A menstrual cycle lasts approximately 21 to 35 days in adult women and 21 to 45 days in teenage females. With the first part of the cycle, the lining of the uterus starts to thicken due to increased levels of a female hormone called estrogen. Ovulation then takes place, where an egg is dropped from the ovaries and travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. If the egg gets fertilized with sperm, then pregnancy occurs. If it doesn't, then menstrual periods take place, and there are several signs that accompany them.
Bleeding
When the egg in the uterus does not get fertilized for conception, it breaks up. It then exits the body through the vagina along with the built-up tissue. This causes bleeding, and it is one of the signs of a period. The bleeding can then last anywhere from two to seven days.
Pain
Cramps are another major sign of menstrual periods. They occur as a result of the uterine muscles contracting when it is shedding the layer of tissue and blood from its walls. Cramps generally only last the first few days of the menstrual period. This is also the time when the bleeding is the heaviest. Depending on the female, cramps can be dull and achy, or they can cause sharp, severe pains that are not only felt in the abdomen but also in the back.
Emotions
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a series of conditions that take place the week before your period begins. During your menstrual cycle, hormone levels become unbalanced, and they rise and fall sporadically. These ever-changing hormone levels can cause you to go through a myriad of physical and emotional changes that can be difficult to tolerate. Emotional changes you can see include crying more than usual, having bursts of anger, depression, mood swings, confusion, social withdrawal and anxiety. Physical signs you can experience include swollen, tender breasts, headaches, swollen extremities and water retention.
Acne
If you are a teenage girl and you just started having menstrual periods, there is a chance that you can experience acne breakouts. Changing hormone levels are the cause of this as with the other symptoms. As you grow older, this generally becomes less of a problem.
