Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Cycle:

The menstrual cycle is the name of given to the physiological changes that occur in the endometrial layer of the uterus, and which are essential to receive the fertilized oocyte.

The first menstrual period occurs after the onset of pubertal growth , and is called menarche. The average age of menarche is 12 to 15 years but sometimes it occurs early as eight.

When a women’s fertility declines and menstruation occurs less regularly in the year leading up to the final menstrual period.

When a women stops menstruating completely and is no longer fertile is called perimenopause.

When a women is one year without a period is called menopause. It typically occurs between 45 and 55 years.

Phases Of Menstrual Cycle:

The menstrual cycle consists of three phases.

• The Menstrual Phase
• The Proliferative Phase
• The Secondary Phase

The Menstrual Phase:

This phase is often referred to as menstruation, bleeding, menses or a periods. Physiologically, this is the terminal phase of the reproductive cycle of events and is simultaneous with the beginning of the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle. The first day of menstruation is the first day of the menstrual phase. Reducing levels of estrogen and progesterone stimulate prostaglandin release that causes the spinal arteries of the endometrium to go into the spasm, withdrawing the blood supply to it, and the endometrium dies, referred to as necrosis. The endometrium is shed down to the basal layer along with blood from the capillaries, the unfertilized oocyte tissue fluid, mucus and epithelial cells. Failure to menstruate is an indication that a women may have become pregnant. The term amenorrhea denotes normal, regular menstruation that lasts for typically 3-5 days, although 2-7 days is considered normal. The average blood loss during menstruation is 50-150ml. The blood is inhibited from clotting due to the enzyme plasmin contained in the endometrium. The menstrual flow passes from the uterus through the cervix and the vagina to the exterior. The term menorrhagia denotes heavy bleeding. Some women experience uterine cramps caused by muscular contractions to expel the tissue. Severe uterine cramps are known as dysmenorrhea.

The Proliferative Phase:

This phase follows menstruation, is simultaneous with the follicular phase of the ovary and lasts until ovulation. There is the formation of a new layer of endometrium in the uterus, referred to as the proliferative endometrium. This phase is under the control of estradiol and other estrogens secreted by the Graafian follicle and consist of the regrowth and thickening of the endometrium in the uterus. During the first few days of this phase the endometrium is reforming, described as a regenerative phase. At the completion of this phase, the endometrium consists of three layers. The basal layer lies immediately above the myometrium and is approximately 1mm thick. It contains all the necessary rudimentary structures for building new endometrium. The functional layer, which contains tubular glands, is approximately 2.5mm thick and lies on top of the basal layer. It changes constantly according to the hormonal influences of the ovary. The layer of cuboidal ciliated epithelium covers the functional layer. It dips down to line the tubular glands of the functional layer. If fertilization occurs, the fertilized  oocytes implants itself within the endometrium.

The Secretory Phase:

This phase follows the proliferative phase and is simultaneous with ovulation. It is under the influence of progesterone and estrogen secreted by the corpus luteum. The functional layer of the endometrium thickens to approximately 3.5mm and becomes spongy in appearance because the glands are more tortuous. The blood supply to the area is increased and the glands produce nutritive secretions such as glycogen. These conditions last for approximately 7 days, awaiting the fertilized oocyte.

Duration:

Bleeding usually lasts for 3 to 8 days for most women menstruation happens regular and predictable pattern.

The length of time from the first day of period to the first day of the next period normally ranges from 21 to 35 days.

Menstrual Disorders:

Term

Meaning

Oligomenorrhea	Infrequent periods
Hypomenorrhea	Short or light periods
Poly menorrhea	Frequent periods (more frequently than every 21 days)
Hypermenorrhea	Heavy or long periods
Dysmenorrhea	Painful periods
Intermenstrual bleeding	Breakthrough bleeding
Amenorrhea	Absent periods

Menstrual Hygiene:

• Wash your hands before and after using the restroom and before using a menstrual products.
• Discard used disposable menstrual products properly: wrap them with material and then toss in a trash Bin.
• Sanitary pads: Change sanitary pads every few hours
• Tampons: Changes tampons every 4 to 8 hours
• Menstrual cups: Clean cups every day after use.
• Periods underwear: Most reuseable periods underwear is machine washable.

Sign and Symptoms:

• Cramps(pain in your lower belly or lower back)
• Bloating
• Breakouts(getting pimples)
• Sore breasts.
• Feeling tired.
• Mood swing.

Best Food:

Whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes.

Avoid Food:

• Salty
• Sweet
• Tea/Caffeine.