The menstrual cycle occurs in sexually mature women. The menstrual cycle is the changes in a woman's body that prepare for fertilization in certain phases. Read how long the menstrual cycle is, how to count it and learn about the phases of the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle(ovulation cycle, menstrual cycle) is a constant change in hormone levels. The main players are primarily estrogen and progesterone. They are supported by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, and luteinizing hormone (LH), which controls the release of an egg from a Graafian follicle. In different phases of the menstrual cycle, hormones determine not only the psyche and well-being, but also the appearance of a woman.

Menstrual cycle: how long does it take?

The menstrual cycle usually lasts 28 days, but there is no cause for concern for the several-day deviations - when the cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days. Such deviations of around 7 days from the established 28 days are not uncommon.

Irregular cycles, i.e. longer or shorter than these 21-35 days, tend to occur in young girls who have recently had their periods. Cycle irregularity can also be caused by, among others: stress, travel, excessive meal, too restrictive diet, too low concentration of thyroid hormones, too high levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia), polycystic ovary syndrome. If you have regular menstruation, always contact your gynecologist.

Menstrual cycle: how to count?

The first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation, so it is from this day that you should start calculating. The end of your menstrual cycle is the last day before your next period. The menstruation itself usually lasts about 3-7 days, and ovulation occurs around day 14 of the cycle. Below is an introduction and discussion of each of the phases of the menstrual cycle.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

  • Menstruation (day 1-5 of the cycle)

The first day of bleeding is also the first day of the cycle. The levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, which causes the lining of the womb to shed. She is expelled with menstrual blood. Under the influence of the pituitary gland hormone (FSH), they begin to develop and matureovarian follicles (Graafa) in which there are ova. Low levels of estrogen and progesterone make you feel much better than before, when the levels of these hormones are at their highest. The legs and arms are no longer swollen and the strap can be fastened with the buttonhole tighter. Losing weight is due to low levels of estrogen, which speeds up the metabolism. Some women suffer from low back pain, abdominal pain and drowsiness during their periods.

  • Follicular phase (6th-13th day of the cycle)

By this time, the bleeding usually stops, and the pain is gone. The pituitary gland produces the hormone lutein (LH), which causes the follicle with the egg to grow and the ovaries secrete more and more estrogen. The lining of the uterus grows thicker. The increase in estrogen levels makes the hair shine beautifully, the skin is flawless, and the woman is bursting with energy. Doctors call this stage postmenstrual euphoria. The fertile time begins three to five days before ovulation. If intercourse does then take place and the partners do not take any precautions, the pregnancy is almost certain.

  • Ovulation (14th day of the cycle)

Estrogens reach the highest levels. The level of lutein rises rapidly and the follicle ruptures with the egg. This is what ovulation is. The uterine mucosa is fully mature. When the menstrual cycle is longer, e.g. 30 days, ovulation will move to day 16 of the cycle. The woman's well-being is then excellent. It is accompanied by an unbridled appetite for sex. A woman is 10,000 times more sensitive to smells, and especially to the male pheromone androstenol. If a couple wants to have a baby, this is the best time to apply for one. The woman feels great, there are no difficult problems for her. She is clear about her opinion and it is difficult to disprove her arguments. Apparently, she is also more prone to betrayal then than at other times in her life. From time to time, ovulation may be associated with mild pains in the lower abdomen, and even small vaginal spotting, usually lasting several days. Body temperature can rise by up to several degrees. But it doesn't mean you are sick.

  • Luteal phase (days 15-28 of the cycle)

The level of estrogen is high. The empty bubble becomes the so-called the corpus luteum and begins to produce progesterone, which prepares the lining of the womb to accept a fertilized egg. It is possible to become pregnant two days after ovulation. During these five days, the woman feels a bit sluggish as the body retains more water and burns calories more slowly. He may then gain a little weight or feel like this.He is usually in a good mood.

If the egg is not fertilized, estrogen levels drop quickly. The corpus luteum declines and progesterone levels decline with it. The unfertilized egg will be excreted during the next period. Ladies with insomnia can now finally get enough sleep. But these days aren't very nice because most people suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women are irritable, cannot concentrate, and their mood quickly changes. Puffiness appears on the legs, hands and face. The breasts are painful and swollen. This is a sign that your period is approaching. In 20 percent the symptoms are so severe that they need to be treated with medication. Oral contraception can help you deal with PMS symptoms.

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