Men, pay attention!
Yes, all of you gentlemen.
Have you thought of checking women during their period?
If not even once in your lifetime, then you’d better read the message carefully.
Many women around the world have a surprising experience during their period in June.
Women during this month may:
- Have two periods in a month
- Have an early or late period
- Might miss the red days altogether
Such cases are unusual, for we all know that women must undergo menstruation at least once a month.
You might have women in your family, friends, or neighborhood who may have the same experience.
But doctors assure that there’s no need to panic.
The menstrual cycle normally shifts for numerous reasons.
Undergoing the cycle twice a month is not directly a sign of a health problem.
There could be factors affecting it, so men have to be particular with these things as well.
As a guy myself, it’s crucial to understand such matters.
Knowing these things helps us understand what they truly feel and how we can assist them in times of need.
Two Periods in a Month?
You might wonder if it’s possible.
Yes, it is.
We are taught that the menstrual cycle lasts for up to 28 days.
However, it’s not always like that most of the time.
Medical experts confirmed that a normal menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days.
That means some women may either have shorter or longer red days.
But how can there be two periods in a month?
Imagine this.
If the period begins on June 3 and lasts for 23 days. The next period will start in the coming days before the end of the month.
That’s what women mean by having two periods in a month.
A menstrual cycle doesn’t always end after 28 days; it can end either a bit early or slightly late.
Women’s High Awareness
The reason why women are sharing it with others is that they want you to be aware of or informed about this situation.
Some women may ask other women whether this feeling is also true for them.
It was supposed to be a girls’ talk, but it evolved into a virtual conversation that allowed women to share their experiences freely.
Having two periods in a month is caused by different factors that affect women’s overall health.
Experts have pointed out that extreme heat is a possible factor for women’s unusual menstrual cycle.
Although current studies are analyzing the effect of heat on health, they believe that hot weather adds stress to the body.
That stress will lead to hormonal changes in the body, which may affect women’s menstruation and ovulation.
Experts clarified that extreme heat is not the sole factor for menstrual changes, as there would be other reasons yet to be identified.
Impact of Stress on the Menstrual Cycle
Stress is a traitor.
It doesn’t just affect one’s mood, but also their hormones.
When your body feels pressured, tensed, or emotional, it releases the stress hormone called cortisol.
That’s the hormone released to maintain balance in your body.
But once it exceeds and remains at a high level, hormones can cause changes in the menstrual cycle.
Many women may face menstrual changes due to personal matters affecting them.
When they can successfully manage their stress level, it can significantly help their menstrual cycle return to normal.
The Course of Hormonal Shift
A menstrual cycle depends on the hormones that affect it.
A slight change in the hormones can cause a shift in the menstrual cycle.
But bear in mind that hormonal shifts can happen during:
- Puberty stage
- Stage leading to menopause
- After pregnancy
- Breastfeeding season
- Taking or stopping birth control pills
Every woman’s hormonal levels are different, which can also cause different effects on their menstrual cycle.
For men, paying attention to their women is mostly needed.
But for women, learn from each other’s menstrual cycle experience instead of comparing each other.
Effects of Unhealthy Habits
Experts have also warned that unhealthy habits could affect the menstrual cycle through hormones.
Taking care of your body is crucial not just for wellness, but also for the menstrual cycle itself.
Here are some of the unhealthy habits that you may slowly change:
- Lack of quality rest
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Restless body through intense physical engagement
- Unhealthy diet
- Little to no physical activities
While these can be unlearned over time, there are also inevitable reasons for having a menstrual cycle.
Some of them are:
- Traveling to a place with a different time zone
- Sudden dietary change
- Recovery from illness
- Aging
They can bring a temporary or permanent effect on the menstrual cycle.
Not All Bleeding Episodes are Actual Periods
Guys, it’s essential to know that vaginal bleeding is not automatically a menstrual period.
Other women may experience spotting, a breakthrough bleeding between periods.
It is usually caused by, but not limited to:
- Taking birth control pills
- Some medications (a possible side effect)
- Polyps
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormonal imbalance
- Ovulation
Unlike the regular period, spotting is much lighter and lasts up to one or two days.
If you’re unsure how to differentiate it or even the women around you, a consultation from a health provider is recommended.
Consulting a Health Professional
Aside from a general check-up, there are cases where bleeding needs a healthcare consultation.
An appointment is essential if you notice or experience any of the following:
- Consistent menstrual changes for several months
- Missed periods without signs of pregnancy
- Frequent spotting
- Severe pelvic pain
- Frequent lasting bleeding
- Heavy bleeds that soak through the pads easily
A health professional may conduct some blood tests, hormone evaluations, or imaging studies to further evaluate the condition.
The Essence of Period Tracking
One way to understand women’s reproductive health is to track their menstrual cycle.
All women do this often.
It helps them understand the nature of their menstrual cycle.
Keeping track of their red days can help women determine:
- First period day
- Period duration
- Intensity of the flow
- Pain or cramps
- Changes in mood
- Other symptoms
Recording pieces of information is needed, especially if you want to consult with a health professional.
One of the easiest ways to understand your reproductive health is by tracking your menstrual cycle.
Paying Attention is Showing Concern
Gentlemen might be asking now.
What’s the lesson to all of this?
This is to inform all men that women don’t just endure each menstrual cycle.
The dreaded part of that is the changes that may occur.
Knowing these may help us realize that numerous factors can affect the menstrual cycle, and it poses a serious effect on it.
Paying attention is one way to check their situation.
Giving attention to women’s health is informing them that men are capable of understanding what they feel.
That men are not heartless toward women’s experience, but rather not informed.