Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases

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Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation) Overview
Phases The menstrual cycle is a natural and
integral part of a woman's reproductive health.
It is a regular, monthly process that the female
body undergoes in preparation for a potential
pregnancy. On average, it lasts about 28 days,
but it can vary from individual to individual,
ranging anywhere from 21 to 35 days. If you are
experiencing an issue with menstruation, it's
never too late to consult the menstrual problem
doctor near you at Miracles Apollo Cradle to make
an informed decision about your well-being.
Let's discuss the complexity of the menstrual
cycle, explore its phases, and highlight its
importance in women's overall well-being.
What is menstruation?
Menstruation, often called a period, is a natural
process that happens in a girl or woman's body.
It's a way the body prepares for a possible
pregnancy each month. Inside a girl's body, there
is a special area called the uterus. Every
month, the uterus gets ready in case there's a
baby. If there is no baby, the uterus
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doesn't need the special area it prepared, so it
lets it go. During this time, some blood and
tissue from the uterus come out of the body
through the vagina. This is what we call
menstruation or having a period. It usually
happens once a month, and it's a normal and
healthy part of growing up for girls and women.
Periods usually start during a girl's teenage
years, and they continue until a woman reaches
menopause, which is when she stops having
periods as she gets older.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle (period cycle) is a natural
and complex process that occurs in the female
reproductive system, staging a series of events
each month. Generally spanning around 28 days,
though variations are common, the menstrual
cycle involves the cyclical changes necessary for
a potential pregnancy. Divided into four
different phases such as Menstrual, Follicular,
Ovulatory, and Luteal, The period cycle is
controlled by hormonal fluctuations. The period
cycle begins with the Menstrual Phase, during
which the uterus sheds its lining, leading to
menstruation that usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
Following this, the Follicular Phase witnesses
the development of ovarian follicles, preparing
an egg for release. This phase, lasting from 7 to
21 days, sets the stage for the following
Ovulatory Phase.
Menstrual cycle phases

• The menstrual cycle consists of four main phases,
  each associated with different physiological
  changes and symptoms. Here are the phases of the
  menstrual cycle along with the symptoms
  associated with each phase.
• Menstruation (Day 1-5) The menstrual cycle
  commences with the menstrual phase,
  characterized by the shedding of the uterine
  lining. Hormone levels drop, triggering the
  release of the lining and resulting in bleeding
  that generally lasts 3 to 7 days.
• Symptoms of Menstruation During menstruation,
  women commonly experience symptoms such as
  abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood
  swings.
• Follicular Phase (Day 6-14) This phase is marked
  by the growth of follicles in the ovaries, each
  containing an egg. Increasing levels of estrogen
  initiate the repair of the uterine lining,
  preparing it for a potential pregnancy.
  Ovulation occurs around the middle of the
  follicular phase, typically on day 14 for a
  28-day cycle.
• Symptoms of the Follicular Phase Symptoms during
  the follicular phase may include increased
  energy levels, improved mood, and a rise in
  libido.

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• Ovulation (Day 14) Around the middle of the
  cycle, a mature follicle releases an egg from the
  ovary, making it available for fertilization.
  Ovulation is the most fertile period in the
  menstrual cycle.
• Symptoms of Ovulation Some women may experience
  symptoms like heightened senses, mild pelvic
  pain (mittelschmerz), and changes in cervical
  mucus consistency during ovulation.
• Luteal Phase (Day 15-28) Following ovulation,
  the ruptured follicle transforms into a structure
  called the corpus luteum, producing
  progesterone. Progesterone maintains the uterine
  lining, preparing it for a potential embryo. If
  fertilization does not occur, hormone levels
  drop, initiating the start of the next menstrual
  phase.
• Symptoms of the Luteal Phase Common symptoms
  during the luteal phase include breast
  tenderness, mood swings, increased appetite, and
  sometimes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms

At what age does menstruation typically begin?
Menstruation usually begins between the ages of 9
and 16. However, the average age for the first
menstrual period is around 12 years old. Some
girls may start their periods earlier or later
than this general range. Factors such as
genetics, nutrition, overall health, and
environment can influence the timing of
menstruation. If a girl hasn't started her period
by the age of 16, she should consult with the
best gynecology doctor for menstrual problems to
ensure everything is developing as expected.
What are pre-period symptoms?

• Pre-period symptoms are often referred to as
  premenstrual symptoms (PMS). The symptoms before
  the period may vary widely among females, and
  not everyone may experience them.
• Here are common pre-period symptoms
• Mood Swings Hormonal changes can cause mood
  changes, leading to feelings of sadness,
  anxiety, or irritability.
• Breast Tenderness Due to hormonal changes, Many
  females may experience tenderness or increased
  sensitivity in the breasts.
• Bloating Hormonal change and Water retention may
  cause discomfort and bloating.
• Fatigue Some individuals may experience a
  decrease in energy levels or feel fatigued before
  their period starts.
• Cramping Mild abdominal cramps or discomfort is
  common as the uterus prepares for menstruation.
• Headaches Hormonal changes may start headaches
  or migraines in some females during the
• premenstrual phase.

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• Acne and Skin Changes Changes in hormones may
  lead to changes in the skin, including acne or
  increased oiliness.
• Changes in Appetite Some women may experience
  changes in appetite, cravings for certain foods,
  or an increased desire for sweet or salty snacks.

What is considered an irregular period?

• An irregular period refers to a menstrual cycle
  that shifts from the usual pattern, which is
  often around 28 days. Irregular periods can be
  confirmed in various ways, including changes in
  cycle length, missed periods, or unexpected or
  heavy bleeding periods. Here are some common
  indications of an irregular menstrual cycle
• Cycle Length Variations Irregular periods may
  involve period cycles that are consistently
  shorter or longer than the usual 28 days. For
  example, Menstrual cycles that are always less
  than 21 days or more than 35 days may be
  considered irregular.
• Abnormal Bleeding Irregular periods may involve
  generally light or heavy menstrual flow.
• Episodes of prolonged bleeding or abnormal
  bleeding between periods may also be considered
  irregular.
• Irregular Menstrual Symptoms Irregularity in
  premenstrual symptoms, such as breast
• tenderness, mood swings, or cramping with any
  clear pattern, may indicate irregular menstrual
  cycles.
• Hormonal Imbalances Irregular periods may be due
  to hormonal imbalance disorders such as
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid.
  These disorders can affect the normal hormonal
  signals that regulate the period cycle.
• Missed Periods Missing, delayed menstrual
  cycles, or unpredictable gaps between menstrual
• cycles may also be a sign of irregularity. This
  can happen sometimes due to factors like stress
  or illness.
• Infrequent irregularities are common and can be
  due to various factors such as stress, illness,
  lifestyle modification, or weight changes.
  However, continuous irregularities may need
  attention.

How do I track my period?

• Tracking your period can help understand your
  menstrual cycle and identify patterns or
  irregularities. Here are several methods you can
  use to track your period
• Menstrual Calendar or Diary Keep a simple
  calendar or diary where you mark the first day of
  your period each month. Note the duration of
  your period and any notable symptoms. This can
  help you identify patterns in your menstrual
  cycle.

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• Period Tracking Apps There are several period
  tracking apps available for smartphones with
  features such as predicting your fertile window,
  recording symptoms, and sending reminders for
  your upcoming period.
• Online Menstrual Cycle Calculator Using online
  menstrual cycle calculators can help estimate
  the timing of your next period based on the
  length of your previous cycles.
• Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting BBT
  charting involves taking your temperature every
  morning before getting out of bed. A slight rise
  in body temperature can indicate ovulation,
  helping you identify your fertile window. It is
  highly effective for individuals who want to
  conceive.
• Cervical Mucus Observation Changes in the
  consistency of cervical mucus may indicate where
  you are in your menstrual cycle. It helps to
  track your ovulation.
• Ovulation Predictor Kits OPKs can help predict
  ovulation by detecting the rise in luteinizing
  hormone (LH) that precedes ovulation. Tracking
  your LH surge can give you a good idea of fertile
  windows.
• Choosing a method or combination of methods may
  provide a more accurate picture of your menstrual
  cycle and help you anticipate when your period
  is likely to occur.

Importance of Tracking the Menstrual Cycle

• Reproductive Health Irregularities in the
  menstrual cycle may indicate underlying health
  issues, such as hormonal imbalances or
  polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Overall Well-being Information about the
  menstrual cycle can help individuals know
  reproductive health and well-being.
• Fertility Awareness Knowing the menstrual cycle
  helps individuals going for family planning
  identify their most fertile days.
• Conclusion
• In conclusion, the menstrual cycle is a natural
  process necessary to a woman's reproductive
  health. Menstruation, beginning typically
  between the ages of 9 and 16, is a normal part of
  growing up and continues until menopause.
  Tracking the menstrual cycle, understanding its
  phases, and recognizing pre- period symptoms are
  essential for reproductive health awareness.
  Irregular periods may signify underlying health
  issues, making tracking methods valuable. By
  using calendars, apps, or more advanced
  techniques like BBT charting, individuals can
  gain insights into their menstrual patterns,
  promoting overall well-being and fertility
  awareness. Ultimately, embracing and
  understanding the menstrual cycle empowers
  individuals to navigate their reproductive health
  with knowledge and confidence.
• If you have concerns about irregularities or
  difficulties with your menstrual cycle, consider
  consulting with a period problem specialist
  doctor at Miracles Healthcare, the best gynae
  hospital for menstrual problems for personalized
  guidance.