The menstrual cycle (also known as period) is the shedding of the lining of the uterus that happens monthly. Menstrual blood goes through from the uterus through the cervix and then out of the body through the vagina. Usually, girls get their first periods from that ages of 11-14. By this stage, the female has most likely developed other sexual characteristics, like pubic hair and budding breasts. Most menstrual cycles last for 3-5 days, and, when you have a regular menstrual cycle, it is a sign that important parts of the body are functioning properly/normally. It is also preparing you for pregnancy. A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of another. Although the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, it can range from between 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens. The cycle is controlled by many glands and the hormones that the glands produce.
There are four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
Menstruation: This is the stage where the lining of the uterus is shed, bringing menstrual blood, mucus and other fluids with it. Pads and tampons are used during this stage to absorb the the menstrual flow, and they need to be changed regularly.
Follicular phase: This phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. It is when the pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormones that stimulate the ovary to produce around five to 20 follicles. Each of the follicles contain one immature egg, and usually only one of these follicles will survive while the other die.
Ovulation: This stage is the release of a mature egg from the the ovary. In this stage, the egg bursts from it’s follicle, and this usually occurs in the middle of the cycle. The egg is released into the fallopian tube and towards the uterus by waves of small, hair-like projections. If the egg isn’t fertilized by a sperm cell within 24 hours, the egg will die.
Luteal phase: This stage is when the follicle that was left behind by the egg transforms into a structure known as the corpus luteum. It releases hormones that thicken the lining of the uterus so that when a fertilised egg goes into the uterus, it will be able to stick to the lining. If the pregnancy doesn’t occur though, the corpus luteum will die.
Women will usually have their period until menopause. This occurs between the ages of 45-55, usually 50. Menopause is the stage when a woman stops producing eggs for fertilisation. This means that once menopause occurs, the female cannot get pregnant.
There are four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
Menstruation: This is the stage where the lining of the uterus is shed, bringing menstrual blood, mucus and other fluids with it. Pads and tampons are used during this stage to absorb the the menstrual flow, and they need to be changed regularly.
Follicular phase: This phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. It is when the pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormones that stimulate the ovary to produce around five to 20 follicles. Each of the follicles contain one immature egg, and usually only one of these follicles will survive while the other die.
Ovulation: This stage is the release of a mature egg from the the ovary. In this stage, the egg bursts from it’s follicle, and this usually occurs in the middle of the cycle. The egg is released into the fallopian tube and towards the uterus by waves of small, hair-like projections. If the egg isn’t fertilized by a sperm cell within 24 hours, the egg will die.
Luteal phase: This stage is when the follicle that was left behind by the egg transforms into a structure known as the corpus luteum. It releases hormones that thicken the lining of the uterus so that when a fertilised egg goes into the uterus, it will be able to stick to the lining. If the pregnancy doesn’t occur though, the corpus luteum will die.
Women will usually have their period until menopause. This occurs between the ages of 45-55, usually 50. Menopause is the stage when a woman stops producing eggs for fertilisation. This means that once menopause occurs, the female cannot get pregnant.