Shedding the Inner Lining of Uterus Through the Vagina
You may refer to this as Menstruation, period, shark week, on the rag, Aunt Flo, Moon time, The Red Badge of Courage or a variety of other catchy names. While I appreciate this, does it hide the fact that people experience a significant shift of hormones? From the Office On Women’s Health: Menstruation is a woman’s monthly bleeding, often called your “period.” During your monthly menstrual cycle, your uterus lining builds up to prepare for pregnancy. If you do not get pregnant, your hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) begin falling. Very low levels of estrogen and progesterone tell your body to begin menstruation. When you menstruate, your body discards the monthly buildup of the lining of your uterus (womb).
Is It A Secret?
When I was a kid, it was a secret. Shedding the inner lining of the uterus was not discussed. I found a tampon of my mothers. I asked her about it. The people in the room laughed and told me to put it away. I learned more about it in school. Friends talked in hushed tones. Health class covered it briefly. A topic that impacts us forever. Kept a secret. That sounds familiar. See this Wikipedia page for a short discussion of Menstrual Taboo. The stigma around this issue is one of the many issues that impact gender inequality. Clued In is a great resource to read more about this.
How It Impacts All People
The human body is amazing. Cells, tissues, organs, and all of the systems that do different jobs. The reproductive system has played a part in all of our lives. Menstrupedia has a graphic of the phases of the menstrual cycle and the role that plays in every human life. It is 28 days long by the way. Bodies are preparing to continue the human race every day of the month.