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The monthly period is meant to help you get ready for birth. The length and severity of menstrual cycles vary.

Every time a woman has her period, an egg grows and is released from her ovaries. It builds up inside the uterus. If there isn’t a pregnancy, the lining of the uterus falls off during a period. Then, it all starts over again.

There are Four Parts to the Menstrual Cycle:

Various stages of menstruation, ovulation, and the luteal phase

The duration of each stage is subject to change.  

Periodic State 

The menstrual phase begins at the beginning of each month. Also, that’s when your period comes.

It all begins when a fertilised egg from the previous cycle does not hatch. The chemicals oestrogen and progesterone drop because there is no longer a pregnancy.

The lining of your uterus gets thicker during pregnancy, but it’s no longer needed, so it falls out through your vagina. When you have your period, your uterus lets out blood, mucus, and tissue. 

• These signs may be signs of your period:
• Pain in the legs (try these home treatments)
• Breasts that hurt
• bloating and mood swings
• being irritable
• Having headaches
• Being tired
• back pain 

Full-grown Phase 

The follicular period comes to an end when you ovulate. It does share some time with the menstrual cycle since it begins on the first day of your menstruation. 

Ovulation stimulation begins when the pituitary gland receives a signal from the brain to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone instructs the ovaries to produce 5–20 follicles, little sacs. There is an undeveloped egg in each follicle.

In the end, only the best egg will hatch. (Very rarely, a female may have two fully grown eggs.) Your body will take the rest of the hair shafts back up. 

The developing follicle causes an increase in oestrogen. The lining of your uterus becomes thicker as a result of this. A nutrient-rich environment is created for the egg to develop in this way. 

Most of the time, the follicular phase lasts for sixteen days. Your actual menstrual cycle length could range from eleven to twenty-seven days.  

When the Egg Begins to Develop into a Mature Egg  

During the follicular phase, your pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH) in response to elevated oestrogen levels. Presumption occurs because of this. 

The ovulation process involves releasing a mature egg from the ovary. Fertilisation occurs when the egg travels from the egg sac to the uterus via the fallopian tube. 

During the ovulation part of your period, you have the best chance of getting pregnant. These signs will let you know when you’re ovulating: 

A slight rise in body temperature at rest, more thick discharge that feels like egg whites

You will have your period when your menstrual cycle begins amid your 28-day cycle, which is on day 14. It’s suitable for a full day. Without fertilisation, the egg would either not survive more than a day or will crack open.  

WHAT DID YOU KNOW?

Since sperm can live for up to five days, having sex five days before ovulation can lead to pregnancy. 

The Phase of the Luteum 

The corpus luteum develops from the egg while still within the follicle. Hormones, including progesterone and oestrogen, are secreted by this structure. Hormones maintain a thick uterine lining, which allows a fertilised egg to adhere to it. 

Your body will make human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) if you do get pregnant. When testing for pregnancy, this is the hormone that is sought after. It contributes to the maintenance of a robust corpus luteum and uterine lining. 

This part of the uterus will shrink and be resorbed if you don’t get pregnant. Because of this, your amounts of oestrogen and progesterone drop, which sets off your period. During your period, the lining of your uterus will fall off. 

Expectant mothers may begin to experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) if conception does not occur during this period. Here are a few examples: 

Bowel pain

When your breasts grow, hurt, or feel tender

Mood swings

A headache

Needs change when you gain weight

Wanting to eat

Having sleep problems

From 11 to 17 days, the luteal phase lasts. Most of the time, Trusted Source lasts 14 days. 

Figuring out Common Problems 

Every stage of your period is unique. Some people get their period every month at the same time. Some are not as frequent. Different people bleed more or for more extended periods.

Also, your period can change at different times in your life. When you get close to menopause, for example, it can start to change.

One approach to detect irregular periods is to record the dates of your periods. Take note of the start and end times. Keep track of any changes in your bleeding frequency or amount, as well as any spotting that occurs between periods.  

Potential Factors that Could Disrupt your Menstrual Cycle Include:  

• Birth control. You can experience lighter, shorter periods after taking a birth control tablet. Some medications may prevent you from ever getting a period.
• Maternity. During pregnancy, you should cease having periods. One of the easiest ways to tell you’re pregnant at first is to miss your cycles.
• PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. The ovaries cannot produce an egg regularly because of this hormonal imbalance. Missed periods and irregular menstrual cycles are symptoms of PCOS.
• Fibroids in utero. Your periods may become heavier and longer than usual as a result of these noncancerous growths in your uterus.
• You have Eating problems. Your menstrual cycle might be upset, and your periods may stop as a result of anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders. 

The following indications point to a possible menstrual cycle issue: 

Either your periods have stopped altogether, or you have skipped them.

Your period is very irregular.

You bleed for over a week. 

Your periods are spaced out by over 35 or less than 21 days.

Between periods, you bleed (more heavily than spotting).

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these or other issues related to your menstrual cycle or periods. 

The lesson learned

Every menstrual cycle is unique. For other people, what works for you might not work for them.

Becoming familiar with your menstrual cycle, including the length and timing of your periods, is critical. Keep an eye out for any changes and notify a medical expert of them.