The menstrual cycle is a natural process unique to a woman's reproductive system. It repeats every month and involves hormonal changes and the maturation and shedding of the lining of the uterus. The menstrual cycle usually lasts for one month (28 days), but this can vary from person to person. The cycle basically consists of three main phases: follicular phase, ovulation (ovulation) and luteal phase. During the follicular phase, hormones secreted by the pituitary gland stimulate the follicles to mature.
During puberty, which usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 14, girls experience gender-specific symptoms such as pubic hair growth and breast development. Another of these physiological changes is the menstrual cycle. The first menstrual cycle is called "menarche". You can read the rest of the article for what you wonder about the menstrual cycle that continues from puberty until menopause.
What is the menstrual cycle and how does it occur?
The menstrual cycle is a regular process that is a natural part of a woman's reproductive system. This cycle is characterized by hormonal changes and the maturation and shedding of the lining of the uterus. The main phases of the menstrual cycle are as follows:
Follicular Phase: The first phase of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase, begins on the first day of menstruation. The pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and the maturation of an egg cell.
Ovulation (ovulation): In the middle of the follicular phase, the maturing follicle releases the egg cell inside. This event is called ovulation. The egg cell moves towards the fallopian tube.
Luteal Phase: After ovulation, the empty follicle turns into the corpus luteum and starts producing the hormone progesterone. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) thickens during this period, preparing for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Fertilization: If a sperm cell fuses with an egg (fertilization), the fertilized egg moves into the uterus.
If the egg is not fertilized: If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum regresses and progesterone production decreases. This leads to the shedding of the lining of the uterus (menstrual bleeding).
Resumption of the menstrual cycle: If fertilization does not occur, the menstrual cycle starts again and a new follicular phase begins.
This cycle repeats every month and represents a woman's fertility capacity and reproductive health. The menstrual cycle is a complex process with hormonal regulation.
Menstruation
Menstruation is a natural physiological process that occurs regularly every month as part of a woman's reproductive system. This process is characterized by the maturation and shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Here are the main characteristics of menstruation:
Menarche (First Period): The first time a girl menstruates in her life, usually between the ages of 11 and 14. This period is called "menarche".
Menstrual Cycle: Menstruation is part of a woman's menstrual cycle. It typically lasts 28 days, but can vary for each individual. The beginning of the menstrual cycle is considered to be the first day of menstrual bleeding.
Physiological Changes: During menstruation, the blood vessels in the lining of the uterus close and the lining of the uterus is shed and expelled. Bleeding occurs during this period.
Duration of Menstruation: It typically lasts between 3 and 7 days. During this period, a woman bleeds and her body adapts to these changes.
Menstrual Contraction: The uterus contracts to help expel the shed layer. These contractions can sometimes cause mild pain.
Hormonal Changes: Hormone levels change during menstruation. In particular, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels affect this process.
Fertility and Reproduction: Menstruation represents a woman's reproductive ability and fertility. Preparation is made for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
Menstruation is important for a woman's reproductive health and is a physiologically natural cycle. However, it is important for women who experience symptoms such as pain or excessive bleeding to consult a health professional.
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase is the first phase of a woman's menstrual cycle. This phase starts with the onset of menstrual bleeding and continues until ovulation (ovulation). The main characteristics of the follicular phase are the following:
Influence of the FSH hormone: At the beginning of the follicular phase, the pituitary gland produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries.
Follicle Development: Under the influence of FSH, one or more follicles in the ovaries begin to grow. Each follicle contains an egg cell (oocyte).
Estrogen Production: The growing follicles produce the hormone estrogen. Estrogen thickens the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and prepares it for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Dominant Follicle Selection: Later in the follicular phase, one follicle grows faster than the others and becomes "dominant". Other follicles regress.
Ovulation: At the end of the follicular phase, the dominant follicle matures and the egg cell inside is released. This event is called ovulation.
The exact duration of the follicular phase varies from person to person, but usually lasts on average 14 days. The length of this phase is part of the total duration of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Ovulation
Ovulation is a natural event that occurs in the middle of a woman's menstrual cycle. During this process, a maturing egg cell is released from the ovary and moves towards the fallopian tube. The main characteristics of ovulation are the following:
Timing: Typically, in a 28-day menstrual cycle (it can be longer or shorter), ovulation occurs around day 14 of the cycle. This period is calculated from the first day of menstruation.
Effect of the LH Hormone: The pituitary gland secretes a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). LH levels increase in the middle of the menstrual cycle and this triggers the release of the ovary.
Release of the Egg: During ovulation, the maturing follicle ruptures its surface and releases the egg cell inside. This egg cell moves towards the fallopian tube.
Preparation for fertilization: The release of the egg is the preparation for it to meet the sperm in case fertilization occurs. If fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, the fertilized egg moves towards the uterus.
Onset of the Luteal Phase: The empty follicle that forms after ovulation turns into the corpus luteum and begins to produce the hormone progesterone. This causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to thicken.
Ovulation is a central event in a woman's fertility cycle. If a woman wants to get pregnant, it is important to know when the egg is released. Ovulation is a complex process with hormonal regulation and affects fertility capacity.
What is the normal menstrual cycle?
The normal menstrual cycle refers to the time from the start of a woman's menstrual bleeding to the start of the next menstrual bleeding. Typically, the menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. However, the duration of each woman's cycle can vary and can vary from person to person. Also, the duration of menstruation can vary. It usually lasts between 3 and 7 days, but this can also vary from individual to individual.
The normal menstrual cycle is a woman's natural physiological process and is usually a reflection of hormonal balance. However, as each woman's cycle can vary, it is important to consult a health professional in case of irregularities or significant changes. Furthermore, each woman's menstrual cycle can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, hormone levels, lifestyle and genetic factors. Therefore, the duration of a "normal" menstrual cycle can vary from person to person.
Common Menstrual Problems
Common menstrual problems include conditions that can affect many women. Here are some of them;
Amenorrhea: The absence of a menstrual period. Amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as pregnancy, excessive exercise, hormonal imbalances or health problems.
Menorrhagia: Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than normal. This can be caused by factors such as fibroids, hormonal imbalances or thickening of the lining of the uterus.
Oligomenorrhea: Irregular menstrual periods. This can be caused by hormonal changes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), etc.
Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual periods. It occurs when uterine contractions intensify and can cause pelvic pain.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A combination of symptoms such as mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness and headaches during the premenstrual period.
Endometriosis: A condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside. This can cause painful periods and pelvic pain.
Menopause: The end of a woman's menstrual periods. With hormonal changes, symptoms such as hot flushes and insomnia may occur.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition characterized by hormonal imbalances. It can show symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, the formation of cysts and weight gain with hormonal changes.
These conditions can affect each woman in different ways. If you are experiencing significant problems with your menstrual cycle, it is important to consult a health professional. It is important to seek support from a doctor to identify the underlying cause of these conditions and plan appropriate treatment.