The Menstrual Cycle Breakdown.

The menstrual cycle. Something many of us have all experienced at some point. It’s a fundamental aspect of a reproductive process of someone who was born of the female sex at birth. However, despite this common ground we all share, our knowledge of what a period actually is, how each hormone affects us differently, or what each stage means for our body is often patchy or sometimes misguided. Here is our fool proof, fail safe guide to what really happens to your body during your cycle, diagrams and all. Even if your pretty confident in what happens, it’s always good to get a refresh.

Menstruation

The shedding and flow menstruation, commonly known as a period, occurs when the lining of the uterus sheds and flows out of the vagina. This discharge includes blood, mucus, and cells from the uterine lining. On average, a period lasts for three to seven days, although this is different for everyone. To absorb menstrual flow, you have various options, including sanitary pads, tampons, period underwear, or menstrual cups. Pads and tampons should be changed every four to eight hours, while menstrual cups can be emptied and replaced every eight to twelve hours.

The Follicular Phase

Preparing for ovulation, the follicular phase begins on the first day of the menstrual period and typically lasts for 13 to 14 days, leading up to ovulation. During this phase, the pituitary gland in the brain releases hormones (Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH) that trigger the production of follicles on the surface of an ovary. Usually, only one of these follicle will mature into an egg, which can happen as early as day ten of the cycle. Additionally, the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for the egg and potential pregnancy.

Ovulation

Releasing the egg, or ovulation, is the process in which a mature egg is released from an ovary and travels along a fallopian tube toward the uterus. This event usually occurs once per month, approximately two weeks before the next period. Ovulation typically lasts from 16 to 32 hours. It is important to note that pregnancy is possible in the five days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation, with the highest likelihood occurring in the three days leading up to and including ovulation. The released egg can survive for up to 24 hours, during which fertilisation can occur if sperm is present.

The Luteal Phase

Following ovulation, cells in the ovary form the corpus luteum (basically a benign cyst, which is totally normal and happens every month of your cycle), which releases progesterone and a small amount of oestrogen. These hormones cause the uterine lining to thicken, creating a suitable environment for a potential pregnancy. If fertilisation occurs and the egg implants in the uterus lining, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, supporting the maintenance of the thickened uterine lining. However, if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels decrease, and the uterus lining sheds, resulting in menstruation. This marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.

Factors that Influence your Menstrual Cycle

Birth Control: Certain forms of birth control, such as the pill, can alter the length and intensity of periods. Some pills may even suppress periods altogether.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, menstruation ceases. A missed period is naturally one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS, a particular type of hormonal imbalance, can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and missed periods due to the impaired development of eggs in the ovaries.

Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus, known as fibroids, can cause longer and heavier periods compared to the typical menstruation flow.

Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or even stopping periods altogether.

Understanding the breakdown of the female menstrual cycle is crucial for you to understand your body and reproductive health. From menstruation to ovulation and the subsequent phases, each stage plays a vital role in the potential for pregnancy. Various factors, such as birth control, pregnancy, PCOS, uterine fibroids, and eating disorders, can obviously affect the regularity and characteristics of the menstrual cycle. But by becoming familiar with all of these aspects, you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health and seek medical advice when needed.