Menstruation According To Doctors: How Your Cycle Works

What Is Menstruation?

Medically speaking, menstruation is the shedding of the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) through the vagina when pregnancy does not occur. It is part of the menstrual cycle, which includes the days of menstruation and the days of purity.

The menstrual cycle begins with the first day of a woman's period and ends just before the next menstrual period. A normal cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. Each woman's cycle will differ.

How the Menstrual Cycle Works

The menstrual cycle is controlled by various hormones that work together in a precise sequence:

Phase 1: After Menstruation

• Rising levels of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) cause the ovary to develop follicles
• One of the follicles will form a fully matured egg
• As this occurs, the hormone estrogen rises, causing the uterine lining to grow

Phase 2: Ovulation

• Ovulation is when the ovary releases the matured egg
• The egg then moves into the fallopian tube

Phase 3: Preparation for Possible Pregnancy

• As the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus, the hormone progesterone rises
• This prepares the thickened uterine lining for a possible pregnancy

Phase 4: Pregnancy or Menstruation

• If pregnancy occurs: The egg becomes fertilized by sperm and attaches itself to the uterine wall. The hormones will then keep the uterine lining from shedding
• If pregnancy does not occur: The egg is reabsorbed into the body. Levels of estrogen and progesterone then fall, and the uterine lining begins to pull away

Phase 5: Menstruation Begins

• The uterine lining leaves the body from the uterus through the cervix
• It passes out of the vagina as menstrual blood
• This marks the beginning of a new cycle

The end of menstruation is called menopause, which typically occurs later in a woman's life.

What Is Menstrual Blood? What Is Normal?

Menstrual fluid contains a mixture of blood, cervical mucus, and cells from the lining of the uterus.

Normal Menstrual Flow Characteristics:

• Color: A healthy menstrual flow resembles the color of cranberry juice
• Duration: The bleeding lasts for 3 to 7 days, averaging 5 days
• Volume: Under normal conditions, menstrual blood loss only constitutes 2 to 3 tablespoons of blood each month (approximately 30 to 50 milliliters)
• Flow pattern: It is normal to have heavier and lighter flow days
• Timing: Heavier flow days usually occur at the beginning of a woman's menstruation, and the flow tends to lighten as the days go by
• Clots: Expelling small clots of blood is also considered normal

Understanding Your Individual Cycle

Every woman's menstrual cycle is unique. While the average cycle length is 28 days, normal cycles can range from 21 to 35 days. Factors that can influence your cycle include:

• Age and life stage
• Overall health and nutrition
• Stress levels
• Physical activity
• Hormonal changes

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

While menstruation is a natural process, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
• Extremely heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour)
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Sudden changes in your regular cycle pattern

Related Topics

For a complete understanding of women's health, you may find these related articles helpful:

• Understanding female reproductive anatomy basics
• Learning about Islamic guidance on menstruation
• Discovering how menstruation is viewed as a blessing in Islam

Conclusion

Understanding how your menstrual cycle works from a medical perspective empowers you to better track your health and recognize what's normal for your body. This knowledge, combined with regular healthcare consultations, helps ensure optimal reproductive health throughout your life.

Remember that while this information provides a general medical overview, every woman's experience is unique. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for personalized medical advice and any concerns about your menstrual health.