OK girls well I got all this wonderful information out of a book we got given in year 10 (as if we didnt know already) but for all of you that dont here is some information on your periods, what they are and why you have them.

Menstrual cycle

Your menstrual cycle lasts from the first day of one period to the beginning of the next. The female reproductive system is where the menstrual cycle takes place.

When you reach puberty, hormones (chemical messengers) are produced which send a signal to one of your ovaries to release an egg every month. (The ovaries 'take it in turn' to release an egg. Usually they only release one egg at a time, but on rare occasions two or more are released). The release of an egg is called ovulation. It happenes about 2 weeks before you have your period.

Why we have them!

The Egg!

The egg then travels along the fallopian tube towards the uterus. The uterus is about the size of a clenched fist. If a girl has sexual intercourse at around this time, the egg may be fertilised by the man's sperm and she could become pregnant. Pregnancy can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle. To avoid becoming pregnant, an adequate form of contraception should be used which has been discussed with a medical practitioner.

Every Month.

Every month when your ovary releases an egg, your body gets ready just in case you do get pregnant. Hormones called progesterone and oestrogen work together to make a soft spongy lining of blood and tissue thicken inside the uterus. If the egg is fertilised it will settle in this lining, where it will be nourished and looked after as it develops into a baby.

If the egg isn't fertilised, the lining of the uterus isn't needed and most is shed. It leaves your body through your vagina as a reddish fluid containing blood. This is your period!

There you go....thats why we get periods..unfair i know cause the lads dont have to go through it but.... but thats life lol.....

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