Menstrual Cycle

As women, many of us are used to the monthly visit from Aunt Flo but not all of us have a proper understanding of how the menstrual cycle really works and it’s important to know this in order to better identify and irregularities as this may be a signal that something isn’t quite right.

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I’ve decided to discuss the menstrual cycle this week because i’ve come to find that even though we’re used to the monthly visit of Aunt flo, many women do not really understand how it comes about and it’s overall significance.

A good understanding of the menstrual cycle makes it easier to notice irregualrities as these could be indicators of health problems.

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a womans body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. It is counted from the first day of one period (i.e the first day you start bleeding) to the first day of the next period.

Your menstrual cycle is under the control of a range of hormones produced in various parts of your body:

• Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRh) is produced in the hypothalamus, which is in your brain. It stimulates your body to make and release follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced in the pituitary gland, which is also in your brain. It makes the eggs on your ovaries ripen ready for release.
• Luteinising hormone (LH) is also produced in your pituitary gland. It stimulates your ovaries to release eggs.
• Oestrogen is produced in your ovaries. It has many roles in your body, including the changes in your body during puberty that take you from girl to womanhood. It plays a very important part in your reproductive cycle.
• Progesterone is also produced in your ovaries. It works with oestrogen to keep your reproductive cycle regular and to maintain pregnancy.

Phases of the menstruation cycle

1. Pre-ovulation (called the follicular phase) Women and girls have two ovaries that contain thousands of eggs (ova). During this phase, hormones stimulate the development of eggs; at the same time, the soft lining (called the endometrium) of the uterus (the place where a baby can grow) starts to thicken.
2. Ovulation This occurs when a mature egg (occasionally two) is released from the ovary. After the egg is released, it travels along the fallopian tube to the thickening lining. If sperm from a male fertilizes the egg, the egg will move into your uterus and develop into a fetus. Ovulation usually happens around 10 to 16 days before the next period.
3. Premenstrual (called the luteal phase) After ovulation, hormones trigger the body to continue developing the lining of the uterus, in preparation for a fertilized egg. During this phase, if you were to become pregnant, the egg moves into the uterus and then attaches to the lining. If you’re not pregnant, the lining of the uterus is shed through the vaginal opening during menstruation.
4. Menstruation The womb lining leaves your body through the vagina as a reddish fluid containing blood – typically about a quarter of a cup of blood (though it can seem like a lot more). This is your “period” – it is also called menses – and it may last between three to seven days.

To find out what’s normal for you, start by keeping a record. Mark the first day of bleeding on a calendar, you may also use a smartphone application. tracking your start date every month for several months in a row helps to identify the regularity of your periods.

If you’re concerned about your periods, then also make note of the following every month:

• End date. How long does your period typically last? Is it longer or shorter than usual?

• Does it seem lighter or heavier than usual? How often do you need to change pads.
• Abnormal bleeding. Are you bleeding in between periods?
• Describe any pain associated with your period. Does the pain feel worse than usual?
• Other changes. Have you experienced any changes in mood or behavior? Did anything new happen around the time of change in your periods?

With this information a doctor or health care professional will be better able to assist you in diagnosing any health problems.

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including:

• Pregnancy or breast-feeding. A delayed or missed period can be an early sign of pregnancy. Breast-feeding typically delays the return of menstruation after pregnancy.
• Eating disorders, extreme weight loss or excessive exercising. Eating disorders — such as anorexia nervosa — extreme weight loss and increased physical activity can disrupt menstruation.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This common hormonal disorder can cause small cysts to develop on the ovaries and irregular periods.
• Premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure refers to the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Women who have premature ovarian failure — also known as primary ovarian insufficiency — might have irregular or infrequent periods for years.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection of the reproductive organs can cause irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. They can cause heavy menstrual periods and bleeding between periods.

To start tracking your periods (if you haven’t already) you can download the Sofypad period tracker app. Take note of what’s normal and be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any irregularities.