What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a recurring process that takes place in the female reproductive system. It typically lasts about 28 days, but can vary from person to person. The cycle involves the release of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which cause changes in the ovaries and uterus. The main purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the body for pregnancy by maturing an egg in the ovaries and thickening the uterine lining. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding, and the cycle begins again.
Length of Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle's duration is measured from the initial day of bleeding (day one) until the onset of the subsequent bleed. On average, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can fluctuate between 21 to 35 days. The length of the menstrual cycle differs among individuals and can even vary from one cycle to another.
Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is typically divided into four distinct phases:
1. Menstrual Phase
During this phase, the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding. On average, this phase lasts for about 3 to 7 days. The menstrual flow is composed of blood, mucus, and endometrial tissue, and it marks the beginning of the cycle.
2. Follicular Phase
Following the menstrual phase, the follicular phase begins. Hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), rise, stimulating the development of follicles in the ovaries. Each follicle contains an egg, but only one becomes dominant, while the others degenerate.
3. Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase is the shortest phase, typically lasting 12 to 24 hours. A surge in LH triggers the release of the matured egg from the ovary, traveling through the fallopian tube, ready for fertilization.
4. Luteal Phase
Once the egg is released, the luteal phase begins. The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, producing progesterone and estrogen to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels decline, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle.
Period Symptoms
Period symptoms, also known as premenstrual symptoms (PMS) or premenstrual syndrome, refer to a range of physical and emotional changes that some individuals experience in the days leading up to their menstrual period. These symptoms can vary from person to person and cycle to cycle, but common period symptoms include:
- Menstrual Cramps: Many individuals experience mild to moderate abdominal cramps or discomfort during their period. These cramps occur as the uterus contracts to expel its lining.
- Breast Tenderness: Some people may notice increased sensitivity or tenderness in their breasts before or during their period.
- Bloating: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can lead to water retention and bloating, causing a feeling of fullness and discomfort.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuating hormones can influence mood, leading to feelings of irritability, sadness, or anxiety.
- Fatigue: Some individuals may experience increased tiredness or fatigue during their period.
- Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger headaches or migraines in some people.
- Acne Breakouts: Hormonal changes may lead to an increase in acne or skin breakouts.
- Food Cravings or Changes in Appetite: Some individuals may experience cravings for specific foods or changes in their appetite.
Common Menstrual Problems
Some of the more commonly encountered menstrual problems are as follows:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Hormonal fluctuations before a period can trigger various side effects in susceptible women, such as fluid retention, headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Treatment options may involve incorporating exercise and dietary changes.
- Dysmenorrhoea: Also known as painful periods, it occurs when the uterus contracts more intensely than necessary to shed its lining due to specific hormones. Treatment options typically include pain-relieving medication and the use of oral contraceptive pills.
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (previously known as menorrhagia): If left untreated, this condition can lead to anemia. To regulate the flow, treatment options may involve the use of oral contraceptives or a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD).
- Amenorrhoea: This refers to the absence of menstrual periods, which is considered abnormal except during pre-puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and postmenopause. Potential causes can include low or high body weight and excessive exercise.
If you notice changes in your menstrual cycle or concerning symptoms like pain or bleeding after sex or between periods, it's best to see a healthcare professional. They can offer various lifestyle modifications and treatment choices to manage, reduce, or stop menstrual cycle conditions. Your healthcare provider will discuss these options with you.
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When to see a doctor?
If you have concerns about your period, it's important to consult your doctor. For instance, you should see your doctor if:
- Your period patterns change.
- Your periods are becoming heavier, requiring you to change your pad or tampon more often than every two hours.
- Your periods last more than eight days.
- Your periods occur less than 21 days apart.
- Your periods are more than two to three months apart.
- Your symptoms are so painful that they impact your daily activities.
- You experience bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse.
For more information, support or advice, talk to your doctor, gynaecologist or your local community health service.
Related Article: Understanding Tampons: Safe and Effective Menstrual Care
References
- Sexual Health Victoria. (n.d.). The menstrual (period) cycle. Retrieved from https://shvic.org.au/for-you/reproductive-and-sexual-health/menstrual-cycle
- Better Channel. (n.d.). Menstrual cycle. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle#what-is-the-menstrual-cycle
