MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Every month, adult female body undergoes a cyclical hormonal changes of menstrual cycle for preparing body for start of a new life and this process continues till menopause. It’s very important to know about normal changes in body and evaluation of associated problems.
The purpose of this blog is to give basic knowledge about menstrual cycle which could help in improving reproductive health of women.
Why menstruation occur?
Every month body prepares for pregnancy. One of the ovaries release an egg, while uterine lining gets prepared by cyclical hormones. If there is no conception then the lining of uterus sheds out.
What are phases of menstrual cycle?
- Menstrual phase (bleeding starts)
- Follicular phase (eggs start growing in ovaries)
- Ovulation phase (egg is released from ovaries)
- Luteal phase (lining of uterus is prepared for starting pregnancy)
What is menstruation phase?
It’s a regular vaginal bleeding that occurs as a part of monthly cycle. It starts from 11 to 14 years of age, at the time of puberty and stops around 51 years when menopause occurs.
What happens in follicular phase?
It starts from day 1 of bleeding. A part of brain (hypothalamus) sends signals to another area of brain (pituitary) to release follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). For growing the 5 to 20 immature eggs contains small fluid bags (follicles) of ovaries, out of which ONLY one or two healthiest egg grow, rest are absorbed in body. This good quality egg releases high estrogen levels which act on uterine lining and make it thick and rich in nutrients and prepares it for implantation of pregnancy. This phase last for first 10 to 15 days of menstrual cycle.
How ovulation occurs?
Once a follicle matures, estrogen levels reach a peak. The brain (hypothalamus) sends signals to pituitary to release (LH) luteinizing hormone; as a result follicle ruptures and egg is released from ovary, which is then picked by tubes and then brought to uterus. At time of ovulation body temperature rises and cervical secretions become watery thin like egg white. It happens around 14 day of cycle in a 28 day cycle. It is the time when chances of conception are maximum.
What happens during luteal phase?
After releasing egg the ruptured follicle (corpus luteum) starts to release progesterone which makes lining of uterus thick, spongy, and juicy for supporting pregnancy.
What is the length of menstrual cycle?
The first day of bleeding is first day of cycle, and the cycle is calculated from first day of periods till the first day of next period. It’s length varies from 21 to 35 days.
What is duration of menstrual cycle?
It varies from 3 to 7 days .
Can cycle length vary?
Yes, at young age when menstruation starts cycles are light and long. But with age cycles are short and regular.
What should be noted about menstrual cycle?
You should always track your cycle and keep a record of last menstrual date, flow, duration, pain, any intermenstrual bleed, or irregular bleeding.
Why it’s important to track menstrual cycle?
- It can tell what’s normal for an individual?
- Time of ovulation can be predicted.
- Cycle irregularity or any warning sign of a major health issue could be picked earlier.
What are some common problems with menstruation?
It could accompany lower abdominal discomfort, backache, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
What is premenstrual syndrome?
It’s a group of physical and emotional symptoms before start of periods, which include depression, irritability, bloating, breast pain, food cravings, and fatigue.
What are causes of skip periods?
The common causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding
- Hormone intake
What are different causes of irregular cycles?
- Extreme weight loss or excessive weight gain
- Polycystic ovaries
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroid uterus
- Abnormal uterine linings
- Hormone imbalance
- Premature ovarian failure
- Pelvic infections
- Cancers of uterus or ovary
Could menstrual cycle get irregular with medication?
Irregular intake of hormones, emergency contraceptive medicines, intra uterine contraceptive devices (IUD), blood thinners, could alter a normal cycle.
When should you consult a doctor for menstrual problems?
Please see a gynecologist if you are having the following symptoms:
- Severe pain (not responding to ordinary painkillers)
- Heavy bleeding during periods (passage of clots or requiring change every 2 hours)
- Period days more than a week
- Irregular scanty periods
- Cessation of periods more than 3 months with negative pregnancy test
- Cycle length less than 21 or more than 40 days
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Fever and feeling of unwell
Remember, menstrual cycle is different for every women. You should know YOUR normal, if there is any change then seek a medical help.
Dr. Ayesha Azam Khan