Periods are no picnic. You’ve probably gathered that by this point in life.Periods are no picnic. You’ve probably gathered that by this point in life. Still, it’s probably not too late to get to know your period. Eggs & Such You’re born with all the eggs you get. Puberty triggers the ripening of eggs in the ovaries. Typically, one egg is released per month. Uterine lining thickens to make a nest in case the egg is fertilized. When it isn’t, menstruation commences. This cycle usually takes about 28 days. Irregular periods are very common during puberty but can happen throughout one’s window of fertility. Stress and thyroid issues could be the culprit. See your provider if you go two or three months without a period. Winding Down Menopause is the phase after going one year without a period. Perimenopause is the hormonal roller coaster leading from regular menstruation into menopause. The ovaries are tiring out. Hormone function is uneven, explaining the unpredictable behavior of individual menstruation. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Dr. Pamela Peeke to discuss how you can get to know your own period. Sponsor: Smarty Pants Vitamins