What is Menstrual Cycle and Menstruation

Posted by Harleen Kaur on August 4th, 2023

Your menstrual cycle is so much more than just a periodically occurring phenomenon that concludes with your monthly bleeding. People find it to be a mystery, and most do not understand it at all. But it shouldn’t be so. Half of the world’s entire population experiences the menstrual cycle and, in its absence, the very human species will cease to exist! So, this period guide will decode this common, normal and extremely vital phenomenon so everyone can understand it. Let’s do this.

What is the Menstrual Cycle

Every woman goes through the menstrual cycle periodically and therefore also needs to have proper period education to understand it as well. The menstrual cycle is a monthly recurring and continuous physiological event that all healthy women in their reproductive age experience. After you reach a certain age, your body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy every month, by the way of this cycle. A typical menstrual cycle lasts for about 28 days but can also normally vary from 21 to 35 days in different individuals. It involves the interplay of certain hormones as we will see later on, which are responsible for triggering various changes in the ovaries and uterus, thereby facilitating this cycle.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

There are 4 phases of the menstrual cycle viz.

1. Menstrual phase (days 1 to 5)

2. Follicular phase (days 1 to 13)

3. Ovulation phase (day 14)

4. Luteal phase (days 15 to 28)

Let’s learn more about each cycle in this period guide.

Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase which is more commonly known simply as periods, marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle but more on this later.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is practically the first phase of your menstrual cycle and overlaps menstruation. It begins on the 1st day of the cycle and lasts until the 13th day. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and as its name suggests, stimulates the growth of follicles in your ovaries. These follicles contain immature eggs, but usually, only one follicle becomes dominant.

Ovulation Phase

Midway through your menstrual cycle, usually around day 14, the ovulation phase begins. Here, the dominant follicle releases a matured egg which travels down the Fallopian tube and waits for the sperm to fertilize it. This phase of ovulation can be a significant period for you if you are trying to conceive.

Luteal Phase

After ovulation occurs, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. It is a temporary endocrine structure that produces a hormone called progesterone. This hormone modifies the uterine lining for the potential event of embryo implantation. However, if fertilization doesn't occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, shedding the uterine lining. This leads to the next menstrual period or menstruation.

What is Menstruation?

Menstruation or periods indicate the absence of pregnancy and occur in conjunction with the follicular phase. It is the shedding of the uterine lining that was prepared in anticipation of embryo implantation during the last menstrual cycle. This process is triggered by decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone owing to the disintegration of the corpus luteum. The menstrual fluid which flows out as period blood comprises blood, tissue, and mucus from the uterine lining. You can find various menstrual hygiene products in the market, including the most popular, sanitary pads, which can be used to soak this fluid and manage periods efficiently. On average, your periods can last anywhere between 3 to 7 days.

Normal and Abnormal Menstruation

Having period knowledge is extremely important for all women and girls to stay hygienic and healthy during this time and to be well prepared for it. This also lets you know what is normal and acceptable in menstruation and what is abnormal and needs medical attention. So, here’s what you need to know in that respect.

Normal Menstruation

Period education can help you understand normal menstruation. A regular menstrual cycle typically occurs every 21 to 35 days. The bleeding lasts for a few days, which is usually 3 days to a maximum of 7 days for any individual. Normal menstruation usually causes moderate bleeding, and there is no excessive pain or discomfort associated with it. However, you must remember that normal cycles can vary from person to person, so it is imperative that you listen to your body and understand your cycle to determine what’s normal and healthy for you.

Abnormal Menstruation

With proper period knowledge, you identify certain signs indicating abnormal menstruation that may warrant medical attention. These signs include:

● Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)- It refers to excessive or prolonged bleeding where you may need to use a pad every 2 hours or your periods last for more than 7 days, every cycle. Such a condition can led to anemia and requires evaluation.

● Irregular Cycles- Highly irregular periods are characterized by menstrual cycles which may be shorter than 25 days or longer than 35 days. Also, such cycles do not recur after the same number of days every time. They could be a sign of hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or other underlying health conditions.

● Severe Pain- While mild discomfort is common and normal too, intense pain in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, lower back etc. during periods indicates an abnormality. Known as dysmenorrhea, this might be a symptom of an underlying issue.

● Absent Periods or Amenorrhea- If a woman misses her periods for more than three consecutive menstrual cycles, then it can be due to an underlying medical condition. It's essential to consult your OBGYN in such a situation.

Conclusion

The menstrual cycle is a remarkable journey that every woman experiences throughout her reproductive life. With this period guide you can now understand the various phases of your cycle, the significance of menstruation, and recognize the signs of normal and abnormal cycles which are vital for your overall health and well-being. Embracing this natural process and having a clear understanding of it can empower you and other women like you to take charge of their health, maintain hygiene using appropriate products like sanitary pads and navigate their menstrual journey with confidence.