The menstruation cycle deconstructed.

Many often confuse the menstruation cycle with the period cycle. Irrespective of the gender, very few actually understand what the menstruation cycle is and how it works. But you don’t have to worry because we will explain everything for you.

The menstruation cycle is actually a complex and ongoing process in the life of most women. The menstrual cycle is a regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system. The menstrual cycle occurs due to the rise and fall of hormones. This cycle results in the thickening of the lining of the uterus, and the growth of an egg, which is required for pregnancy. The egg is released from an ovary around day fourteen in the cycle; the thickened lining of the uterus provides nutrients to an embryo after implantation. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining is released in what is known as menstruation.

Up to 80% of women report having some symptoms during the one to two weeks prior to menstruation. Common symptoms include acne, tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability and mood swings. These symptoms interfere with your everyday routine and therefore, quality’s as premenstrual syndrome in 20 to 30% of women. In 3 to 8%, as they could be severe.

The first period usually begins between 12 and 15 years of age, a point in time known as menarche. They may occasionally start as early as eight, and this onset may still be normal. The average age of the first period is generally later in the developing world and earlier in developed world.

But how exactly do you know when your menstruation cycle starts and ends?

Well, it’s easy, the first day of your period and the first day of your next period is the menstruation cycle you are on. The typical length of time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next is 21 to 45 days in young women and 21 to 35 days in adults an average of 28 days. Menstruation stops occurring after menopause which usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. Bleeding usually lasts around 3 to 7 days.

The menstrual cycle is directed by hormonal changes. These changes can be altered by using hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy. Each cycle can be divided into phases based on events in the ovary or in the uterus. Firstly, many eggs are constantly developing in the ovaries. Only one fully grown egg is released into the uterus which is further fertilized by a sperm, if the egg remains unfertilized it is pushed out of the uterus along with blood and mucus. This cycle repeats itself over and over in a particular period of time. Better explained in detail: The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases

Menstrual Phase:

Day 1st to 7th of a menstrual cycle is considered as Menstrual Phase. Shedding off the uterus lining in this phase makes you experience bleeding, cramps, fatigue, body pain, which is worst in first 3 days. You also undergo emotional changes causing frequent mood swings. But from 3rd and 4th day onwards, as soon as your period ends you start feeling quite relieved, energetic and accelerated. This energy rise is because of estrogen.

Follicular Phase:

You have started glowing now. Yes, your mirror can tell you. If you missed to notice, others must have told you – your face looks vibrant; your skin is shining. This is because of the boost in estrogen and testosterone. That is when the Follicular Phase begins. In this phase, a hormone named Follicle Stimulating Hormone–FSH is released that stimulates ovary to produce mature eggs. Fluid cavities of ovary are called follicles and each follicle has one underdeveloped egg. Stimulation of multiple follicles leads to the production of estrogen. Also, it thickens the lining of womb and helps in conceiving.

Ovulation Phase:

Craving for munchies? Feeling excited for no reason? Even a little pleasure or praise is making you feel like you’re on top of the world? Yes, it’s quite justifiable because the estrogen is on its peak level. As a matter of fact, estrogen hormone regulates your menstrual cycle. Estrogen is also responsible for healthy bones and your heart. Many of the Women believe 14th is the day of the ovulation cycle but, it might vary. Ovulation is the time when the mature egg gets released from the follicle. The follicle that releases mature egg is the dominant one among all follicles. Released egg can survive only for 24 hours. If sperm is available in this period fertilization takes place. Days leading to ovulation and the ovulation day are the most fertile ones. It is the time when a woman has maximum chances of getting pregnant.

Luteal Phase:

Feeling like skipping meetings, conversations or keeping away from your social circle? It’s because your pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) have begun. This phase is called Luteal Phase when progesterone hormone further builds up the womb for a fertilized egg. It’s the time when women experience the symptoms of pre-menstrual tension such as breast tenderness, bloating, lethargy, depression and irritability.

The menstruation cycle differs from person to person. It could be based on your age. Your period might differ from 2 days to up to 7 days. There are women with PCOS, who produce higher-than-normal amounts of hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for pregnancy. So, every menstrual cycle is unique, just like every woman is unique. Irrespective of that, menstruation is a natural process and if you know someone who’s on their period be nice to them and understand that it could be painful but a woman still has immense strength to withstand that.

These days ovulation cycle can be monitored easily by Ovulation Calculator which are available online.