Asking obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kanako Inaba about menstruation

Although menstruation is something that concerns our own bodies, we don't know much about it. We've heard of menstrual cups, but we don't know much about them, and we're sure there are many people who wonder if they're really safe.
This time, we asked obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kanako Inaba to share her expert insights on menstruation and menstrual cups. This article is the first in the series, and it's about menstruation.

Please take a look at this as well.
Part 2: "Questions about menstrual cups, asked by obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kanako Inaba!"



●What is menstruation?

Most women's bodies ovulate every month in preparation for conception. When an egg is released from the ovary, it may be fertilized and a fertilized egg may arrive in the uterus, so the lining of the uterus prepares itself like a fluffy bed, thickening and making it easier for the egg to implant. If it is determined that no fertilized egg will arrive this month, the lining is no longer needed and so it sheds off in an attempt to reset itself, and this is what comes out of the body as menstrual blood.


●Is it okay if my menstrual cycle is irregular?

If you're not currently hoping to get pregnant, your period doesn't actually have to come every month. Generally, most women have a cycle of roughly four weeks each month, but some women have periods that vary slightly. It's also common for minor stress or changes in the environment to cause your period to be off, so there's no need to worry. It's a natural change in your body.
However, just because you are not hoping to get pregnant does not mean that you don't need to keep having your period naturally.If your period is irregular and is delayed by one to two months, it is fine to wait and see, but if the irregularity is bothering you or if you have not had your period for more than three months, you should visit an obstetrician-gynaecologist.

●What is the normal number of days for menstruation?

Most menstrual periods last between five days and a week, but this also depends on whether you include the days before and after when you experience a small amount of bleeding, so if it's not exactly as the textbook suggests (3 to 8 days), there's no need to immediately assume you're sick.
However, if your period continues for more than 10 days, even if it is light, there may be another cause for the bleeding, so be sure to see a doctor without just waiting to see what happens. There may be no abnormalities, but you won't know without an examination, so please consult your obstetrician-gynecologist first.

On the other hand, if your period is short and light, you can safely consider yourself lucky. Many people visit the doctor because they are worried about the amount or duration of their period, but it is those with heavy periods and long periods who are of concern.

●Is there a standard for menstrual blood volume?

As a rough guideline for menstrual flow, if you need to use night pads or diaper-type pads even during the day and are unable to go out without them, you are likely suffering from menorrhagia.It is possible that you are unaware that your menstrual flow is so heavy that you are anemic, so it is best to see a doctor.
Also, even if your flow is not particularly heavy, if your lifestyle or work situation makes it difficult to go to the toilet when you want to, it is possible to control the amount of flow, so be sure to consult your obstetrician-gynecologist.

●Can I control my period?

Reducing the frequency and amount of your period or changing the timing of your period is not bad for your body. If you consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist, you can control it with pills, etc. It's better to be able to manage your period while managing it well, rather than enduring it and lowering your quality of life.

●Is there anything I should do or avoid during my period?

Basically, there's nothing to worry about. You often feel tired during your period, so it's important not to push yourself when you feel tired. If you find exercise or bathing helps you to take your mind off things, then you should try them, but if it's too hard, then it's best not to do them. It's okay to try things out yourself and incorporate them into your routine.
If I had to say, if you have a heavy menstrual flow, you may become anemic during your period, so it's a good idea to eat foods that are high in iron. When you think of foods that are high in iron, you might think of dishes like liver that you can't eat that much of, but actually, lean meat is enough. There's no need to be too conscious of foods like "The Iron Thing!", and I think that if you pay a little attention to your diet, your body will feel better.

●Message from Professor Inaba

I'm assuming that people reading this article are interested in menstruation, so if you're experiencing any troublesome symptoms, such as PMS or heavy menstrual flow, please feel free to consult your obstetrician-gynecologist. I would like those of eligible age to receive the HPV vaccine (cervical cancer vaccine) catch-up vaccination to start by this summer, and I also encourage everyone to get screened for cervical cancer.

Thank you, Professor Inaba!
I hope this article has helped you understand menstruation a little better. If you have any concerns about your own period, please don't hesitate to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist.