What is a menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the series of
changes a woman's body goes through to
prepare for a pregnancy
The menstrual cycle starts on the first day
of the menstrual period (referred to as day
one) and ends the day before the next
period begins. While the length of the
menstrual cycle is often 28 days, it can vary
between women and from one cycle to the
next. It is common for women to experience
cycles that last anywhere from 20 to 40
days. Cycles longer than six weeks are
considered unusual.
Premenstrual symptoms may occur in the one
to two weeks before your period. Symptoms
may include irritability, bloating, pimples and
tiredness. Normally these symptoms might be
irritating but would not interfere with your day
to day activities. More commonly, around
two–thirds of women experience some breast
pain during their cycle. Symptoms appear to
peak in adolescence and again in
perimenopause, possibly because of
fluctuating hormone levels.
THERE ARE FOUR STAGES IN MENSTRUATION
1.STAGE ONE IS CALLED : Menstrual Phase
This is what happens in your body: The first day of your period is the start
of your menstrual cycle.The reason you might
experience menstrual cramps during the first days of your periods is that the uterus lining breaks down and sheds.You begin menstruation.This is how it might affect you: During menstruation, you may feel low on energy and have aches or pains.
- STAGE TWO IS CALLED : Follicular Phase
This is what happens in your body: After the last day of your period, your
body prepares for ovulation. Here a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates your ovaries to produce amatured egg.
This maturing process produces estrogen, which makes the lining of your uterus thicken with nutrients and blood, so it will be able to provide the egg with the support it needs in case of pregnancy.
NOTE : Your estrogen levels start to rise andyou might find yourself being in a better mood and having more energy.
During this phase you might also notice more
discharge (clear or white sticky mucus). This is normal.
3: STAGE THREE IS CALLED: OVULATION
This is what happens in your body: During ovulation, the matured egg is finally released
into the fallopian tube and travels to the uterus. The egg can survive for 12-24 hours. During this time, if it comes in contact with sperm, it is fertilised.
So keep in mind that during these days you are most likely to getpregnant (remember to
use contraception).
NOTE : During this stage you might feel a boost of energy and inspiration.
You might also feel an increase inyour sex drive.
4:STAGE IS CALLED : Luteal
Phase – End of menstrual cycle
This is what happens in your body:
After the egg has travelled down the fallopian tube it gets to the womb.
Your body starts to produce a new hormone called progesterone.
This hormone will make sure your uterus keeps building up it’s lining.
But If the egg is not fertilized, levels of estrogen and progrestarone drop.
Your uterus does not need to maintain the nutritous lining it built up so it
starts to break it down. The thick lining and blood that was built up during
the menstrual cycle will leave your body. This is your menstruation and it
means that a new cycle begins.
NOTE : Due to the rise in progesterone your stress levels can increase
easily and you might feel moodier during this phase. You might also
feel easily irritated, experience some sadness or feel anxious.
Your breast might feel more sensitive or even sore.