| Each month, the reproductive system prepares for the
fertilization of a woman's eggs and the development of a fetus. The process
is conducted by hormones, mainly by estrogen, progesterone,
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Basically, the menstrual cycle have four phases. Menstruation or having
your period is the first phase. Each month the uterus prepares for an embryo
by thickening its lining with tissue and blood. When an egg is released
without being fertilized, then the uterus will shed this lining through the
small opening of the cervix and passes out of the body through the vagina.
The menstrual flow is a mixture made up of blood, mucus, and body cells. The
flow might be red or quite dark, and may include some clumps or clots.
Periods normally last about three to five days.
The second phase is called pre-ovulation phase. This happens after a
period ends. At this time the ovaries start to prepare another egg, or ovum,
for release in the fallopian tubes.
Ovulation is the third phase, where the egg is released from the ovary
into the fallopian tubes. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell, it
attaches to the uterine wall and a fetus will begin to develop. The
ovulation phase typically occurs 14 days before the start of the next
period.
The fourth and final phase is the premenstrual phase. If the egg is not
fertilized, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed and a new menstrual
cycle starts all over again.
A period may vary every month and differs from one woman to another. It
can either be light, moderate, or heavy. Although most menstrual periods
last from three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is still
considered normal. However during the first few years after having
menstruation, periods may be very irregular.
Women stop having their periods when they reached menopause, usually
around the age of 50. Menopause refers to the stage when a woman is no
longer ovulating or producing eggs. As a result she can no longer become
pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause also varies from woman to woman and
may even take some years to occur. |