Menstrual Cycle

What is Menstrual Cycle ?

The menstrual cycle is a process that occurs within the female reproductive system, which involves changes in hormones and structures such as the uterus and ovaries. It is also a biological procedure responsible for controlling ‘Pregnancy’ in women. This cycle in females begins at an average of twelve. The Menstrual cycle also plays a major role in producing and releasing eggs. It also includes cyclic hormonal secretions in the form of progesterone and estrogen. Nowadays, women suffer from menstrual cycle problems daily, which can be quite stressful. It, therefore, becomes necessary for all you women to learn about things you need to know about the Menstrual cycle. Here is then presenting you an article about ‘Mensuration.’

How does The Menstrual Cycle Work?

The Menstrual cycle is a process within the female reproductive system that is controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. During the first half of the cycle, rising levels of estrogen in the body stimulate the ovary’s development. It then triggers the release of an egg (a stage in the cycle known as ovulation). Also, at this time, the womb lining in a woman begins to thicken. The egg then enters the fallopian tube of the female genitalia.

Meanwhile, in the second half of the Menstrual cycle, progesterone helps activate the womb for the possible implantation of a developing embryo. When pregnancy does not occur, reabsorption of the egg occurs. There is also a lowering of the estrogen and progesterone levels, causing degradation of the womb lining, which leaves the body as ‘Menstrual Flow.’ The duration from the period’s initiation to the egg’s release is about ten to sixteen days.

What are The Stages of The Menstrual Cycle?

 Typically, the activation of the Menstrual Cycle in women happens due to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. It is also essential for you to know that this process includes four stages. They are as follows: 

1. Menstruation Phase:

Usually lasting for about one to five days, this is when you begin to shed the lining of your uterus. It flows through your vagina in the form of blood if there is no initiation of pregnancy. The bleeding you experience in this phase will last for a maximum of five days. 

2. Follicular Phase:

In this stage of the Menstrual Cycle, the estrogen level rises to cause growing and thickening of the uterus lining (endometrium). The release of another hormone known as Follicle Stimulating Hormone or FSH during this phase stimulates the development of follicles within the ovaries. This stage occurs between day six and day fourteen of the Menstrual Cycle. It is during this period that follicles gradually become mature eggs. 

3. Ovulation:

It is on the 14th day of the twenty-eight day Menstrual Cycle that this phase occurs. During it, there is a surge of yet another hormone known as Luteinising Hormone or LH that triggers your ovary to release the egg. This process is called ‘Ovulation.’ 

4. Luteal phase:

The final phase of the Menstrual Cycle lasts from day fifteen to day twenty-eight. During it, the released egg passes through the fallopian tube right into the uterus. There is an increase in the levels of progesterone levels secreted that helps prepare your uterine lining for pregnancy. Therefore, if an egg and sperm fertilize during this phase is when you get pregnant. If fertilization does not occur, then the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop to shed the thickened lining of your uterus in the form of blood.

Signs and Symptoms Showing That Menstrual Cycle is at Work:

Several signs indicate that you are undergoing your monthly Menstrual Cycle, which you need to keep in mind. They are as follows: 

1. Lack of sleep or insomnia
2. Urge to consume food
3. Bloating
4. Formation of acne
5. Mood swings
6. Tenderness in the breast
7. Cramps in the back and lower abdomen

What are Some of the Common Menstrual Problems?

You need to be aware of a few medical conditions that adversely affect your Menstrual Cycle so you can take the right action at the right time. They are:

1. Dysmenorrhea
2. Amenorrhea
3. Heavy menstrual bleeding
4. Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS

When do You Need to Visit The Doctor for Menstrual Cycle?

You will sometimes need to visit your doctor for a Menstrual Cycle check-up. It is because of one of the reasons given below. They include: 

1. Sudden stopping of your periods
2. Bleeding for more days than normal
3. Occurrence of severe period pain
4. Bleeding more heavily than usual
5. Mensuration does not begin even after you cross the age of sixteen