Menstrual period

Menstrual period or menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by females of reproductive age. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining, known as the endometrium, through the vagina. This process is regulated by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Overview

Menstruation is a part of the menstrual cycle, which prepares the female body for pregnancy each month. A cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but can vary from 24 to 35 days.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is divided into several phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts till the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. The uterus sheds its inner lining of soft tissue and blood vessels which exits the body from the vagina in the form of menstrual fluid.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. Prompted by the hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone stimulates the ovary to produce around five to 20 follicles (tiny nodules or cysts), which bead on the surface.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the release of egg from the ovaries. It usually happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle, around two weeks before menstruation starts.

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until menstruation starts. It involves the release of progesterone which thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Symptoms

Common symptoms associated with menstruation include abdominal cramping, lower back pain, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, and headaches.

Menstrual Disorders

There are several disorders associated with menstruation, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia.

See Also

• Menstrual Cycle
• Menstrual Disorders
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
• Amenorrhea
• Dysmenorrhea
• Menorrhagia

Menstrual period Resources
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