MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Also referred to as the fertility cycle, this is the period from the start of your menstrual flow to the day before your next cycle begins. While the average length is 28 days, cycles can also be shorter or longer and still be considered normal.

MENSES
This term refers to the menstrual blood, commonly known as your flow.

MENSTRUATION OR MENSTRUAL PERIOD
The phase when the uterus sheds its lining of tissue and blood through the vagina, typically lasting 2-7 days.

MENOPAUSE
The point when menstruation permanently ceases, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

ANATOMY OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• Ovary
  Located on either side of the uterus, the ovaries store eggs.
• Ovulation
  The process when an ovary matures and releases an egg.
• Uterus
  Also known as the womb, the uterus is situated in the lower abdomen. It is where a fertilized egg develops into a baby during pregnancy.
• Vagina
  The female reproductive organ that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body, located between the legs. Menstrual blood exits the body through the vagina.
• Vulva
  The visible outer part of the female genital area, including the vaginal opening, clitoris, and two sets of skin folds called labia.

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
What do menstrual cramps feel like?
Menstrual cramps are typically experienced as throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERIOD SYMPTOMS
Monitoring your period symptoms helps you and your healthcare provider gain a better understanding of your cycle. Knowing what to expect allows you to prepare in advance. It’s important to consistently track your period symptoms.