You are most fertile when you are ovulating and the chances of getting pregnant are really during the ovulation period.

There are many methods by which you can know when you are ovulating. 1. Keep a track of your monthly cycle each month, I.e., from the first day you bleed. Usually, on the 14-15 day of your cycle, you are usually most fertile. The chances of getting pregnant are high during this time period.

There are also other methods like –

• Cervical Mucus testing – You can observe the sample of your mucus. At the time of ovulation, the mucus is clear, wet, stretchy like egg white.
• Basal Body temperature – Your body temperature changes slightly during ovulation period. You need to keep a consistent track for months to find when you are ovulating.
• Ovulation Test kid – you can check using ovulation test kits which are easily available at the pharmacy shops or mega-mart stores. The LH level in your urine goes really high on the ovulation day. This kit is similar to pregnancy testing kits.

Irregular periods can be identified if-

• The time between your each period changes or is inconsistent every cycle
• You tend to lose more or less blood than your usual/normal
• The number of days period lasts varies each month

The common causes for the irregular period include-

• Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Changing birth control pills or using certain medications
• Too much exercise
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Stress
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Thickening of or polyps on the uterine lining
• Uterine fibroids

Usually, the girl has their period at the age of 11-14 years of age. But with the lifestyle and environmental changes, it can start as young as 8-9 years of age. It is advisable to consult a gynaecologist when your first period begins.

There are few over the counter medicines available for pain reliefs and menstrual cramps. But is always advisable to discuss with the gynaecologist near you.

The Menopause occurs usually between the age of 45-55 years. There are a lot of hormonal changes that occur during this time period which may result in a phycological and emotional breakdown.