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Published in General on Jul 31st 2024

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: A Quick Guide

The menstrual cycle is a complex process involving different glands and the hormones they produce. It’s measured from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 to 29 days, but every woman's cycle is different. The phases of the menstrual cycle include:

Menstruation

Menstruation, also known as a period, is the shedding of the uterus lining if pregnancy does not occur. It involves the flow of blood, mucus, and cells from the uterus lining, typically lasting between three to seven days.

The Follicular Phase

The follicular phase begins on the first day of your period and lasts for about two weeks, ending with ovulation. The pituitary gland in your brain releases a hormone to stimulate the production of follicles on an ovary. Typically, only one follicle will mature into an egg. As this occurs, the lining of your uterus thickens to prepare for pregnancy.

Ovulation

During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovary and moves towards your uterus. If sperm meets the egg at this time, you may get pregnant. Ovulation can last between 16 to 32 hours. While you can get pregnant at any point during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy is most likely to occur during ovulation.

The Luteal Phase

After ovulation, cells in the ovary release progesterone and estrogen, causing the lining of the uterus to thicken. If a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, it will continue to thicken and prepare for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop, and the uterine lining sheds, starting the menstrual cycle all over again.

Common Menstrual Conditions

Many fertility issues and related complications stem from menstrual disorders, including:

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful cramps during menstruation
• Premenstrual syndrome: Physical and psychological symptoms occurring prior to menstruation
• Menorrhagia: Heavy bleeding, including prolonged menstrual periods or excessive bleeding during a normal-length period
• Metrorrhagia: Bleeding at irregular intervals, like between periods
• Amenorrhea: The absence of menstruation
• Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstrual periods
• Hypomenorrhea: Very light periods

Treatment options for menstrual conditions include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, as well as birth control or, in some cases, surgery. An OB/GYN can assess your specific symptoms and create a treatment plan that best addresses your needs.

Menstrual Cycle Information From the Experts

There are four phases of the menstrual cycle, each serving a specific purpose and impacting the body differently. If you have questions about your menstrual cycle or are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, you should consult with an experienced OB/GYN team. At Pacific Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology, our physicians have special expertise in cutting-edge technology in women’s health and extensive experience in providing gynecological services. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.