Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of your uterus. Menstruation is also known by the terms menses, menstrual period, menstrual cycle or period. Menstrual blood — which is partly blood and partly tissue from the inside of your uterus — flows from your uterus through your cervix and out of your body through your vagina.

Menstruation — aka having your period — is when blood and tissue from your uterus comes out of your vagina. It usually happens every month.

Menstruation, or periods, usually happen once a month during the reproductive years, except during pregnancy. It is when the lining of the uterus sheds, breaking down into blood. This blood then leaves the body through the vagina. Periods usually last around 3–7 days.

Menstruation is period bleeding, which is casually referred to as “having your period.” This happens monthly (for most females) during your fertile years, except during pregnancy. Menstruation occurs when the lining of the uterus sheds by breaking down and leaving the body as blood. Most periods last around three to seven days.

A period (menstruation) is normal vaginal bleeding that is a natural part of a healthy monthly cycle for a person with a uterus and ovaries. Every month, in the years between puberty (typically age 11 to 14) and menopause (typically about age 51), your body readies itself for pregnancy.