First menstruation to menopause: Here’s what you need to know

It's not smooth-sailing when it's that time of the month—with days marked by menstrual cramps, back pains, drowsiness, and even mood swings.

For many women, they start having their menstruation as early as nine years old, and it will take almost four more decades before they stop experiencing it.

From having your first cycle to nearing menopause, here's what you need to know about menstruation, according to obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Raul Quillamor.

In a "Pinoy MD" episode on Saturday, he said children nowadays had their first menstruation or menarche between 9 and 12 years old.

There are also those who get their period as early as 8 years old.

Some, however, start before they turn 8, which Dr. Quillamor referred to as precocious puberty.

"Eight is still within normal but if it's earlier than 8 years old, it's no longer normal and you need to have it checked," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

According to the doctor, the age where one first experiences menstruation is affected by different factors, such as genes, diet, hormones, and nutritional status.

As for menopause, he said women who would be going through it would first experience the perimenopausal period.

"Menopause is defined as the 1-year period when you no longer have your menstruation," said Dr. Quillamor.

He said during the perimenopausal period, a woman would experience irregular menstruation.

"This is when irregular menstruation happens or when the volume of the blood discharge differs," he added. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News