Menstrual Cycle

Introduction

The menstrual cycle is an inevitable part of a woman’s life. Menstruation is the vaginal bleeding that occurs due to the shedding of the uterine wall. It is a cycle that takes place every 28 in healthy women. The menstrual cycle starts from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. It involves many processes. The menstrual cycle is that changing phase of a woman’s life. However, there are a lot of us who don’t precisely understand what the menstrual cycle is and how does it happen? So let us understand that first.

Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

It is essential to be aware of your body and its changes to take care of it. 

Changes in the body’s hormones bring on menstruation. Hormones are chemical message carriers that convey the message to other hormones. Ovaries release oestrogen and progesterone. The uterus wall gets a release of these hormones. The wall has developed up to the point where a fertilised egg can come and start to develop. This wall breaks down and leads to bleeding if there is no fertilised egg. Then the entire process repeats itself. This barrier usually lasts about a month before crumbling. This barrier usually lasts about a month before crumbling. That is why most girls and women have their periods once a month. But this is not only it. The menstrual cycle comes along with a lot more things. Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinising hormone, Oestrogen, and progesterone are the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) are released from the anterior pituitary gland. They act on the ovaries to develop follicles.

• The menstrual phase in women starts around puberty.
• The Ovarian hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) are released from the ovaries and act on the uterus to prepare for pregnancy.
• Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops. It usually occurs naturally, most often after age 45.

Side Effects that Travel Along with the Menstrual Tour Cycle

• Backache
• Fatigue
• Breakouts and acne
• Headaches
• Cramps in the abdomen
• Bloating Emotional ups and downs
• Insomnia
• Breasts that are swollen or tender

Late Period 

Period irregularities are not necessarily indicative of a problem. We lay down all you need to know about irregular periods symptoms to get a medical help

You have an irregular period when you have your period outside the normal length. Among the irregular period, the irregular period’s symptoms are abnormal uterine bleeding, such as:

• Bleeding or spotting in the intervals between periods
• You’re having a lot of bleeding throughout your period
• Bleeding that lasts longer than usual during the menstrual cycle
• Happens  by less than 21 days or more than 35 days
• If you miss your three or more periods 
• Much more or lighter menstrual flow than usual
• If you’ve been bleeding for more than seven days, you should see a doctor
• When you face extreme discomfort, cramps, nausea, or vomiting
• Spotting or bleeding that occurs after menopause or after sex

Phases in the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle goes through the stages or phases each month to prepare for the potential of becoming pregnant. Hormone fluctuations are in charge of the body’s shift from one phase to the next. 

A typical cycle comes between 21-40 days. Here are mentioned four menstrual cycle phases that you need to know.

Menstrual Cycle Days (1-5) 

 This menstrual cycle phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts till the 5th day. It’s the best time to pamper yourself when you are on your period. Suppose you are having cramps, body aches, or mood swings. Then make yourself a priority and give yourself a treat to yourself.

What to do: you can go for a massage or some spa that makes you feel relaxed, take an afternoon nap,  do some yoga, try meditation, you can also read your favourite books, spend time with nature, and have a walk. Doing these activities can relax your body and mind during pain. 

The Follicular Phase (6-14)

This phase also begins on the first day and ends on the 13th. During the follicular phase, your body is preparing yourself for ovulation. You may notice changes such as higher energy levels, glowing skin, and sex drive. It is the best time to socialise, so exercise or try new things as you may feel energetic and optimistic during these days. 

You can try a new sport or spend time in nature. You can go hiking, plan a fun night out or date.

Ovulation (14-16) 

This phase happens on the 14th day after your period. This menstrual cycle phase is the most fertile time. The ovulation phase happens two weeks before your next period. Due to a surge in reproductive hormones, you may feel an increase in confidence and a drop in libido! If you’re attempting to conceive, this is a fantastic time to do so because of the high fertility and desire.

In this menstrual cycle phase, you can try to go out with your friends and buddies, and you can make an excellent date plan with your partner; you can also attempt to try that new hobby you have been putting off. 

The Luteal Phase 

 This phase starts on 16 days and lasts until the end of your menstrual cycle. The luteal phase is the Turing point of your body to prepare for a new cycle. You may notice that your energy level is going down. You may feel tired in the small interval as your hormones production begins and may come along with premenstrual symptoms.

During this phase, try to eat something that provides nutrition and minerals to your body, have a balanced diet, buy some dark chocolates for yourself, and add iron and magnesium to your diet to help your body for healthy periods.

Conclusion 

To wrap it up, I would say that the menstrual cycle is a natural and essential part of a girl’s life. It is healthy to have periods. Don’t get anxious about it as it shouldn’t come in the way of enjoying your life, exercise, and fun. If you face any doubt, you can try to talk to your parents, doctor, and elder sister about it because it is imperative to be aware of the process and changes in your body. And there you go; you just need to keep track of your menstrual cycle calendar, harmonise with your habits, make you mindful of what you and your body require, and make the best of each day.