Periods are a fact of life for roughly half the population, yet discussions of the menstrual cycle are often shrouded in confusion and embarrassment.
Part of the Q&A Health Guides series, this book offers a broad introduction to the menstrual cycle—what it is; why it exists and how it changes over time; what’s normal; when you may want to see a doctor; and which products, medications, and activities can make “that time of the month” a more pleasant experience. Periods: Your Questions Answered addresses more than 30 menstruation-related topics in a way that is engaging and accessible to young readers. Biology and physiology are explained in easy-to-understand language and blended seamlessly with scientifically backed recommendations readers can use in their own lives.
Augmenting the main text, a collection of 5 case studies illustrate key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The common misconceptions section at the beginning of the volume dispels 5 long-standing myths about the menstrual cycle, directing readers to additional information in the text. The glossary defines terms that may be unfamiliar to readers, while the directory of resources curates a list of the most useful books, websites, and other materials. Finally, whether they’re looking for more information about this subject or any other health-related topic, readers can turn to the Guide to Health Literacy section for practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the Internet.
Series Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Guide to Health Literacy
Common Misconceptions about Periods
1. Menstrual cycles are 28 days long, and anything shorter or longer means that something is wrong with my body
2. The symptoms of PMS are the same for every woman
3. A tampon can get lost in the body
4. When on birth control, the placebo week is a period
5. You can’t get pregnant on your period
Questions and Answers
Menstruation Basics
1. What is the menstrual cycle? What are the phases of the menstrual cycle, and what happens in each?
2. At what age do periods begin?
3. How will my body change when I have my period?
4. How much blood is lost during a period, and how long does the bleeding last?
5. Why and how should I track my menstrual cycles?
6. How have periods been viewed throughout history and across cultures?
7. What impact can periods have for those who are transgendered or non-binary?
Menstrual Products, Medications, and Hormonal Birth Control
8. What products are used to collect menstrual blood, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each?
9. Do tampons increase the risk for vaginal infections?
10. What options do I have if my period starts unexpectantly?
11. What options are available for menstrual cramps?
12. How do birth control pills affect the menstrual cycle, and are they safe to use?
13. What is extended cycle oral contraception, and is it safe to use?
14. What other forms of hormonal birth control are available, and how do they affect the menstrual cycle?
15. What are the non-hormonal options for birth control, and how do they affect the menstrual cycle?
16. How long does it take for your period to return once you stop taking birth control pills?
Common Concerns
17. Why does my period sometimes come early or late?
18. Are there ways to control when your period comes and how long it lasts?
19. What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS), what are the common symptoms, and what can I do about it?
20. Why do I get food cravings before and during my period, and what should I do about them?
21. Should I follow a special diet during my period? Are there foods I should or shouldn’t eat?
22. How can I manage the mood swings that come with PMS and my period?
23. Are there activities I shouldn’t do during my period?
24. Should personal hygiene be different during your period?
25. Can I go to a gynecological appointment while on my period?
26. Will people know I’m on my period?
Problematic Periods
27. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate something is wrong with my period? When should I see a doctor, and what type of doctor should I see?
28. My cycle is very short or very long. Is this a sign of a serious problem?
29. Should I be worried if my periods are irregular? What can cause irregular periods?
30. What treatments are available for irregular periods?
31. What are amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea? What causes them?
32. What is premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), how is it different from PMS, and how is it treated?
33. My periods are extremely painful. What can cause this, and what treatment options are available?
34. I have very heavy bleeding during my period. What can cause this?
The Menstrual Cycle throughout the Lifespan
35. How will my period change as I get older?
36. What happens to my period during pregnancy?
37. When do periods return after having a baby?
38. Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding if I don’t have a period?
39. What is perimenopause, and what happens during this phase of life?
40. What is menopause, and when does it begin?
Case Studies
Case 1: Maddie Skips Her Period
Case 2: Jackie Thinks She Is in Menopause
Case 3: Audra Is Angry All the Time
Case 4: Emma Wants to Get Her Period Less Often
Case 5: Gabby Hasn’t Had Her First Period
Directory of Resources
Glossary
Index
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