Normal Menstrual Cycle

Normal Menstrual Cycle

Normal Menstrual Cycle

A female reproductive cycle or the well-known “menstrual cycle” is an episodic uterine bleeding in response to cyclic hormonal changes. It is also known by the terms menses, menstrual period or period. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg, a process called ovulation. This process allows for conception and implantation of new life. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn’t fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds and flows from the uterus though the cervix and out of the body through the vagina.

The first menstrual period in girls called menarche may occur as early as age 8 or as late as age 17. The length of cycle may vary from woman to woman, but the accepted average length is 28 days (from the beginning of one menstrual flow to the beginning of the next). However, 23 days to 35 days cycle is not unusual. The average duration of menstrual flow is 4 to 6 days, although some may have periods as short as 2 days or as long as 7 days. The menstrual flow is dark red in color, a combination of blood, mucus and endometrial cells.  Symptoms such as moodiness, cramps, bloating, and tenderness in the breast and food cravings are normally felt during or before the cycle begin.

The menstrual cycle is generally thought of in separate phases. The menses phase commonly lasts from day 1 to day 5. During this phase the fertilization of the egg hasn’t happened, thus the lining of the womb or uterus, called the endometrium is shed off. An estimation of 30 to 80 mL of blood per menstrual period is lost. Next is the follicular phase, typically takes place from days 6 to 14. The level of the hormone estrogen rises, which causes the lining of the uterus to grow and thicken. The third phase is ovulation in which occurs roughly at about day 14 in a 28-day menstrual cycle. An egg is released from the right or left ovary and takes about 5 days to travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus. The luteal phase lasts from about day 15 to day 28. If there is fertilization of egg and attaches itself to the uterine wall, pregnancy occur. If not, then the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period.

Women should be aware of the normal response of the body when having a period. It is a great way to know if unusual things occur. In addition, consult a health care provider immediately if there is a severe pain, bleeding between periods, and is bleeding more heavily than usual are experienced.