Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of a women’s uterus (womb).

The menstrual blood which is composed of blood and tissue of the uterus (womb), flows from the uterus (womb) through the cervix and out of the body through the vagina.

Females start menstruating between 8 and 16 years of age. Females stop menstruating around age 50 which is also known as Menopause.

Menopause is when a female stops ovulating (producing eggs) and can no longer become pregnant and the body stops preparing the uterus (womb) for a possibly pregnancy and finally the menstrual cycle stops.

 

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The Menstrual Cycle is a term used to describe the sequence of events that occur within a women’s body as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. A menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of a period. The average cycle is 28 days long however a cycle can range in length from 21 days to 35 days.

The steps in the menstrual cycle are triggered by the rise and fall of certain chemicals in the body known as hormones. The pituitary gland in the brain and the ovaries in the female reproductive tract manufacture and release certain hormones at certain times during the menstrual cycle that cause the organs of the reproductive tract to respond in certain ways. The four (4) phases that occur during the menstrual cycle are as follows;

 

THE FIRST PHASE KNOWN AS THE MENSES PHASE

The Menses Phase last from day 1 to day 5 and is the time when the lining of the uterus (womb) is actually shed out through the vagina if pregnancy has not occurred.

Women can bleed from 2-7 days.

 

THE SECOND  PHASE KNOWN AS THE FOLLICULAR PHASE

The Follicular Phase last from day 6 to day 14. During this time, the level of the hormone estrogen rises which causes the lining of the uterus known as the endometrium to grow and thicken.

Also, another hormone known as the follicle stimulating hormone cause follicles in the ovaries to grow. During days 10 through 14, only one of the developing follicles will form a fully mature ovum aka egg.

 

THE THIRD PHASE KNOWN AS OVULATION

Ovulation occurs around day 14. A sudden increase in another hormone known as luteinizing hormone causes the ovary to release its egg (Ovulation).

 

THE FOURTH PHASE KNOWN AS THE LUTEAL PHASE

The Luteal Phase lasts from day 15 to day 28. After the egg is released from the ovary, it begins to travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus (womb).

The level of the hormone progesterone rises to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy.

If the egg becomes fertilized by the male sperm and attaches itself to the uterine wall, the female becomes pregnant.

If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period.

 

SYMPTOMS OF A NORMAL MENSTRUATION

1.     Bloating.

2.     Development Of Cramps.

3.     Food Cravings.

4.     Moodiness.

5.     Tenderness In The Breasts.

6.  Trouble Sleeping.