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The menstrual cycle comprises one of the major components of the reproductive system, preparing the body each month for a potential pregnancy. These events form a normal part of biological activity in the female body, beginning with menstruation, or shedding of the lining of the uterus. Each woman's menstrual cycle is distinct; however, the general phases and their important features can allow one to have a better understanding of health and wellness in general.
The normal menstrual cycle ranges from 24 to 38 days; the average length is approximately 28 days. Each woman is a bit different and there is some variation in cycle length, but most women ovulate in a relatively similar fashion each month.
Menstruation
The period, or menstruation, is the process by which the body sheds the lining of the uterus when pregnancy has not occurred. This starts a new cycle and is considered the normal process of the female reproductive cycle. Blood, with tissues from the uterine lining, flows out of the vagina, renewing the cycle.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones. Most of these chemical messengers originate from the pituitary gland and ovaries, and these provoke a cascade of responses from the body. Most of the variations in the uterine lining are caused by the changing quantities of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These variations also result in the ovaries releasing an egg to be fertilized, commonly referred to as ovulation.
What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the series of hormonal and physiological events that in each month prepares a woman's body for pregnancy. The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation, which is the first day of a woman's period and ends on the first day of the next period. Although the length of each cycle may be different, general phases have the same function. These phases are initiated by hormonal changes to regulate different mechanisms of the reproductive system.
Whereas the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. The cycle length is calculated from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next. Because the length of time before ovulation can vary from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle for the same woman, the actual time from ovulation to the beginning of menstruation may also vary by a day or two.
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle consists of four major phases regulated by hormonal changes that prepare the body for a potential pregnancy:
The Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5) A female's cycle begins with the menstrual phase, starting with menstruation. If pregnancy does not occur, this stage is when the uterine lining or endometrium is discarded. Menstruation often extends for three to seven days at which time blood and tissue are pushed out of the body.
The Follicular Phase Days 1 - 13: The follicular phase overlaps with the beginning of the menstrual cycle and the menstrual phase. The follicular phase is dominated by a surge in estrogen, which causes the uterine lining to thicken to make way for a fertilized egg. Simultaneously, FSH stimulates follicles (eggs) in the ovaries to grow in size. Of the several follicles that begin this maturation process, usually one fully matures into an egg that will be released from the ovary during ovulation.
Day 14: Ovulation (Release of Mature Egg) The mature egg is released from the ovary due to a surge in luteinizing hormone. Normally, this falls on day 14 in a cycle of 28 days. The egg moves down the fallopian tube and sometimes gets fertilized by sperm. If fertilization does not take place, within 24 hours the egg disintegrates itself.
The Luteal Phase-Days 15-28 The ruptured follicle of the luteal phase transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum and starts secreting progesterone. Progesterone readies the lining of the uterus to implant a fertilized egg into the uterine wall. If the egg does not get fertilized, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease and the lining of the uterus is shed as the next menstrual period.
Normal Length of the Menstrual Cycle and Duration of Menstruation
Cycle length: The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days; however, cycles vary from 21 to 35 days. It is considered the time between the onset of one menses and the beginning of another. A short approximately 21 days, or a long cycle may extend up to 35 days, and could also be in the range of normal provided the hormonal balance of the individual maintains itself.
Duration of the period: Most women menstruate for 3 to 7 days. The amount of blood flow during menstruation is usually two to three tablespoons. Some women have a shorter period, only three days, while others may menstruate for up to a week.
Common Symptoms Accompanying Menstruation
Physical and emotional symptoms can vary from mild to severe. The most prevalent symptom involves cramping as the uterus contracts to expel its lining. Other symptoms may include the following, which might be characterizing for menstruation:
- Mood changes: Changes in hormones contribute to mood swings or irritability.
- Fatigue: Energy is utilized in menstruation; therefore, a person may depict tiredness.
- Headaches: The flow of hormones may act as triggers for headaches or migraines.
- Food cravings: Hormonal changes may lead to cravings for certain foods.
- Bloating: Water retention leaves many feeling bloated.
- Breast tenderness: Fluctuating hormones cause breast swelling and tenderness.
- Acne: Hormonal changes may lead to outbreaks, or worsening acne premenstrually.
Age-Related Changes in the Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycles change throughout a lifetime. Most women begin their menstrual cycle between ages 12-13, though some begin as young as age 8 and others as old as 16. Following the onset of menstruation, it often takes a number of years for cycles to become regular. Eventually, cycles will become more regular as one progresses into adulthood and then into perimenopause time shortly before menopause.
In the 40s to 50s, women enter the stage of perimenopause. During this time, periods are usually more irregular. At age 51 on average, a woman reaches menopause. Menopause technically marks the end of a person's menstrual cycle and her fertility. A person is considered to have reached menopause at the year mark of not having a period for 12 consecutive months.
How to Diagnose Abnormal Menstruation
The normal rhythm of menstruation may vary among different individuals, but generally, an irregular period does not follow this normal rhythm. Signs and symptoms of irregular menstruation include the following:
- Menstrual periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
- Being absent for more than three months in a row.
- Flow is so heavy that soaking through more than one or two pads or tampons every hour, or flow very light.
- Periods lasting longer than seven days.
- Severe cramping, nausea, or vomiting while having one's period.
Bleeding between periods.
These symptoms occur frequently, and it would serve your best interest to pay a doctor a visit for proper assessment.
Monitoring Your Menstrual Cycle
Tracking your menstrual cycle probably is one of the most rewarding practices to capture any abnormalities and understand when you are fertile. It is highly important specifically for:
Length of cycle monitoring: It helps to observe patterns or irregularities in the cycle.
Ovulation tracking: Helps to predict fertile window for conception.
Preparing for the menstrual symptoms: She can always plan in advance and get ready for her menstrual period, especially if there are special events.
To track your period, mark the first day of menstruation on the calendar as Day 1 and continue to count each day of bleeding. This will then give you the length of your cycle and an approximation of when your next period will take place. Several smartphone apps can guide you in monitoring your menstrual cycle and include the time of ovulation and any symptoms of your period.
When Should You See a Health Care Professional?
For good menstrual health, you need to see your health care professional if you notice or experience the following:
You haven't had a period by the time you are aged 16
Haven't had a period in more than three months
The bleeding is so heavy that you have to change pads or tampons every one or two hours
Periods last longer than seven days
Severe pain and cramping that interfere with your usual activities
Spotting or bleeding between your periods.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy, including a missed period following unprotected sex.
It is important to note that your menstrual cycle is a reflection of your overall health, and abnormalities in your cycle may be a symptom of a particular medical condition that requires treatment.
Conclusion
The menstrual cycle is a crucial process involved in the maintenance of reproductive health. This will definitely help you make informed decisions, whether for fertility tracking, management of symptoms, or simply keeping pace with your health. Whatever the case, any abnormalities or very severe symptoms will warrant medical advice on evaluation and care. With good management and awareness, most women go through menstrual cycle health for their lifetime.
