Menstrual Cycle Stages
The Menstrual Cycle: Understanding the Stages and Hormones
What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the monthly hormonal cycle that the female body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. It is defined chronologically as the period from the beginning of the first day of menstrual bleeding in one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding in the next cycle. The average menstrual cycle is usually around 28 days.
Stages of the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle goes through four different stages: Menstrual Phase, Follicular Phase, Ovulation Phase, and Luteal Phase. Each stage has its own name, characteristics, and tasks, as well as its symptoms and the time it lasts.
Menstrual Phase
The duration of this stage is between 3-7 days. During this stage, there is a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, which leads to shedding of the uterine lining and bleeding. Symptoms may include cramps, lower back pain, tenderness of the breasts, feeling bloated, irritability and mood swings, headache, and fatigue.
Follicular Phase
The duration of this phase starts from the first day of the cycle until ovulation (about 13-14 days). The estrogen hormone rises, and the FSH hormone is stimulated to develop eggs inside the ovary. The primary function of this stage is to stimulate egg growth and prepare the uterine lining.
Ovulation Phase
This phase is approximately one day long and usually occurs in the middle of the cycle (day 14). Hormones witness a significant increase in LH, which leads to the release of a mature egg from the ovary. The function of this stage is to prepare the egg for fertilization.
Luteal Phase
The duration of this phase is from ovulation until the beginning of the next cycle (14 days). The progesterone hormone rises to stabilize the uterine lining if pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone and estrogen decrease. The function of this stage is to support the possibility of pregnancy or prepare for a new period.
Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle
The hormones that work during the menstrual cycle include estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. These hormones work in a delicate balance, controlled by the brain through the pituitary gland.
The Importance of Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle
Tracking your menstrual cycle is important for several reasons, including understanding your body, detecting health problems, pregnancy planning, and dealing with symptoms.
When to Visit a Doctor
There is no need to consult your gynecologist every time you suffer from some severe menstrual symptoms, mood disturbances, fatigue, etc. However, consulting a doctor becomes necessary in the following cases:
- If the cycle has been irregular for a long time.
- If the bleeding is very heavy or abnormally painful.
- If the period stops for no reason (other than pregnancy).
- Symptoms such as excessive hair growth or severe acne.
- Feeling unexplained fatigue or severe mood changes.
FAQs
- What are the causes of irregular menstruation?
- Hormonal changes, stress, weight loss or gain, and thyroid problems.
- Is it possible to get pregnant during menstruation?
- This is very rare, but it is possible in certain cases.
- Does exercise affect menstruation?
- Yes, intense exercise may cause menstrual irregularities.
- What treatments are best for relieving menstrual pain?
- Pain relievers, warm compresses, or dietary changes.
- Does diet affect the cycle?
- Yes; Vitamin deficiency or malnutrition may affect its regularity.
Conclusion
Being aware of your menstrual cycle and knowing all its stages and what you may experience during it will help you maintain your health and deal with any disorders better. So, do not hesitate to educate yourself, your daughters, and your friends about all the information related to the menstrual cycle. Talk to your gynecologist about all of your concerns and fears regarding your menstrual cycle, so that you are aware, informed, and certainly prepared for the physical and psychological complications that you may experience during it.