Menstrual cycle why is it important

The menstrual cycle includes several phases. The exact timing of the phases of the cycle is a little bit different for every woman and can change over time. Once the bleeding stops, the uterine lining also called the endometrium begins to prepare for the possibility of a pregnancy.

Somewhere around day 14, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and begins its journey down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. In this case the fertilized egg will travel to the uterus and attempt to implant in the uterine wall. If the egg was not fertilized or implantation does not occur, hormonal changes signal the uterus to prepare to shed its lining, and the egg breaks down and is shed along with lining. This phase of the menstrual cycle occurs from approximately day Day 1 is the first day of bright red bleeding, and the end of this phase is marked by ovulation.

While menstrual bleeding does happen in the early part of this phase, the ovaries are simultaneously preparing to ovulate again.

The pituitary gland located at the base of the brain releases a hormone called FSH — follicle stimulating hormone. Eventually, one of these follicle becomes dominant and within it develops a single mature egg; the other follicles shrink back.

If more than one follicle reaches maturity, this can lead to twins or more. The maturing follicle produces the hormone estrogen, which increases over the follicular phase and peaks in the day or two prior to ovulation. The lining of the uterus endometrium becomes thicker and more enriched with blood in the second part of this phase after menstruation is over , in response to increasing levels of estrogen. High levels of estrogen stimulate the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH , which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone LH.

The surge in LH also causes a brief surge in testosterone, which increases sex drive, right at the most fertile time of the cycle. The release of the mature egg happens on about day 14 as a result of a surge in LH and FSH over the previous day. After release, the egg enters the fallopian tube where fertilization may take place, if sperm are present. If the egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates after about 24 hours. Once the egg is released, the follicle seals over and this is called the corpus luteum.

The corpus luteum produces progesterone. If fertilization has occurred, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone which prevents the endometrial lining from being shed. If fertilization has not occurred, the corpus luteum disintegrates, which causes progesterone levels to drop and signals the endometrial lining to begin shedding. There is a range of normal bleeding — some women have short, light periods and others have longer, heavy periods.

What is a normal amount of bleeding during a menstrual period? Should I track my menstrual periods? Your menstrual cycle What happens during the menstrual cycle. How often you should change your tampon or pad.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD. Period problems Irregular periods. Hormones and the menstrual cycle Phases of the menstrual cycle Common menstrual problems Where to get help. Hormones and the menstrual cycle The menstrual cycle is complex and is controlled by many different glands and the hormones that these glands produce. Phases of the menstrual cycle The four main phases of the menstrual cycle are: menstruation the follicular phase ovulation the luteal phase.

Menstruation Menstruation is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus endometrium from the body through the vagina. Follicular phase The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. Ovulation Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the surface of the ovary. Luteal phase During ovulation, the egg bursts from its follicle, but the ruptured follicle stays on the surface of the ovary. Common menstrual problems Some of the more common menstrual problems include: premenstrual syndrome PMS — hormonal events before a period can trigger a range of side effects in women at risk, including fluid retention, headaches, fatigue and irritability.

Treatment options include exercise and dietary changes dysmenorrhoea — or painful periods. It is thought that the uterus is prompted by certain hormones to squeeze harder than necessary to dislodge its lining.

Treatment options include pain-relieving medication and the oral contraceptive pill heavy menstrual bleeding previously known as menorrhagia — if left untreated, this can cause anaemia. Treatment options include oral contraceptives and a hormonal intrauterine device IUD to regulate the flow amenorrhoea — or absence of menstrual periods.

This is considered abnormal, except during pre-puberty, pregnancy, lactation and postmenopause. Possible causes include low or high body weight and excessive exercise.

Understanding your menstrual cycle , Queensland Health. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all reproductive system - female. Related information. Fertilisation is more likely when sperm are present in the reproductive tract before the egg is released. Most pregnancies occur when sex has occurred in the couple of days before ovulation. If a fertilised egg embryo implants in the lining of the uterus, it begins to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin hCG.

This hormone maintains the corpus luteum, which continues to produce progesterone, until the growing foetus can produce its own hormones. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and levels of progesterone and oestrogen decrease and a new menstrual cycle begins.

There are many lifestyle modifications and treatment options to manage, reduce or stop menstrual cycle conditions. Your health professional will discuss options with you. If you are using the internet for information, only use reliable and reputable websites. Be aware of websites containing inaccurate and harmful information and imagery. In each episode, FPV's Schools Educator Anne interviews experts to help parents, carers and teachers of school-aged children navigate the world of relationships and sexuality education.

Episode 6: Periods. Close menu Close. Search Search. The main points The menstrual cycle occurs because of a complex relationship between hormones from the brain and ovaries. When pregnancy does not occur, a menstrual bleed happens. Some people experience menstrual cycle concerns such as heavy or painful periods and premenstrual syndrome PMS. There are lifestyle modifications and treatment options for these.

The menstrual cycle — overview The menstrual cycle is a natural recurring cycle of changes in the ovaries, lining of the uterus endometrium and sex organs. Menstrual cycle length The length of the menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of bleeding day one to the first day of the next bleed.

Menstrual bleeding menstrual period or menstruation Menstrual bleeding is the elimination of the egg and thickened lining of the uterus endometrium from the body through the vagina. Symptoms Most people experience symptoms in the days leading up to their menstrual period. Hormones and the menstrual cycle The menstrual cycle occurs because of a complex relationship between hormones from the brain and ovaries.