Menstrual cycle – length, phases, fertile days, cycle disorders [EXPLAINED]

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The menstrual cycle is usually associated with monthly vaginal bleeding. It is often accompanied by pain and discomfort. These are the most characteristic symptoms of the processes taking place inside the body. What exactly is happening?

It includes the reconstruction of the endometrium (that is, the endometrium), changes in the vaginal environment, changes in the mammary gland and the modulation of body temperature, mood, circulatory and vegetative systems.

This cycle is under the control of the neuro-endocrine system, which acts on the basis of mutual feedback between the concentration of hormones and the gonads, the anterior pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues until the last day before your next period. During the menstrual cycle, there are several days during which fertilization can occur. It is assumed to be three days before ovulation and a maximum of two days after it.

Sperm are able to fertilize the egg for 72 hours, while the egg only 24 hours. Determining the exact moment of ovulation is very difficult, but a longer observation of the menstrual cycle may be helpful in achieving fertilization.

Complex interactions between hormones control the onset of menstruation during puberty, the rhythms and duration of menstrual cycles in childbearing years, and the end of menstruation during menopause (which is usually defined as the onset 12 months after a woman’s last period).

Hormonal interactions that control menstruation occur in the following order:

1. the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that coordinates and controls hormones) to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone
2. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to produce two hormones called gonadotrophins: luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
3. luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone stimulate the ovaries,
4. the ovary produces the female hormones estrogen and progesterone which ultimately control menstruation.

Hormones produced by other glands, such as the adrenal and thyroid glands, can affect how the ovaries function and the menstrual cycle. Check now if your hormonal balance is okay. On Medonet Market, buy the package Women’s Hormone Management – Blood Test.

See: Why is Progesterone so Important to Women?

The phases of the menstrual cycle

1. Phase one of the cycle – menstruation

Menstruation usually lasts 3 to 5 days. During it, the endometrium exfoliates as a result of a sudden drop in progesterone levels. A mixture of arterial blood with venous admixture, tissue fragments and prostaglandins is released from the genital tract.. On average, a woman loses 30 ml of blood – expulsion of more than 80 ml is considered pathology. The amount of bleeding depends not only on the individual characteristics, but also on the diseases associated with coagulation disorders and the medications taken.

Most women experience symptoms such as breast swelling and tenderness. At the time of the onset of menstruation, the hyperemic-edema changes in the breasts disappear.

2. Phase two of the cycle – follicular

There are many primary follicles in the ovary from birth. From about the 6th day of the menstrual cycle, one becomes the dominant follicle, ie Graff’s. Under the influence of FSH and estrogens, it undergoes a process of further maturation. It secretes increasing amounts of estradiol and estrogen, which are responsible for the production of the characteristic mucus. With the onset of the follicular phase, there is an intense proliferation of the uterine mucosa and the uterine glands are straight. The vaginal epithelium becomes keratinized and its cells can be detected on a smear.

3. Phase three of the cycle – ovulation

This period is on the 13th-15th. day of the cycle. Large amounts of estrogens from the maturing Graff follicle stimulate the pituitary gland to release the hormones – FSH and LH. Under their influence, the follicle bursts and releases an oocyte – an immature egg cell. It is quickly captured by the fallopian tube, where it waits for fertilization with sperm. The mucus from the cervical area is rare and more alkaline (this helps the sperm survive). There is a sudden increase in body temperature of about 0,5 ° C.

1. Medel Fertyl ovulation thermometer is available at a promotional price at medonetmarket.pl.

4. Phase four of the cycle – luteal

The unfertilized oocyte turns into a corpus luteum under the influence of FSH and LH. It acquires the function of the endocrine gland that secretes progesterone. This hormone is responsible for the reconstruction of the endometrium (the uterine glands are significantly twisted, small spiral arteries proliferate), the growth of lobules and follicles, and an increase in body temperature.

In the absence of fertilization, the corpus luteum is degraded to a whitish body. The decrease in the concentration of hormones, especially progesterone, leads to a sudden contraction of the spiral arterioles, which starts menstruation. The mucosa of the cervix and vagina thickens. In the luteal phase, the breasts grow and swell (sometimes painful).

Also read: Genetically determined date of the first menstruation

Menstrual cycle – fertile days

The period of relative infertility falls on the first and the beginning of the second phase. On day 10-18 of the cycle, there is a period of fertility, with ovulation of key importance (assuming that the female cycle lasts 28 days). This is the easiest time to get pregnant. However, calculating the fertile days is not so easy and obvious, so we will tell you one by one how to do it the easiest way.

Ovulation is a necessary process that allows a woman to become pregnant. Having a baby is not a simple matter, as some people think. Hitting the period of the greatest fertility is still the most difficult issue when trying to get offspring. Many women know their bodies very well and are able to determine their fertile days by observing their symptoms. However, in many women, menstrual cycles are very irregular and disturbed, which makes it more difficult to identify the fertile days. In addition, some women do not think about it at all, especially those taking contraceptives.

The vaginal contractions that occur at the time of orgasm are useful for accelerating sperm transport, but not necessary for the fertilization of the egg. The postovulatory period of absolute infertility falls on the last 10 days of the menstrual cycle.

You can also calculate your fertile days using the fertile days calculator.

Body temperature, breast observation, and vaginal discharge characteristics can also provide guidance on the current phase of the cycle. In addition, online calendars of fertile and infertile days have been invented for ease of use. The fertile day calendar was invented so that a woman could identify the different phases of her cycle and is otherwise known as the marriage calendar.

The fertile calendar is used for family planning rather than as a method of contraception. This is because the normal occurrence of the fertile days can be disturbed by many factors. The human organism is structured in such a way that when something disturbing happens in it, it means that the woman is not ready for conception and thus the fertile days shift to another date. Sometimes a bad atmosphere at home, stress or a small infection is enough to disturb the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual disorders include:

1. heavy menstrual bleeding
2. no menstrual bleeding
3. painful menstruation,
4. premature menopause (primary ovarian failure),
5. premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Do you want to try out ecological sanitary pads? We recommend the period plus set available on Medonet Market at an attractive price.

Some disorders related to the reproductive organs, but not specifically the menstrual cycle, cause some of the same symptoms as menstrual disorders. These disorders include

1. pelvic congestion syndrome,
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome.

See also: Polycystic ovaries – the mystery is still unknown

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Bleeding is considered to be profuse and severe when it interferes with a woman’s normal, day-to-day functioning. Almost a fifth of women bleed so much during their periods that they are unable to complete their daily tasks. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the uterus (e.g. fibroids), other medical conditions (thyroid problems, blood clotting disorders, liver or kidney disease, leukemia, IUD complications, miscarriage and infections).

Menstruating women have a wide variety of hygiene items at their disposal. We recommend, for example, biodegradable pads with wings for the night made of organic cotton Vuokkoset. In addition to disposable tampons and pads, try out reusable products. It is estimated that one such product can replace up to several hundred disposable menstrual products. In addition, thanks to certified materials, sanitary pads and reusable inserts do not cause allergies or irritation, and also protect against unpleasant odors. At medonetmarket.pl you can order both reusable pads and reusable pads at an attractive price.

In recent years, menstrual cups, which are hygienic and very comfortable to use, have also been used more and more. It is worth buying, for example:

1. a set of menstrual cups in two sizes of Perfect Cup,
2. Set of menstrual cups in two FunCup sizes.

Menstrual cups allow you to enjoy physical activity also during menstruation without fear of leaks. It is also a huge saving compared to traditional pads or tampons. Thanks to proper care, the cup can serve us for many years.

Read: Too heavy menstrual bleeding leads to anemia

The following types of amenorrhea are distinguished:

1. primary amenorrhea: menstruation does not begin in adolescence
2. secondary amenorrhea: Normal and regular periods that become increasingly abnormal and irregular or absent.

Common causes of amenorrhea in young women:

1. anorexia, bulimia,
2. overactive thyroid gland
3. Hypothyroidism,
4. ovarian cysts,
5. sudden weight gain or loss
6. using hormonal contraception,
7. pregnancy.

Causes of amenorrhea in adult women:

1. premature ovarian failure,
2. pelvic inflammatory disease,
3. using hormonal contraception,
4. overactive thyroid gland
5. Hypothyroidism,
6. pregnancy,
7. breast-feeding,
8. climacterium.

In order to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve well-being during the period, it is worth using Mumio Shilajit – YANGO dietary supplement available on Medonet Market. For menstrual disorders, we also recommend the natural dietary supplement Niepokalanek + to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Also read: Contraception and breastfeeding

Other possible causes may include:

1. pelvic inflammatory disease,
2. uterine fibroids,
3. infection, tumors or polyps in the pelvic cavity.

All women can have dysmenorrhea, but those at higher risk include:

1. women smoking cigarettes,
2. women who consume excessive amounts of alcohol,
3. overweight women,
4. women who started menstruating before the age of 11.

Symptoms of dysmenorrhea include:

1. cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
2. back pain or pain radiating down the legs
3. nausea,
4. vomiting,
5. diarrhea,
6. general fatigue,
7. weakness,
8. headaches.

See: Exercises for Back Pain

It is estimated that about 40% of women experience PMS symptoms severe enough to interfere with their daily functioning. Others experience few or no symptoms. There are over 100 possible PMS symptoms, the most common of which is depression. Possible symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include:

1. mental symptoms (depression, anxiety, irritability, anger),
2. gastrointestinal symptoms (flatulence, diarrhea),
3. fluid retention (swelling of fingers, ankles and feet)
4. skin problems (acne),
5. tearfulness
6. headaches,
7. dizziness,
8. muscle cramps,
9. infections,
10. sight problems,
11. reduced coordination,
12. decreased libido (sex drive),
13. changes in appetite
14. insomnia,
15. sore breasts
16. hot flushes.