It’s natural to have questions about your menstrual cycle. You may be uncertain or embarrassed to ask family or friends questions, and although there’s a wealth of information out there, it can be challenging to know where to start.
Embrace will help you get the facts. You can also schedule a no-cost appointment to learn about pregnancy, reproductive health, and more.
What is the Menstrual Cycle?
Menstruation is the shedding of one’s uterine lining once a month, which can also be referred to as “getting your period.”
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but timing can vary from 21 to 35 days. It has four phases: menses, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. You can track your period using a calendar or tracking apps.
Each month, your ovaries and pituitary gland release certain hormones that cause your uterine lining to thicken. This thickening allows a fertilized egg to implant into the lining and develop during pregnancy.
But where does the egg come from?
Ovulation is Key
During ovulation, hormones cause your ovaries to release an egg. This egg moves to your fallopian tubes, and if you have sexual intercourse, a sperm can fertilize it.
However, if sperm doesn’t fertilize the egg, the uterine lining will shed. This shedding is your period, which kicks off another monthly cycle.
What Does Your Period Feel Like?
When your uterine lining sheds, menstrual blood will flow from your uterus and out of your vagina. You may see small clots or what looks like tissue in the blood; this is normal.
Many women experience some degree of cramping, ranging from mild to severe. Similarly, your flow can vary widely. Some women notice heavier bleeding during this time, while others have a lighter flow.
Other signs that you’re getting your period include:
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Food cravings
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Acne
- Trouble sleeping
Sometimes, your menstrual cycle can be irregular or stop altogether. You may also have more intense mood changes, experience more significant discomfort, and more.
Speaking with your healthcare provider about any changes or concerns is crucial to monitor your health. Remember, your period can stop or become irregular due to hormonal imbalances, weight changes, pregnancy, and more.
Information at No Cost
Embrace can answer your reproductive health-related questions. You’ll receive accurate information in a non-judgmental and confidential environment.