Meet Lily, also known as Superwoman on YouTube. As part of the female community, she experiences her period every month. The first time she got her period, she was confused. She went to the bathroom, saw something unexpected, and thought, “What is this?” She hadn’t learned much about it before, so she was worried and wondered if she had hurt herself earlier that day. Many girls go through this confusing phase when they first get their period.
What you might not know is that every time a woman has her period, it’s because her body was getting ready for a possible pregnancy. The female body goes through an amazing process called the menstrual cycle. It starts in the ovaries, which have over 100,000 eggs each. Once a month, one egg is released and takes about three days to travel to the uterus. During this journey, the uterus builds a nutrient-rich lining, which is important for starting a new life. If a sperm fertilizes the egg, pregnancy can begin.
Before this happens, the ovaries produce more hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help maintain the special lining in the uterus. They also travel through the bloodstream to the brain, where they can affect neurotransmitters. This can lead to what we know as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
It’s important to know that PMS is different from menstruation. It actually starts 7 to 14 days before any bleeding occurs. This is because estrogen and progesterone levels are highest when the uterine lining is being created. Many women experience some PMS symptoms, but they might not realize it happens before their period.
PMS can cause mood changes, irritability, and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms like an upset stomach, trouble sleeping, and nausea. Every woman’s experience with PMS is unique, which makes it hard for health professionals to fully understand it.
When menstruation begins, hormone levels drop because no fertilization has occurred. The body realizes that pregnancy isn’t happening and starts to shed the uterine lining. This process can be challenging, but it marks the beginning of a new cycle, which is crucial for the continuation of our species.
So, if someone is having a tough day, remember they are going through this for humanity. Just like the sun rises and sets, and tides come in and out, menstruation is a consistent cycle. Appreciate it! Women are incredible, and without the menstrual cycle, our existence would be very different.
Thank you to all women for being strong enough to handle PMS and menstruation. We owe you for this! Check out Lily’s YouTube channel for more funny videos; she’s one of the funniest people online. Subscribe for more weekly science videos!
Draw a diagram of the menstrual cycle, labeling each phase and the key events that occur. Include the roles of the ovaries, uterus, and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This will help you visualize and understand the cycle better.
In small groups, role-play a conversation between a girl experiencing her first period and a friend who explains the menstrual cycle. This will help you practice explaining the process and addressing common misconceptions.
Research how hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect mood and behavior. Create a short presentation or poster to share your findings with the class. This will deepen your understanding of how hormones influence the body and mind.
Keep a journal for a week, noting any mood changes or physical symptoms you experience. Compare your observations with common PMS symptoms. This activity will help you empathize with those who experience PMS and understand its effects.
Prepare questions and interview a health professional about the menstrual cycle and PMS. Share what you learn with the class. This will give you insights into the medical perspective and help clarify any doubts you might have.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
[Music] This is Lily, also known as Superwoman on YouTube. As a member of the female community, she experiences her period on a monthly basis. The first time I got my period, I had no idea what was going on. I walked into the washroom, took down my underwear, and thought, “What is this?” because I never received any information about it. I was really concerned and my mind was racing—did I fall off my bike earlier that day? I had no clue what was happening, and I’m pretty sure most girls go through that phase of confusion.
What you may not realize is that every single time a woman has her period, it’s because her body was preparing for the possibility of pregnancy. The female body goes through an incredibly complex transformation called the menstrual cycle. It all starts in the ovaries, which each contain over 100,000 eggs. Once a month, one egg is released and spends roughly three days making its way to the uterus. While it’s traveling, the uterus begins to create a lining rich in nutrients, essential for beginning life. Under the right circumstances, a sperm can fertilize the egg and pregnancy can begin.
Before this happens, female ovaries increase the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which help maintain the special lining of the uterus. These hormones also enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, including the brain. Here, estrogen and progesterone can interfere with neurotransmitters, leading to what is commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
It’s important to note that PMS is not the same as menstruation. It actually occurs 7 to 14 days before a girl even shows signs of bleeding. This is because estrogen and progesterone levels peak during the creation of the uterine lining. Many women experience some degree of PMS symptoms, but many are unaware that it can occur much earlier than their period.
PMS can manifest as psychological symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms like upset stomach, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. Each woman’s experience with PMS is different, which is why health professionals have trouble understanding it fully.
When menstruation begins, hormone levels drop sharply after no fertilization occurs. The body realizes that pregnancy isn’t happening and begins to shed the uterine lining. This process has its challenges, but it marks the start of a new cycle, which is essential for the continuation of our species.
So, if I’m having an off day, just know I’m doing it for humanity. There are only a few consistent cycles in the universe: the sun rises and sets, tides come in and out, and menstruation occurs. So appreciate it! Women are amazing, and without the menstrual cycle, our existence as a species would be completely different.
Thank you to all women for being strong enough to handle PMS and menstruation. We owe you for this one! Be sure to check out Lily’s YouTube channel for more hilarious videos; she is one of the funniest people on YouTube. We’ll put a link in the description below, and subscribe for more weekly science videos.
—
This version maintains the essence of the original content while removing any inappropriate language or overly casual expressions.
Period – The regular discharge of blood and tissue from the inner lining of the uterus, occurring as part of the menstrual cycle. – Example sentence: During her period, Sarah makes sure to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods to feel her best.
Menstrual – Relating to the monthly process of menstruation in females. – Example sentence: The menstrual cycle is an important part of a woman’s reproductive health.
Cycle – A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order, such as the menstrual cycle. – Example sentence: The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can vary from person to person.
Hormones – Chemical substances produced in the body that regulate various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. – Example sentence: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen – A hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and is important for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. – Example sentence: Estrogen levels rise during the first half of the menstrual cycle, preparing the body for potential pregnancy.
Progesterone – A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain it if pregnancy occurs. – Example sentence: After ovulation, progesterone levels increase to support a possible pregnancy.
PMS – Premenstrual syndrome, a group of symptoms that occur in some women before their menstrual period. – Example sentence: Some common symptoms of PMS include mood swings, bloating, and headaches.
Symptoms – Signs or indications of a condition or disease, such as those experienced during PMS or pregnancy. – Example sentence: The symptoms of PMS can vary widely from one person to another.
Uterus – A hollow muscular organ in females where a fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus during pregnancy. – Example sentence: The uterus plays a vital role in supporting a developing baby during pregnancy.
Pregnancy – The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the uterus, lasting about nine months in humans. – Example sentence: During pregnancy, it is important for women to have regular check-ups to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.