This is defined as cyclical
bleeding per vaginum,usually monthly.It is normal and physiological.The onset of menstruation usually indicates lack of pregnancy for that month or circle.Starting age (menarche) is usually 10-11 years although may occur at a younger age nowadays.
The normal circle length is between 21-35 days and a flow of 2-7 days.Time the menses ceases for the last time(
menopause) is usually around 45-49years.Sexual relation during menses is discouraged for religious,social and cultural reasons.The risk of
infection transmission is considerably high.This is because the menstrual effuluent is unclean,the cervix is open and disease can easily be transmissible.Islam discourages sexual relations during menses and when the woman is not in a state of good health Qur''an 2:222.
Most women may not experience any problems with their menstrual pattern.However,problems may occur in the form of
amenorrhea;this means the absense of menses and usually due to consider pregnancy although may be due to other causes.Dysmenorrhea is common amongst young women and refers to painful menses.It may be due to infection and other causes.
Other abnomalities affecting menstruation may be in the form of oligomenorrhea (scantymenses),Menorrhagia(very heavy flow) and premenstrual tension
syndrome.