The average menstrual cycle is 28 to 29 days. This is calculated from the first day of menstruation until the day before your next day of menstruation begins. Many girls get their first period between the ages of 11 and 14. Menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase make up the four phases of the menstrual cycle. We’ll discuss each menstrual cycle phase below.
Menstruation Menstruation isn’t blood alone. The blood that is expelled from the body also contains the thickened lining of the uterus and mucus. Some women experience heavier flows than others. Generally, it is advisable to change a pad or tampon every four hours, but a woman may need to do this more often if the flow is heavy. The Follicular Phase The follicular phase actually begins on the same day menstruation begins. It ends when ovulation starts. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that prompt the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. When this occurs, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released. Tiny follicles begin to form to house eggs and thicken the lining of the uterus. Generally, only one egg will mature, while the rest die. This happens around the 10th day of a 28-day cycle. Ovulation During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovary. This generally occurs a couple of weeks before menstruation begins. Increased luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation. The egg comes down the fallopian tube into the uterus. The life span of an egg is roughly 24 hours. Thereafter, it dies. It’s important to know when ovulation occurs for those who want to get pregnant or want to avoid pregnancy. Luteal Phase When the egg bursts from its follicle during the ovulation phase, it remains on the surface of the ovary, but it develops into a structure called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum releases progesterone with some amounts of estrogen. These two hormones allow for the thickened lining in the uterus to remain. Get Help With Your Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle is a biofeedback system, which means each structure and gland is affected by the activity of the others. If you suffer from any problems like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding or amenorrhea, or if you want further information on any menstrual cycle phase, contact us. We’re here to help. Read a similar article about cycle tracking app here at this page.
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AuthorEmily Clarke writes about social networking apps, cycle tracking, period tracker and birth control reminder community. ArchivesCategories |