MENSTRUAL CYCLE: MENSTRUATION (THE MENSTRUAL PERIOD)

Posted: May 8th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Women's Health | No Comments »

The menstrual cycle involves a series of hormonal events which occur at fairly regular intervals. The average menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days, although this may vary considerably between women. The menstrual cycle involves four distinct phases:

Day 1-5: menstruation (the menstrual period);

Day 3-13: the proliferative or follicular phase;

Day 14: ovulation;

Day 15-28: the luteal or secretory phase.

Although the first day of menstruation is usually referred to as the start of the menstrual cycle, the menstrual period (days 1-5) is actually the culmination of the hormonal changes which make up the menstrual cycle.

Menstruation (the menstrual period)-If the ovum is not fertilised the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum decreases. This causes the endometrium to break down and bleed. This bleeding is known as a menstrual period. The menstrual flow consists of endometrial cells, blood, secretions and possibly the unfertilised egg.

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