Menstruation Cycle

Menstruation

Definition

• Menstruation, also known as menses, is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in females, which occurs approximately every 28 days.
• It is a natural part of the female reproductive cycle, preparing the body for a potential pregnancy.

Phases of Menstruation

1. Menstruation (Days 1-5)
   • The uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding.
   • Hormone levels are low.
2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14)
   • The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating follicle growth in the ovaries.
   • Estrogen levels increase, causing the uterine lining to thicken.
3. Ovulation (Day 14)
   • A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, releasing an egg from the ovary.
   • Estrogen and testosterone levels peak.
4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)
   • The empty follicle in the ovary produces progesterone, preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.
   • Hormone levels decrease if pregnancy does not occur, leading to menstruation.

Hormonal Regulation

• Estrogen: stimulates uterine lining growth and thickening.
• Progesterone: prepares the uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy.
• FSH and LH: regulate follicle growth and ovulation.

Physiological Changes

• Bleeding: shedding of the uterine lining, lasting 3-7 days.
• Cramping: uterine contractions, often accompanied by back and leg pain.
• Breast Tenderness: hormone fluctuations cause breast swelling and tenderness.
• Mood Changes: emotional fluctuations due to hormonal shifts.

Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

• Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation.
• Dysmenorrhea: painful menstruation.
• Polymenorrhea: frequent menstruation.
• Oligomenorrhea: infrequent menstruation.

Menstruation

Definition

• Menstruation, also known as menses, is the natural shedding of the uterus lining, occurring every 28 days, preparing the body for potential pregnancy.

Phases of Menstruation

• Menstruation phase (Days 1-5): uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding, with low hormone levels.
• Follicular phase (Days 1-14): pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone, stimulating follicle growth in ovaries, increasing estrogen levels, and thickening the uterine lining.
• Ovulation phase (Day 14): surge in luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation, releasing an egg from the ovary, with estrogen and testosterone levels peaking.
• Luteal phase (Days 15-28): empty follicle produces progesterone, preparing the uterine lining for implantation, and hormone levels decrease if pregnancy does not occur.

Hormonal Regulation

• Estrogen stimulates uterine lining growth and thickening.
• Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) regulate follicle growth and ovulation.

Physiological Changes

• Bleeding lasts 3-7 days, resulting from the shedding of the uterine lining.
• Cramping occurs due to uterine contractions, often accompanied by back and leg pain.
• Breast tenderness occurs due to hormone fluctuations, causing breast swelling and tenderness.
• Mood changes occur due to emotional fluctuations caused by hormonal shifts.

Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

• Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.
• Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation.
• Polymenorrhea is frequent menstruation.
• Oligomenorrhea is infrequent menstruation.