Scarleteen

So I been wanting to know more about periods and how they work. The things I know so far is that it’s your cycle. If you got your period that means you’re not pregnant if I’m not mistaken. I heard about a few things that can go on while you on it obviously you gonna have a lot of blood. The other being mood swings, cramps, throwing up a lot and having cravings for food and chocolate. I remember my ex girlfriend having cramps, bleeding heavily and throwing up a lots. That’ll happen when she just got her period started but she didn’t experience mood swing. Apparently you can also get horny on your period as well and having sex while you on it can help with cramps. Do period blood have a smell on it that’s something I been wanting to know about? Anyways is there anything more you can teach me about?

Hi there, SilverFalcon! We'd be happy to help you learn more about periods and the menstrual cycle.

To start with some comments on what you've shared:

• That is correct, someone cannot be pregnant and have their period.

• Along with some blood, menstrual flow consists of broken down uterine lining, as well as cells from the vaginal lining and discharge.

• There are many symptoms someone can have during their period, and not everyone will have every symptom, as you noticed with your ex girlfriend.

• People may experience emotional changes from their cycle when they are not on their period. When those changes are negative, they can take the form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

• Craving food is common, but which foods can depend on the individual--chocolate is popular because many people like chocolate in general, but that wouldn't be a universal fact of periods.

• Yes, it is true that someone can be in the mood for sex while they are on their period, and that having sex can help with cramps. Of course, if you have a partner who has periods, it is best to ask them what would help them.

• Yes, menstrual flow can have a particular scent to it.

We have a couple resources on the menstrual cycle that you might be interested in reading:

• On the Rag: A Guide to Menstruation

• Bloodlines: On Period Pain

• On PMDD

I'd also like to recommend our piece on human reproduction, which completes the story of what would happen if fertilization did occur: Human Reproduction: A Seafarer's Guide

(There is much that can be said about the menstrual cycle, so the articles I've linked do have a lot of information. You can take your time with them.)