. However, if the color of your period becomes lighter or darker, this is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if bleeding occurs outside of your period, you should pay attention. If it is spotting, everything is fine. However, for heavier bleeding, you should consult a specialist. The same applies if you suffer from fatigue or anemia.
Which feminine hygiene products should I choose to protect myself from menstrual blood?
The amount of blood that is lost during menstruation varies from woman to woman and can be about 5 to 25 ml. This means that the menstrual flow may be less than you think. Even though many women feel they have a heavy menstrual bleeding, the amount of menstrual blood is ultimately not that large.
Nevertheless, young girls must take care of suitable menstrual hygiene from their first menstruation. Tampons and disposable pads, washable pads, menstrual cups... which hygiene products are best for menstruation? In fact, it is advisable to use a washable product made from Oeko-Tex certified materials. The Oeko-Tex label guarantees that no health-threatening substances have been used.
Indeed, it is difficult to find out which chemicals are used in disposable hygiene products. Tampons can cause numerous disturbances, some of which can be very serious, while fragrances in pads can be allergenic. It is best to choose Oeko-Tex pads or panties. They do not cause irritation. Additionally, they are cheaper since they are reusable. Period underwear remains a particularly efficient solution as they provide optimal protection and comfort while being discreet.
How do you best wash out menstrual blood?
Despite the precautions taken, clothing and bed sheets can sometimes be stained by menstrual blood. This is where the right protection comes in to avoid ruining the textiles in the long run. Usually, cold water and soap are sufficient for washing out. Soak your garment in water for a few hours and rub it with a laundry soap (preferably organic). If you follow these rules, you can easily remove the last traces of menstrual blood. The same principle applies to period underwear. They should be rinsed with cold water under running water until the water runs clear. After that, you can wash them with your other garments in the washing machine. It is strongly recommended not to use bleach, as it damages the fabric and can lead to skin irritation.
"If you have bleeding outside of your period, it can be more difficult to eliminate these traces. It may be a vaginal infection, a side effect of the birth control pill, or another gynecological issue that should be discussed with a doctor. Pay special attention to the smell of the bleeding. If it smells very unpleasant, this is often a sign of an infection."
