What is the difference between a period and a menstruation?

Great question! The words “period” and “menstruation” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a slight difference in meaning:

🔴 Menstruation

  • Refers to the biological process where the lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds because pregnancy didn’t occur.

  • It’s part of the menstrual cycle and involves the discharge of blood, tissue, and mucus through the vagina.

  • Menstruation is the scientific/medical term.

🔴 Period

  • A common everyday word used to describe menstruation.

  • When someone says, “I’m on my period”, they mean they are currently menstruating.

  • “Period” usually refers specifically to the days of bleeding (3–7 days), while menstruation also includes the biological context of why it happens.

✅ In short:

  • Menstruation = medical term for the process.

  • Period = casual term for the bleeding days.

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