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20th July 2022
11:00am BST
If your teenager is feeling a little in the dark about how their period works, don't worry, we've got you covered.
Today we spoke with Amy Murphy, Nurse Manager at the Sims IVF clinic in Swords to get the answers to the most commonly asked question about periods.
1.What factors can influence my cycle?
There are many things that can impact on the menstrual cycle, ranging from lifestyle factors, to medication, and health conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. In many cases, once off changes to your cycle can be harmless, but it is important to get to know the length of your cycle and to visit a GP if you have any concerns.
2.Does the contraceptive pill have an impact on periods?
If you are taking an oral contraceptive, the ‘bleed’ experienced during a break between pill packets is in fact a ‘withdrawal bleed’, not a period.
An oral contraceptive, i.e. ‘the pill’, blocks ovulation so there is no uterine lining to shed. The bleed experienced is a result of withdrawal from progesterone, present in combined oral contraception or progesterone only contraceptives.
3.A bleed outside of your period – is this normal?
Vaginal bleeding or ‘spotting’ between periods may occur, particularly during the first few months of starting on hormonal contraception.
If spotting lasts longer than a few months, or if you have any concerns, you seek medical advice to get it checked out.
4.How do my hormones change during the different stages of my cycle?
There are four stages to the menstrual cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
While hormones and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are often used as a way to dismiss behaviour or passed off as ‘PMS-ing’, hormones can have big impacts on your mood.
During the luteal phase, progesterone and estrogen levels rise, and you may begin to feel moodier.Explore more on these topics:
