Menstruation

Menstruation — usually just called a period — is the monthly shedding of the uterus lining, which comes out as blood through the vagina. It happens because the body prepared the uterus for a pregnancy that didn't happen, so the built-up lining is no longer needed. Periods usually last 3-7 days and happen roughly once a month as part of the menstrual cycle.

• A period is the shedding of the uterus lining. The blood leaves the body through the vagina.
• They usually last 3-7 days and happen roughly every 21-35 days.
• The amount of blood lost per period is typically 30-70ml — less than you'd think. [CHECK: commonly cited range]
• Periods are a normal part of puberty for people with a uterus, usually starting between ages 9-16.
• Period products include pads, tampons, menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear.

What period blood is actually like

Period blood isn't like blood from a cut. It's a mix of blood, tissue from the uterus lining, and other fluids. It can be bright red, dark red, brown, or even almost black — all normal. It's often darker at the beginning and end of a period and brighter red in the middle when the flow is heavier.

You might also notice small clots — jelly-like lumps in the blood. Small clots are normal, especially on heavier days. If you're regularly passing large clots (bigger than a 10p coin), it's worth mentioning to a GP.

The flow usually isn't constant. You might have heavier days (often days 1-3) and lighter days towards the end. Some people have very light periods, others have heavy ones. Both extremes can be normal, but very heavy periods that interfere with your life are worth getting checked.

Period products

There are more options than you might think:

• Pads — stick to your underwear, absorb blood externally. Come in different sizes for different flow levels. Good starting option.
• Tampons — inserted into the vagina, absorb blood internally. Come with or without applicators. Need changing every 4-8 hours. Carry a small risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) if left in too long.
• Menstrual cups — small, flexible silicone cups inserted into the vagina. Collect rather than absorb blood. Reusable — can last years. Emptied and rinsed every 8-12 hours.
• Menstrual discs — similar to cups but sit higher in the vaginal canal. Can be disposable or reusable.
• Period underwear — absorbent pants you wear instead of (or as backup to) other products. Washable and reusable.

There's no "best" product — it's about what suits your body, your comfort level, and your lifestyle. You can also use different products at different times (pads at night, tampons during the day, for example).

Period pain

Cramps during your period are caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining. They usually feel like an aching or cramping pain in the lower belly, and can range from barely noticeable to genuinely debilitating. Some people also get lower back pain, headaches, nausea, or diarrhoea.

For mild to moderate cramps: over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen works well because it's anti-inflammatory), a hot water bottle on your belly, gentle exercise, or a warm bath can all help. Taking ibuprofen before the pain gets bad is more effective than waiting.

If period pain is severe enough to regularly miss school or activities, or if painkillers don't touch it, see a GP. Very painful periods can sometimes be a sign of conditions like endometriosis — which is treatable but often takes too long to diagnose.

Things people get wrong

"Periods should be exactly the same every month." They vary — in flow, duration, and symptoms. Some months are heavier, some lighter. This is normal, especially in the first few years.

"You shouldn't exercise during your period." Exercise is fine and can actually help with cramps. Some athletes perform at their best during their period. Listen to your body — if you need rest, rest.

"Tampons can get lost inside you." They can't. The cervix at the top of the vagina is too small for a tampon to pass through. If a tampon feels hard to reach, stay calm — it's still there. You can squat, bear down gently, and use your fingers to retrieve it. If you genuinely can't get it, a GP or nurse can help.

"Period blood is dirty." It's not. It's normal bodily fluid — tissue and blood from the uterus. It's no more "dirty" than any other blood.

Things people ask about menstruation

How much blood do you actually lose?

Most people lose about 30-70ml per period — roughly 2-5 tablespoons over the whole period. It can look like more than it is, especially in water (like in the shower or bath).

Can I swim on my period?

Yes. A tampon or menstrual cup works for swimming. Water pressure can temporarily slow the flow while you're in the water. Pads don't work in water.

What if my period is really heavy?

If you're soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or two, passing large clots, or your period lasts longer than 7 days regularly, talk to a GP. Heavy periods are common and treatable — you don't have to just put up with it.

Should period pain be this bad?

Mild to moderate cramps are normal. Pain that's severe, gets worse over time, or stops you from living your life isn't something you should just accept. See a GP — it could be something like endometriosis, which affects around 1 in 10 people with a uterus. [CHECK: current UK endometriosis prevalence]

Where to get help

• Your GP — for heavy periods, severe pain, irregular cycles, or any concerns.
• Brook — information about periods and puberty for young people.
• Endometriosis UK — if you suspect your period pain might be more than normal cramps.

Menstruation is the medical word for having a period. Each month, the body builds up a soft lining inside the womb, getting ready in case a pregnancy starts. If no pregnancy happens, the body doesn't need that lining anymore, so it comes away and leaves the body as blood. That's a period.

Periods usually last 3-7 days. The blood can be bright red, dark red, or brownish. It's not like blood from a cut — it's mixed with other tissue. Small jelly-like lumps are normal too.

Some days are heavier and some are lighter. Most people lose about 2-5 tablespoons of blood over the whole period, which is less than it looks.

You can use pads (which stick to your underwear), tampons (which go inside the body), menstrual cups (reusable and go inside), or special absorbent underwear. There's no best option — just whatever suits you.

Cramps are common during periods. They're caused by the womb squeezing to push out the lining. A hot water bottle, painkillers, or gentle movement can help. If the pain is very bad and stops you from doing normal things, see a doctor. You don't have to just put up with it.

You can still do sports, swim, and do everything you normally do on your period.