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The menstrual cycle is a recurring process in females of reproductive age that involves hormonal changes and physical changes in the uterus and ovaries, preparing the body for potential pregnancy.
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It typically lasts around 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days.
The cycle is characterized by four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
Here's a breakdown of each phase:
1. Menstruation (Menstrual Phase):
- This is the first day of bleeding and marks the beginning of the cycle.
- The uterine lining (endometrium) is shed, causing bleeding.
- Typical menstruation lasts for about 3-7 days.
- Symptoms like cramps, fatigue, and mood changes can occur.
2. Follicular Phase:
- The follicular phase begins with the start of menstruation and continues until ovulation.
- Hormones stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries, each containing an immature egg.
- One follicle usually matures and releases a mature egg.
- The uterine lining begins to thicken in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
3. Ovulation:
- Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
- It typically occurs around day 14 in a 28-day cycle.
- During ovulation, a woman is most fertile and capable of becoming pregnant.
4. Luteal Phase:
- Following ovulation, the luteal phase begins.
- The empty follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.
- Progesterone further prepares the uterine lining for implantation.
- If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels drop, and the cycle restarts with menstruation.
Hormonal Regulation:
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones produced by the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and the ovaries.
These hormones include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone.
Irregular Periods:
Irregular periods can be a sign of various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
If you experience persistent irregularities, such as periods coming more than 35 days apart, missed periods for three months or longer, or unusually heavy or light bleeding, it's recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional from WebMD.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
A normal menstrual cycle can last between 21 and 35 days. You can expect to bleed between three and seven days each time you get your period.
People also ask
Is a menstrual cycle 28 days from?
The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods around every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 21 to 35 days, are normal. The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of a woman's period to the day before her next period.
A menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the day before your next period. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, but ...
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Jan 13, 2025 · A menstrual cycle begins with the first day of your period, or menstruation [MEN-stroo-AY-shuhn] and starts over again when the next period ...
Menstruation
Menstruation is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones. Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone... Wikipedia
The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, but the average is to have periods around every 28 days. Regular cycles that are longer or ...
Sep 27, 2024 · The menstrual cycle comprises 2 distinct cycles—one within the ovary and another within the endometrium. The phases of the ovarian cycle include ...
The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that ...
A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle.
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. The cycle starts with the first day of one period and ends with the first day of the next period.