"Mom, come quick! What's wrong with me? Am I sick? I'm bleeding so much!" This is a memory that will likely remain vivid in every woman's mind—her first period and her daughter's panicked face, both leaving a deep impression. A woman's life is intertwined with the coming and going of menstruation. Many women can relate to this: menstruation is troublesome when it's due, but the absence of it brings worry and anxiety. The onset of menstruation marks the beginning of puberty for a girl and the transition to adulthood. When menstruation ceases, a woman's unique sexual characteristics and reproductive functions gradually diminish, and she truly ages. So, what exactly is menstruation? How is it formed? What are the symptoms of menstrual abnormalities? How can menstrual disorders be prevented and treated? Not every woman can answer these questions. Moreover, many adults are unaware of their menstrual abnormalities, leaving hidden dangers for many gynecological diseases. Therefore, it is necessary for every woman, and especially girls about to enter puberty, to learn about menstruation. Let every woman care for herself, cherish life, improve her quality of life, and enjoy a beautiful life.
I. The Six Stages of a Woman's Life
A woman's life, from birth to maturity and then aging, is a continuous process. Based on different physiological characteristics, it can be divided into six periods: the neonatal period, infancy, puberty, sexual maturity, menopause, post-menopause, and old age. The boundaries of these six periods are closely related to menstrual cycles.
1. Neonatal period
The neonatal period refers to the time from birth to one month of age. During this period, female infants are influenced by placental hormones while in the womb. After birth, the levels of hormones from the placenta suddenly drop and eventually disappear. Some female infants may experience short-term, small amounts of breast milk secretion or vaginal bleeding during this period. These are normal physiological phenomena, and parents should not worry. This is completely different from what we usually refer to as precocious puberty or menstruation, and generally does not require treatment. The breast milk secretion and vaginal bleeding will stop naturally after a few days.
2. Early childhood
The period from the neonatal period to around 12 years old is called early childhood. Before the age of 10, a child's body continues to develop, but the development of the reproductive organs is relatively slow, remaining in an infantile stage. This is mainly characterized by: a narrow and long vagina with a thin epithelium; a small uterus and a long cervix, with the uterine body accounting for only 1/3 of the total uterine length and the cervix accounting for 2/3; a very thin uterine muscle layer; and long and thin fallopian tubes, with no developing follicles in the ovaries. Starting at age 10, as brain function matures, the amount of hormones secreted by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland gradually increases, stimulating the development of follicles in the ovaries. Simultaneously, the ovaries begin to secrete small amounts of estrogen. Under the influence of estrogen, the breasts and internal and external reproductive organs begin to develop and enlarge, and subcutaneous fat begins to accumulate in areas such as the buttocks and back, exhibiting female characteristics.
3. Adolescence
Puberty is the period of transition from immature reproductive organs in early childhood to maturity. During this period, girls' entire physique develops rapidly, and their sexual function gradually matures. This period is marked by the onset of menstruation, generally occurring between the ages of 13 and 15. However, with the improvement of living standards, changes in dietary structure, and the influence of food intake, the age of menarche is gradually decreasing. Clinically, it is common to see girls under the age of 10 having their first menstruation and developing breasts. During this period, under the influence of ovarian hormones, both internal and external reproductive organs develop and enlarge. The length of the uterus increases to twice the length of the cervix, the fallopian tubes thicken, the vagina becomes longer and wider, and the surface mucosa thickens and forms many folds; the mons pubis slightly protrudes due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat; the labia majora and minora begin to enlarge and darken in color due to pigmentation; the breasts begin to fill out, and many curly body hairs grow in the armpits, mons pubis, and around the labia majora.
4. Sexual maturity
Sexual maturity begins at age 18 and lasts for approximately 30 years. Because a woman's reproductive function is at its peak during this period, it is also known as the reproductive period. During this time, the uterine lining, breasts, and the entire body undergo cyclical changes under the influence of ovulation and hormonal fluctuations, resulting in a regular menstrual cycle.
5. Menopause
We generally consider 45 years old as the dividing line for menopause. Menopause is the stage where ovarian function gradually declines until it ceases, resulting in decreased reproductive function, endocrine disorders, menstrual irregularities, and in some women, symptoms of neurological disorders. After menstruation stops, women enter the post-menopausal period, where ovarian function further declines, reproductive organs gradually atrophy, metabolism slows down, and weight gain becomes more common.
6. Old age
Internationally, it is generally accepted that age 60 and above is considered old age. During this period, ovarian function declines further, the function of various organs decreases, the levels of lipoproteins and cholesterol in the blood increase, accompanied by elevated blood pressure, fat accumulation makes obesity more likely, and changes in endocrine function lead to abnormal bone metabolism, making osteoporosis more likely.
Recommended reading:
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