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MENSTRUAL CYCLE

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MENSTRUAL CYCLE

What is menstrual cycle?

  • The menstrual cycle is the regular occurrence of menstruation. It is the monthly hormonal cycle that a female’s body undergoes in preparation for pregnancy. It occurs in the female reproductive system (specifically the uterus and ovaries).
  • Regular menstrual cycle is a sign that essential parts of a females’ body are under perfect condition.
  • The counting of a cycle starts from the first day of the last period to the first day of the next period.
  • Typically, the average menstrual cycle is 28 days long but varies in some cases ranging anywhere from 21 to 40 days in young teens and 21 to 35 in adults.
  • What controls the menstrual cycle is the rising and falling of the levels of hormones during the month.
  • As old age approaches, and the body start its transition to menopause, menstrual cycle might become irregular and the length is likely to change. The cycle might begin to lengthen to many months (instead of the average 28 days) or shorten.

How does menstrual cycle work?

  • The first half of the menstrual cycle sees the level of estrogen increasing.
  • Estrogen plays an essential role in keeping the body healthy as it helps to stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system.
  • The increasing level of estrogen in the body makes up for the thickening of the lining of the womb with nutrients and blood.
  • Concurrently, as the lining of the womb is developing (thickening), at least one of the eggs (ovum) in the ovaries ripen.
  • The 14 day of the average 28-day menstrual cycle is when the egg is released from the ovary in a process called ovulation. Most women think their ovulation is on day 14, but 14 is an average, and most women will experience ovulation on a different day of the menstrual cycle. The day of ovulation varies from cycle to cycle depending on how shorter or longer their cycle is.
  • After release, the egg then passes through the fallopian tube and journeys in to the uterus (womb) over the next few days.
  • If along the journey, the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it will move on to bed down at the lining of the womb.
  • At this stage, the fertilized egg comprises of about 150 cells. The journey from ovary to embedding into the womb takes about 5 days to 10 days.
  • Once the egg isn’t fertilized or successfully embedded, it starts to break down, estrogen level drops and the lining of the womb begins to produce prostaglandins.
  • This signals the change of blood supply to the womb. The period starts and the lining of the womb is separated along with the unfertilized egg. The menstrual cycle then starts all over again.
How does the menstrual cycle affect other health issues?

The hormone changes during the menstrual cycle can also influence or affect other health problems.

Asthma- Symptoms may be bad during some part of the cycle.

Anxiety and Depression- May get worse before or during period.