Menstruation

Menstruation is the monthly bleeding occurring in girls in which the lining of the uterus or the womb is shed off in readiness to make another fresh lining. It is in this lining that the fertilized egg embeds and receives nutrition in the early stages of pregnancy.

A normal menstrual period lasts 2-6 days and comes after 21-35 days. The median age at which menstrual period begins is 11.5 years and is dependent on several factors of which Body Mass Index is an important criterion. A critical weight of 47.8 kg has been found to trigger this process. Therefore overweight girls gorging themselves on junk food are likely to start their periods much earlier.

Delayed, irregular periods at the two extremes of reproductive life are considered normal. Obese girls, however, may additionally have cysts in their ovaries, excessive hair growth, acne, infertility, deposition of fat on abdomen, abnormal lipids in blood, high blood pressure and diabetes when they grow older. This is part of the Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Unless they reduce weight that normalises their body hormonal system, they will require seeing their Gynecologist.

A period lasting more than 6 days, associated with clots, day-time embarrassment or night-time soiling is called ‘Heavy Period’. This could be due to pregnancy related problems, blood clotting abnormalities, infections like Tuberculosis, fibroids in the uterus, cancers or hormonal problems. The doctor may have to investigate by some blood tests, ultrasound and/or hysteroscopy (looking inside the uterus through a telescope). Nowadays, most fibroids can be tackled without having to remove the uterus. Even patients with hormonal problems not cured by medicines can cure their heavy periods and save their uterus by Balloon Therapy.