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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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 breaks down and bleed

Key terms of periods

Menstruation or menses is the natural bodily process of releasing blood and associated matter from the uterus through the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle. Menarche is the onset of menstruation, the time when a girl has her first menstrual period. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) refers to management of hygiene associated with the menstrual process. WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene has used the following definition of MHM: ‘Women and adolescent girls are using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of a menstrual period, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having access to safe and convenient facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials. They understand the basic facts linked to the menstrual cycle and how to manage it with dignity and without discomfort or fear1.

Taking Care of Yourself During Your Period

You may notice signs that your period is coming for a week or 2 before it starts. Most of these signs go away soon after each period begins. You may have some, all, or none of the signs listed below. All worn out You may be tired and need extra rest just before your period. You might have headaches, too. Try to get enough sleep. Take a nap if you need one. Tender, swollen breasts Your breasts may swell and hurt. To ease your discomfort, try these tips: *Hug a heating pad or soak in a warm bath. *Try cold packs. *Wear a firm bra that fits correctly when your breasts are swollen. *Talk to your parents if your breasts still hurt. Cramps You may feel pain or cramps in your lower abdomen and even in your lower back. This happens when the muscles of the uterus tighten to help shed its lining. You can soothe the pain several ways: *Take a warm bath. *Hold a hot water bottle or heating pad over the cramp zone. *Relax with gentle exercise, such as stretching. *Eat healthy foods. *Don't smo

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