What is a Menstrual Cycle

What is a Menstrual Cycle

On average, every woman has vaginal bleeding once a month. This bleeding is also called menstruation, menstruation, period, periot, cycle. Menstrual bleeding contains partly blood and partly tissue fragments from the inside of the uterus. It flows down from the uterus, through the cervix, which we call the cervix, into the vagina and is excreted from the body. Most menstrual bleeding lasts 3 to 5 days. Menstruation prepares the female body for a possible pregnancy every month. Menstruation is considered the first day of the cycle. On average, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. But 23 to 35 days is also considered normal. The menstrual cycle is coordinated by many parts of the body. These are the brain, pituitary gland, uterus, ovaries, ovarian ducts, cervix and vagina. Some chemical substances in the body, called hormones, rise and fall every month to form the menstrual cycle. There are two important female hormones in the ovaries: estrogen and progesterone. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) made in the pituitary gland are other hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

What happens during the menstrual cycle

During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise, causing the uterus to grow and thicken. In response to FSH, an egg on one side of the ovary begins to mature. This takes 14 days of the normal 28-day cycle. This maturing egg is detached from the ovary by a sudden increase in LH release. This is called ovulation.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the egg leaves the ovary and travels along the oviduct to the uterus. Progesterone levels increase, helping to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If the egg cell is fertilized with sperm, it attaches to the uterine wall and the woman becomes pregnant. If the egg cell is not fertilized, it either breaks down or is destroyed by the body. If pregnancy does not occur, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease and the thickened lining of the uterus is excreted in menstruation. Every woman has her own menstrual cycle and this can change every month. Your bleeding may vary in duration and amount. Normally menstruation lasts between 3 and 5 days, but it is considered normal if it lasts between 2 and 7 days. Your periods may be irregular for the first few years after they start. This irregularity will also occur as menopause approaches. Sometimes birth control pills can be used to regulate this menstrual cycle.

When the first menstruation starts

The first menstruation is called menarche. For menstruation to begin, the entire reproductive system must mature and work together in harmony. On average, it starts around the age of 12. However, it does not start at the same time in all girls, this can vary between the ages of 8 and 16.

How often to change pads or tampons

Clean pads or tampons can be used during menstruation. You put the pads in your underwear and the tampons in the vagina. You should change the pads as needed before they are completely wet. Each woman can do this as often as she feels comfortable. Tampons need to be changed more frequently. It should not exceed 4-8 hours. Otherwise, it can lead to a serious condition called toxic shock syndrome. This disease is very rare but can be fatal. Women under 30, especially young girls, are at higher risk. Therefore, it is better to use pads instead of tampons to reduce the risk.

When to consult a doctor about menstrual problems

  • If you have reached the age of 16 and menstruation has not started yet
  • If you suddenly stop menstruating
  • If your bleeding lasts longer than usual
  • If you bleed more
  • If you suddenly feel sick after using tampons
  • If you bleed outside your menstrual period (more than a few drops)
  • If you have severe pain during your menstrual period

How long does the menstrual cycle last

Women menstruate until menopause. Menopause occurs on average around the age of 50. Menopause means that a woman no longer produces eggs and cannot become pregnant. Like menstrual cycles, menopause varies from woman to woman and can take years to occur. Some women may enter menopause early during surgical or other treatment or due to illness or other reasons.