Menstrual Cycle
Posted September 24, 2022 by Anusha ‐ 2 min read
During a normal menstrual cycle, you shed the lining your uterus. This cycle is part of your reproductive system and prepares your body for a possible pregnancy. It is also called a period, menses or cycle.
What is a normal menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a term used to describe the sequence of events that occur within your body as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month.
A menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of a period.
The average cycle is 28 days long; however, a cycle can range in length from 21 days to about 35 days.
What are the of menstrual cycle?
The Menses Phase
This phase, which typically lasts from day one to day five, is the time when the lining of your uterus is actually shed out through your vagina if pregnancy has not occurred.
Most people bleed for three to five days, but a period lasting only two days to as many as seven days is still considered normal.
The Follicular Phase
This phase typically takes place from days six to 14.
During this time, the level of the hormone estrogen rises, which causes the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium) to grow and thicken.
In addition, another hormone follicle-stimulating hormone causes follicles in your ovaries to grow.
During days 10 to 14, one of the developing follicles will form a fully mature egg (ovum).
The Ovulation Phase
This phase occurs roughly at about day 14 in a 28-day menstrual cycle.
A sudden increase in another hormone luteinizing hormone causes your ovary to release its egg.
This event is called ovulation.
The Luteal Phase
This phase lasts from about day 15 to day 28.
After the egg is released from your ovary, it begins to travel through your fallopian tubes to your uterus.
The level of the hormone progesterone rises to help prepare your uterine lining for pregnancy.
If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm and attaches itself to your uterine wall, you become pregnant.
At what age does menstruation typically begin?
People start menstruating at the average age of 12.
However, you can begin menstruating as early as 8 years of age or as late as 16 years of age.
People stop menstruating at menopause, which occurs at about the age of 51.
At menopause, you stop producing eggs (stops ovulating).
Menopause is defined as one year without periods, and after this time you can no longer become pregnant.
What are the symptoms of menstruation?
Moodiness.
Trouble sleeping.
Food cravings.
Cramps in your lower abdomen and back.
Bloating.
Breast tenderness.
Acne.