Introduction
Have you ever wondered why the menstrual cycle occurs only in females? Well, let’s understand. This monthly phenomena occurs to prepare the female body for begetting babies. Sounds cute, right?!
In this detailed blog, we would learn about each phase constituting the menstrual cycle, what changes the body undergoes during this time and much more. So, come on!
Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycle can happen in different durations and intensities. At the commencement of each menstrual cycle, an ovum matures in one of the two ovaries present. Upon reaching its full maturation, it is liberated. Throughout this time, a lot of hormonal changes occur inside the body. One of its consequences is the thickening up of the uterus lining. If somehow, the egg doesn’t meet with a sperm; i.e.; pregnancy doesn’t happen, the inner wall of the uterus starts shedding. This is ejected out of the body in the form of blood, mucus, ovum debris, and dead uterine tissue through the female vagina. Blood! Ew, scary. But, do you know that this is completely normal and painless to let that period blood flow? Well, this menstrual phase is completed in a time span of 28 to 30 days. It can be divided into four not-so-distinct phases which may differ and change over time. They are as follows:
- Menstrual phase
- Follicular phases
- Ovulatory phase
- Luteal phase
Menstrual phase
It is the initial stage of the monthly cycle. It’s the time when your uterus starts bleeding. When an ovum from the prior cycle isn’t fertilized by a sperm; uterine lining develops till it starts shedding. Actually, the uterine is prepared such in order to support the embryo.
During this phase, levels of the two primary female hormones; namely estrogen and progesterone fall down. Moreover, in the absence of pregnancy, the uterus would no longer need to maintain the developed state. Hence, it sheds through the vagina.
However, before the actual commencement of the menstrual phase, a set of symptoms prevail; shortly known as PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome). These symptoms typically last for a few days and gradually lessen once your periods come. Some physical manifestations of this syndrome are:
- Cramps in the lower abdomen
- Soreness of breasts
- Bloating of stomach
- Frequent mood fluctuations
- Exhaustion
- Pain in the lower back region
Follicular phase
This phase initiates on the first day of your menstruation and continues till ovum gets fully matured. It is mediated by the organic signals transferred from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. The pituitary in turn secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (shortly known as FSH) which triggers the ova-producing organs, i.e. the ovaries.
Upon receiving stimulation, the ovaries start making minute pouches (known as follicles); each of which would hold an immature ovum. Therefore, this whole pouch-making process is termed as “follicular phase”. Among those many little eggs, the healthiest one will come into full maturation (On rare scenarios, two eggs also might mature simultaneously) while the remaining ones will be reabsorbed by the body.
The maturing follicle brings in an upsurge of the hormone, estrogen. This is responsible for the preparation of uterus lining. As already mentioned, it facilitates for the growth of the embryo. Generally, the follicular phase continues till the 16th day of the monthly cycle. However, the duration may fluctuate at times.
Ovulatory phase
As estrogen levels spike up throughout the follicular phase; the pituitary gland is stimulated to secrete luteinizing hormone. This marks the beginning of ovulatory phase. The term “ovulation” can be defined as the process of release of mature ovum. This phase completes around the middle of every monthly cycle.
After ovulation, the egg traverses through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. During this time, if it happens to meet a sperm, it would result in pregnancy. Or else, the unfertilized egg will die and disintegrate.
Thus, ovulatory phase is the most favorable time for those who choose to become mothers. You can easily understand that you’re ovulating by observing certain symptoms. They are:
- A slight increase in basal body temperature
- Whitish vaginal discharge
Luteal phase
Post ovulation; the follicle remnants change into corpus luteum. The term “corpus luteum” means yellow body. This structure is mainly responsible for secreting progesterone and estrogen (in small amounts). Generally, the luteal phase lasts from 11 to 17 days.
The upsurge in hormones further maintains the uterine lining and supplies with a lot of blood vessels. If pregnancy occurs, the embryo would get implanted in the uterus. Moreover, body will generate the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This acts as a positive indicator for pregnancy.
If you don’t get pregnant, the corpus luteum will disintegrate and dissolve. This causes a drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which results in the onset of menstruation. And the cycle of events repeat.
Consulting private gynecologists
Do you often get irregular cycles or experience extremes? If yes, then this might denote a serious underlying issue and need of proper diagnosis. The more you delay, the worse it will become. So, book an appointment now and get yourself checked!
Our London-based private gynaecology clinics offer a systematic approach in providing treatment. We have highly experienced professionals who strive to deliver the best care. Be it from routine check-ups to special guidance, our private gynecologists are prompt in every service. Thus, if you face distress, immediately dial up the numbers and arrange for a walk-in consultation with them!
Since we are concerned about your reproductive health and well-being, it is advised to be alert to the smallest of changes in your monthly cycle. Lastly, every menstrual cycle differs from person to person. Keeping a track is essential for diagnosis purposes; which we often overlook. Besides providing medical treatment, we; as private gynecologists support you throughout your healthcare journey!
