The menstrual cycle, also known as the reproductive cycle, is a process that occurs in women. This process prepares the body for pregnancy and usually begins in adolescence. Cycles vary and range from 25 to 35 days for most women and may change as a woman ages. The rise and fall of hormones produced by the pituitary gland trigger the onset of each cycle.
Menstruation
Most young women do not become aware of this change until the onset of menstruation, often referred to as a woman's period. This is the portion of the cycle where the body sheds the lining of the uterus, or womb, through the vagina. The flow of menstrual blood varies in intensity and normally lasts for three to five days.
Rebuilding the Lining
After menstruation, the estrogen level in a woman's body increases and the wall or lining of the uterus stores blood and causes the lining to thicken. The lining can provide nourishment for a fertilized egg while it grows into a baby.
Ovulation
While the lining of the uterus rebuilds, an egg begins to ripen within the ovary. About halfway through the menstrual cycle, a ripened egg releases from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If fertilized by a sperm cell from a man, the egg will lodge itself in the lining of the uterus. If not fertilized, the egg will shrink and wash from the body during menstruation.
Premenstrual Tension
Just before the onset of menstruation, some women experience emotional or physical discomfort. This may include bloating or puffiness caused by water retention that might diminish with dietary modification such as eating food containing little or no salt. There may also be some evidence of mood swings such as tension or depression. These changes are temporary. If these symptoms intensify or become disruptive, discuss the symptoms with your physician to rule out other causes. Some women experience minor cramps during menstruation. These usually go away after the second or third day. If bothersome, reduce cramping through exercise or an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Symptoms of concern
The menstrual cycle is a normal part of a healthy woman's life. The symptoms, if present, are minor and temporary. However, if a woman is experiencing consistently heavy bleeding, erratic patterns in the cycle or intense pain, contact a physician, preferably a gynecologist for an examination and evaluation of the symptoms.
