A curious question has sparked widespread debate on social media: Do women still get their periods while in a coma? To answer this complex question, we need to explore the menstrual cycle and how a coma affects the body.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones from the brain, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These hormones regulate the release of oestrogen and progesterone, leading to menstruation when pregnancy does not occur. But how does this process work when the brain is not functioning consciously, as in a coma?

Dr. Chetna Jain, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Hospitals, explains that the answer depends on several factors. If the brain's hormonal systems are intact, a woman may continue to menstruate while unconscious. However, if there's significant brain damage, such as trauma to the hypothalamus, menstruation could be disrupted. Stress, medications, and severe medical conditions that cause a coma may also stop menstruation by interfering with hormone regulation.

In cases of short-term comas where brain function remains less affected, menstruation may continue. However, in more severe or long-term comas, the body may prioritize survival, halting the menstrual cycle temporarily.

While this question may seem simple, it highlights important aspects of patient care, including ensuring proper menstrual hygiene for unconscious patients. Ultimately, whether a woman menstruates during a coma depends on her health, the cause of the coma, and the body's response to trauma.