What is a normal menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a term used to describe the sequence of events that occur within your body as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. A menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of a period. The average cycle is 28 days long; however, a cycle can range in length from 21 days to about 35 days.

The steps in the menstrual cycle are triggered by the rise and fall of chemicals in your body called hormones. Your pituitary gland (in your brain) and your ovaries (in your reproductive tract) make and release certain hormones at certain times during your menstrual cycle that cause the organs of your reproductive tract to respond in certain ways. The specific events that occur during your menstrual cycle can be described as follows:

*The menses phase: This phase, which typically lasts from day one to day five, is the time when the lining of your uterus is actually shed out through your vagina if pregnancy has not occurred. Most people bleed for three to five days, but a period lasting only two days to as many as seven days is still considered normal.

*The follicular phase: This phase typically takes place from days six to 14. During this time, the level of the hormone estrogen rises, which causes the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium) to grow and thicken. In addition, another hormone — follicle-stimulating hormone — causes follicles in your ovaries to grow. During days 10 to 14, one of the developing follicles will form a fully mature egg (ovum).

*Ovulation: This phase occurs roughly at about day 14 in a 28-day menstrual cycle. A sudden increase in another hormone — luteinizing hormone — causes your ovary to release its egg. This event is called ovulation.

*The luteal phase: This phase lasts from about day 15 to day 28. After the egg is released from your ovary, it begins to travel through your fallopian tubes to your uterus. The level of the hormone progesterone rises to help prepare your uterine lining for pregnancy. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm and attaches itself to your uterine wall, you become pregnant. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and the thickened lining of your uterus is shed during the menstrual period.

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Problems during periods

A girl’s period can add a new challenge to the already-difficult teenage years. There are many common problems or aggravations that can occur with periods, which typically occur monthly and last six or seven days. Some of these issues can be typical, but others may need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Irregular Periods Irregular periods can be worrisome and inconvenient, but it is common to have irregular bleeding in the first two years following the start of menstruation; for example, a young woman may have two periods in one month or could sometimes go four months or more without getting another period. The menstrual cycle is complex: hormones are made in the brain and must talk to the ovaries, which then talk to the uterus. As the body adjusts to all of these processes working together, periods should become more regular. It is important to see a doctor if periods are extremely irregular or occur more than three months apart. Heavy Periods Some periods are heavie...

Guidelines

There are a number of ways that can provide short term relief from menstrual pain and can be easily done at home such as: Rest and relax. Taking a nap in a comfortable position or relaxing in the bathtub with soothing essential oils can help ease the pain. Application of heat is known to significantly reduce the pain. You can either use a heated pain relief pad or simply turn toward a trusty hot water bag. Gently massaging your abdomen and lower back can soothe the pain too. Try to do some gentle exercises that help in improving the flow of blood to the pelvic area. Try relaxation techniques such as guided meditations and deep breathing. If you are pressed for time and cannot rest, over the counter pain medication should do the trick. These dos and don’ts of periods can make your periods much more comfortable. But when asked about how to reduce menstrual pain in the long run, experts advise incorporating lifestyle changes such as: Cutting down your caffeine intake. Reduction in smoking...

All About Periods

When Do Most Girls Get Their Period? Most girls get their first period when they're around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl's body has its own schedule. There isn't one right age for a girl to get her period. But there are some clues that it will start soon: *Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. *Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid (sort of like mucus) that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period. What Causes a Period? A period happens because of changes in hormonesin the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones estrogenand progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach to and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining brea...

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