Health Class 101: The Menstrual Cycle

Let's face it. Most of us don't have much understanding of our bodies and the menstrual cycle outside of high school health class, which was taught by the gym teacher. We are taught "we can always get pregnant" and that if we have an unknown issue with our cycle, we should just "take some birth control."

There are so many misconceptions about our menstrual cycles. Our menstrual cycle is our 5th vital sign and we need to have discussions about it. When our cycle is abnormal, it is our bodies way of telling us something is wrong.

Our cycles should be anywhere from 26-30 days, and 4-5 days of bleeding. We shouldn't have super heavy or super light bleeding, minimal clots, and no PMS. We should not have pain with ovulation. When we leave these limits, it is a sign that there is dysfunction.

I want women to know and understand their cycle for their overall health, not just to get pregnant or not get pregnant. I want girls to learn from an early age what is normal, and so they know when to seek help if it is not normal. I want women to enter perimenopause in the best health, so they can cruise without misery of a hormonal roller coaster.