Dear hummum,

Yes, this is normal. And getting cramps during your period is also normal. Here's how it works:

Once a month, a woman's ovary releases an egg, which travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. This is called ovulation. If a sperm unites with the egg while in the tube, the fertilized egg may travel on and attach itself to the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins when the egg implants in the lining of the uterus.

Before ovulation, a woman's uterus builds up a lining made of blood and tissue. The lining is like a nest for the egg if pregnancy happens. If pregnancy doesn't happen, the egg breaks apart, and the lining of blood and tissue isn't needed. The lining flows out of your uterus, through your cervix, through your vagina, and out of your body. The cramps that some women feel are the uterus squeezing out its lining, and they're actually making menstruation go by faster.

Many girls experience mild or moderate pain and discomfort during their periods, including menstrual cramps, bloating, back pain, and changes in mood. And many girls don't experience any of these symptoms.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.