{"id":3477,"date":"2025-12-18T16:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T21:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/vdhlivewell\/?page_id=3477"},"modified":"2026-03-20T13:03:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T17:03:12","slug":"menstrual-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/vdhlivewell\/menstrual-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Menstrual Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On This Page<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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What is menstruation?<\/a>
\nCan tracking my period help me plan for or prevent a pregnancy?<\/a>
\nWhat is \u201cnormal\u201d during my period? What is not \u201cnormal\u201d?<\/a>
\nMenstrual Disorders<\/a>
\nEndometriosis<\/a>
\nHeavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)<\/a>
\nPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)<\/a>
\nUterine Fibroids<\/a>
\nWhy can it take so long for menstrual disorders to be diagnosed?<\/a>
\nWhat do I do if I think I have a menstrual disorder or problem?<\/a>
\nMenstrual Health Resources<\/a>
\nResources for Providers<\/a>
\nShare Your Thoughts With VDH!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Menstrual health matters. Our periods are a key indicator of our reproductive health and overall health. Learning more about our cycles helps us understand our bodies and fertility.<\/h4>\n

What is menstruation?<\/h3>\n

Menstruation, often referred to as a person\u2019s period or menses, occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds. Periods occur about once every 28 days. People often start their periods between the ages of 8 and 15. Periods stop during menopause. The average age of menopause is 51.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>