Menstruation

Did You Know?

• The start of menstruation is the menarche; the end is menopause.

• Definition of PMS as a psychiatric disorder may change as new research suggests that PMS symptoms may stem from changes in blood levels of estrogen and progesterone which then effect the brain.

• Calcium supplements relieved physical and psychological PMS symptoms by more than 50%, according to a recent study. Researchers are not sure why calcium works, but this study is the latest in a series that has linked calcium deficiency to PMS symptoms.

• Day 1 of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your period.

• Menstrual cycles range from 21 days to over 35 days.

• As women approach menopause, the time between periods gradually gets longer.