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Menstruation

Menstruation is part of a mostly, monthly hormonal cycle that starts with the shedding of the lining of a woman's uterus. It is also known as the menstrual period.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

An older and a younger woman practice yoga in the open

Cycle syncing exercise could optimize results for women

Cycle syncing exercise could optimize results for women

Women in gyms hear it all the time: lift heavy or light, depending on your menstrual cycle. Is it backed by science?
HealthFebruary 6, 2026
A woman in a headscarf with blurred face, hands clasped, greenery in background

Why women in South Asia are aging faster than in Europe, US

Why women in South Asia are aging faster than in Europe, US

Age is a stigma in South Asia, where a woman's worth is tied to her ability to have children and menopause starts early.
HealthJuly 8, 2025
Gwyneth Paltrow

Menopause needs a societal rethink

Menopause needs a societal rethink

Menopause has been overmedicalized for decades, but experts are calling for a major societal shift in how it is viewed.
ScienceMarch 5, 2024
Menstruation | Damenbinden

What causes pad rash?

What causes pad rash?

Skin irritation from extended contact with sanitary pads is common among women around the world. But it needn't be.
ScienceNovember 1, 202304:46 min
DW reporter Sushmitha Ramakrishnan presenting sanitary pads to the camera

Pad Rash: The itchy side of sanitary napkins

Pad Rash: The itchy side of sanitary napkins

Skin irritation from extended contact with sanitary pads is common among women around the world. But it needn't be.
ScienceSeptember 6, 202305:26 min
Picture of female reproductive system

PCOS: The little-known syndrome affecting 1 in 10 women

PCOS: The little-known syndrome affecting 1 in 10 women

Infrequent periods and trouble controlling your weight? You might have polycystic ovary syndrome.
ScienceJune 7, 2023
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

A woman in Spain, photographed from the back, sits while looking at a period calendar tracker on a smartphone. In front of her on a table is a small basket of tampons and other menstrual aids.

Period trackers: My period, my data

With the US ending constitutional rights to abortion, people are concerned about apps that track menstruation cycles.
ScienceJune 30, 2022
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