If you are a woman reading this, what is the menstrual cycle and why menstruation is essential for women needs no explanation. However, despite being a common scenario, many misconceptions and myths require detailed clarification. This article will focus on menstruation from the basic to the various phases of the menstrual cycle.
What is menstruation?
Commonly known as periods, menstruation is a natural process that people having a uterus experience. The period cycle is typically a monthly process in the reproductive system, which involves the shedding of the living present in the uterus.
If the sperm does not fertilise the egg that the uterus has released, it breaks the endometrium. This breakdown leads to the discharge of blood, along with other materials from the body, including uterine tissue, through the vagina. Although the average time that the period last ranges between 3-7 days, it varies from one individual to another.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle refers to the process by which a person’s body goes through a monthly preparation for pregnancy. The system is regulated by a complex hormone system that stimulates the ovaries to release an egg and thicken the uterus lining. The period cycle typically lasts about 28 days but might vary from one person to another.
Four phases of menstrual cycle:
The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, all of which are described below in detail:
1. Menstrual phase:
This phase starts on the first day of the period and lasts 3-7 days. This phase marks the shedding of the uterus lining, which had previously thickened in preparation for pregnancy. The hormone levels are usually low during this phase.
2. Follicular phase:
This phase begins on the first day of vaginal bleeding and persists up to ovulation. The follicular phase occurs around day 14th of the 28 days cycle. The pituitary gland releases the follicle-stimulating hormone during this phase, which stimulates the ovaries in developing follicles carrying eggs. The estrogen production by these follicles thickens the uterus lining to prepare the individual for pregnancy.
3. Ovulatory phase:
In this phase, the ovary releases a matured egg that travels down the fallopian tube to reach the uterus. The ovulation typically occurs around day 14th of the 28-day menstrual cycle. The rise of the luteinising hormone might result in ovulation or mild abdominal pain.
4. Luteal phase:
The beginning of this phase is naked by the end of ovulation. This phase lasts until the start of the next period cycle. The broken or damaged follicle that has previously released the egg forms a structure called corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
This proves beneficial in thickening the uterus lining. The corpus luteum ruptures again if no fertilisation occurs, dropping the hormone level. This marks the beginning of the next period cycle.
Conclusion
Last but not least, if you consistently encounter irregular periods for several months or experience severe period cramps, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional as early as possible. The instruction and medication might help with some period pain relief as well as detect any underlying health conditions efficiently.
FAQs related to a menstrual cycle
1. Why is menstruation important for women?
Maturation is especially important for anyone with a uterus as it impacts the reproductive process and overall health and well-being of an individual. It indicates that a person’s reproductive system is working correctly, and one can get pregnant with the fertilisation of the egg.
Additionally, it also removes harmful bacteria and toxins from the body. The shedding of the uterine line ensures that any potentially harmful substances are removed from the body effectively. Menstruation also promotes bone health as the production of estrogen proves beneficial for maintaining healthy bones.
2. How many days is normal menstruation?
Normal menstruation typically lasts between 3-7 days, although the length can vary from one individual to another. Some may experience a more prolonged period while some comparatively shorter.
3. Is it unhealthy to not have a period?
In several cases, like breastfeeding or pregnancy, it is normal not to have a period. But if someone is not having a period on reaching the age of reproduction, is not pregnant, or is breastfeeding can serve as an indicator of underlying health issues.
4. What is considered an irregular period?
A period will be considered an irregular one that varies from the typical menstrual cycle of an individual. For instance, if someone’s period is constantly longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days, or there are frequent variations in their menstrual cycle’s length from one month to another, it will be called an irregular period.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.