Menstruation
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Discover the Facts
Menstruation (pronounced men-stroo-EY-shuhn) is normal discharge of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina (see diagram) that occurs as part of a woman's monthly menstrual cycle. Menstruation occurs between menarche (pronounced muh-NAHR-kee), a girl's first period, and menopause, when menstrual cycles end. The average menstruation time in normally menstruating women is about 5 days. In the United States, most girls start menstruating shortly after 12 years of age. Source: Menstruation and Menstrual Problems
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s medical research agency making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems.
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) The primary NIH organization for research on Menstruation. It conducts and supports research on fetal, infant and child development; maternal, child and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. You can find resources about Menstruation and Menstrual Problems or information on this fact sheet.
- The Network of the National Library of Medicine is the largest biomedical library in the world. The outreach efforts of the NNLM assure that researchers, health professionals, the public health workforce and the public are aware of and have access to quality health information available from NLM and the NNLM.
- Period Poverty: A Story from Region 6 | NNLM Discovery Podcast
- Celebrating Moon Times: Flipping the Script on Period Poverty and Standard Puberty Education | NNLM Region 3: HEALTHBYTES Webinar Recording, February 2023
- Know Your Flow: A Menstrual Health Collaboration | NNLM Region 6 Webinar Recording, May 2024
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- Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health (OWH) promotes public health research, evidence-based programs, policies, and strategies to improve the health and well-being of women and girls. Discover resources such as the Menstrual Cycle fact sheet or learn more on their website about the menstrual cycle.
- National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is an annual observance that begins on Mother’s Day and encourages women and girls to prioritize their health. Each year, FDA Office of Women’s Health (OWH) chooses a theme to inspire women to learn more about their health and take action to live their healthiest lives. This year, National Women's Health Week is May 11-17, 2025. Find resources to support National Women's Health Week from Office of Women's Health, download and share infographics and resources to help raise awareness and educate. You can also find resources from the FDA, CDC, and the Office of Women's Health Research to support Women's Health.
- All About Periods (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth
- Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Featured Books
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Title: BloodPublisher Citedel Press, Kensington Publishing CorpYear published 2024Book image
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Title: Go With the FlowPublisher First SecondYear published 2020Book image
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Title: Vagina ObscuraPublisher W W Norton & CompanyYear published 2022Book image
Terms of use: Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) staff offer these health discussion resources for educational use. The materials included do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the author, publisher, or the sponsoring agencies of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).