Menstruation occurs between menarche (pronounced muh-NAHR-kee), a girl's first period, and menopause, when menstrual cycles end. 1 The average menstruation time in normally menstruating women is about 5 days. 2 In the United States, most girls start menstruating shortly after 12 years of age. 3
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For most women, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days.1 However, 14% to 25% of women have irregular menstrual cycles, meaning the cycles are shorter or longer than normal; are heavier or lighter than normal; or are experienced with other problems, like abdominal cramps.2 Irregular cycles can be ovulatory, meaning that ovulation occurs, or anovulatory, meaning ovulation does not occur.
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The following organizational units address issues related to menstruation and the causes and effects of menstrual irregularities: The Division of Population Health Research (DiPHR) is interested in statistical methodology, comparative etiologies, and the health endpoints needed to identify mechanisms, at-risk groups, and interventions. Some of ...
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“Menstruation, as a health metric like heart rate or blood pressure, is something women could track in the comfort of their own homes—an advantage highlighted by the current COVID-19 crisis that has forced many of us to socially isolate,” she added.
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The primary sign of menstruation is bleeding from the vagina. Additional symptoms include: Abdominal or pelvic cramping Lower back pain Bloating and sore breasts Food cravings Mood swings and irritability Headache Fatigue
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Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may affect menstruation in ways similar to the vaccine. Studies showed that some menstruating people who got COVID-19 experienced a slight increase in cycle length and heavy flow. Again, these changes were minor and temporary.
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Menstrual irregularities are changes to the menstrual cycle that result in missed periods, irregular periods, or excessive bleeding. NICHD is one of many federal agencies and NIH Institutes working to understand menstrual problems. NICHD supports and conducts research on what causes menstrual irregularities and how best to treat and detect them.
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Menstrual irregularities can have a variety of causes, including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, diseases, trauma, and certain medications.1,2,3,4,5,6
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Menstruation occurs between menarche (pronounced muh-NAHR-kee), a girl's first period, and menopause, when menstrual cycles end. 1 The average menstruation time in normally menstruating women is about 5 days. 2 In the United States, most girls start menstruating shortly after 12 years of age. 3.
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Treatments for menstrual irregularities often vary based on the type of irregularity and certain lifestyle factors, such as whether a woman is planning to get pregnant. Treatment for menstrual irregularities that are due to anovulatory bleeding (absent periods, infrequent periods, and irregular periods) include:1,2
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