Common Questions about Periods

By: Sahasra Kalluri

First, what is a period? A period, also known as menstruation, is a monthly event (usually) where the lining of the uterus is shedded. This process occurs because the body prepares for a pregnancy each month, and when there is no sperm to fertilize the egg prepared by the uterus, a period occurs. This lining flows out through the vagina in the form of menstrual blood. 


Now, here are some common questions asked about periods!


What does it mean when a period is skipped? 

To start, a skipped period can be normal. After getting their first period, most people get their periods anywhere from every 21 to 45 days, and it can take up to six years for a period to become regular. Although, there can be other reasons why a period is skipped, that are not just pregnancy. This can be due to menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, eating disorders, thyroid, stress, other medical conditions or other medications. 


What causes period cramps? Are they normal? 

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, occur for many women during their period. There are two kinds of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea are cramps that occur during a period that do not come from a medical condition. This is the more common form of cramps. Secondary dysmenorrhea is more severe and more painful and comes from a condition or infection in the reproductive organs. Some of these conditions are endometriosis and PCOS. 


Period cramps are caused by prostaglandin, a chemical that causes the uterus to tighten up. During the menstrual cycle, prostaglandin levels are much higher. 


Period cramps are very normal, as 60% of people report suffering from cramps during their cycle. Only a small percentage of people suffer from cramps that make them feel as though they cannot complete their daily tasks.   


What is PMS? 

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS is where women start having period symptoms a week or two before they actually start their cycle. These symptoms include bloating, mood swings, and more. PMS can range from causing minor inconveniences to so severe that they can no longer do their daily tasks. It is believed that PMS is caused due to falling levels of estrogen and progesterone as women near their periods.  


What are period poops?  

This is a question that almost any menstruating individual asks themselves, but is hardly asked due to the disgust people feel at the word “poop.” Women usually have to poop more often on their periods, and everyone should be more aware of why it happens. The short answer? Hormones. As a period begins, prostaglandins soften to help the process of the uterus shedding its lining. The prostaglandins are fatty acids and also soften your bowels-leading to more poop during this time. For some people this can lean into diarrhea. People with IBS and Crohn’s disease are affected more severely by this. 


These are only a few of the commonly asked questions. If you have any more (we’re sure you do!) please feel free to reach out to us through instagram (@periodpovertyinc) or email (periodpovertyinc@gmail.com)! We are here for you as a resource :)


Sources: