Menstrual Cycle
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the body’s monthly process of preparing for a possible pregnancy. Each cycle, hormones signal the ovaries to develop and release an egg, a process called ovulation. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which trigger the growth of ovarian follicles and prompt ovulation.
After ovulation, the ovarian follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which makes progesterone. Progesterone helps thicken the lining of the uterus, making it ready to support a pregnancy if the egg is fertilized. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels drop, and the uterine lining sheds. This is menstruation, often called the period. The menstrual cycle includes several phases:
- Menstrual Phase: The uterus sheds its lining, causing menstrual bleeding that lasts from 2 to 7 days.
- Follicular Phase: FSH encourages ovarian follicles to mature; estrogen levels rise, and the uterine lining builds up.
- Ovulation Phase: LH surge triggers the release of an egg around the middle of the cycle.
- Luteal Phase: The corpus luteum produces progesterone; if pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels fall, and menstruation begins.
What Is Common in Menstrual Patterns?
Cycles can vary widely, but several patterns are considered normal. The menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Typical cycles last between 21 and 35 days, though some people may have cycles slightly shorter or longer. Menstrual bleeding itself usually ranges between 2 and 7 days.
Table: Normal Variation in Menstrual Cycles
| Feature | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Cycle length | 21 to 35 days |
| Menstrual flow length | 2 to 7 days |
| Regularity | Usually consistent |
| Flow amount | Light to heavy |
Some may notice differences such as:
- Cycle length changes as they age.
- Periods may be heavier, lighter, longer, or shorter but still considered within a normal range.
- Minor changes due to stress, exercise, or weight changes.
Birth control methods, especially hormonal ones like IUDs or extended-cycle pills, can affect cycles and flow. Around menopause, cycles often become irregular before stopping completely. Common symptoms during the cycle include:
- Cramps
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Food cravings
- Changes in sleep
Practical Ways to Monitor Your Periods
Tracking the menstrual cycle helps you understand your own patterns and notice changes. You can:
- Calendar Method: Mark the first day of bleeding each cycle.
- Notes on Symptoms: Track period length, flow, pain, and changes in mood or symptoms like bloating or headaches.
- Digital Apps: Use smartphone apps designed for tracking periods, ovulation, and premenstrual symptoms.
Items to Track
- Start and end date of each period
- Heaviness of menstrual flow (number of pads/tampons changed per day)
- Changes in menstrual blood, such as clots
- Pain, such as cramps or headaches
- Changes in mood or sleep patterns
- Occurrence of any spotting or bleeding between periods
Example Tracking Table
| Month | Start Date | Days Bleeding | Flow (Light/Heavy) | Cramps | Mood Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 3 | 5 | Light | Mild | Yes |
| February | Feb 1 | 6 | Heavy | Severe | No |
| March | Mar 2 | 4 | Moderate | Mild | Yes |
You can also track ovulation by noticing changes in body temperature or cervical mucus.
Reasons for Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Several factors can cause a cycle to become irregular or change unexpectedly, such as:
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Missing a period is often the first sign of pregnancy. Nursing usually delays periods after childbirth.
- High Stress: The brainโs hormone center can respond to stress by changing cycle timing.
- Eating Disorders and Weight Changes: Sudden weight loss, eating disorders, or excessive exercise can interrupt hormones and cause missed periods.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): People with PCOS may have irregular, missed, or long cycles. PCOS can also cause acne or extra hair.
- Premature Ovarian Failure: The ovaries may stop working before age 40, causing irregular or missed periods.
- Pelvic Infections: Infections in the pelvis can change periods, making them irregular or more painful.
- Uterine Fibroids: These growths can cause heavy, painful, or longer periods.
Other causes include major changes in exercise, life events, thyroid problems, and some medications.
Possible Symptoms Signaling an Issue
- Bleeding between periods
- Menstrual flow suddenly becomes much heavier or lighter
- Periods lasting longer than 7 days
- Periods less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
- Severe or sudden pain during periods
- Missed periods for three months (when not pregnant)
- Other symptoms like fever after using tampons
Steps to Support Consistent Cycles
While not all cycle irregularities can be avoided, some steps may help:
- Healthy Weight: Keep a stable, healthy weight to support normal hormone levels; rapid loss or gain can cause irregular periods.
- Balanced Eating: Nutritious meals support hormone balance, while eating disorders can disrupt cycles.
- Regular Exercise: Gentle to moderate activity can help, but extreme workouts may interrupt cycles.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress reduction with good sleep, relaxation, or talking with friends or professionals.
- Medication and Care: Hormonal birth control can make cycles more regular for some, help lighten heavy flow, or reduce cramps. Sometimes, underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid problems need treatment.
When to Seek Help
- Periods stop for over 90 days, not due to pregnancy.
- Regular cycles suddenly become irregular.
- Bleeding is excessive or unusually long-lasting.
- Severe pain, especially if new or worsening.
- New symptoms like high fever after tampon use.
You can talk with a provider to review cycle changes and discuss next steps. Tracking your cycle gives useful information about your health and helps guide care if needed.
