Phases of Menstrual Cycle, What’s Normal and What’s Not

A woman’s body undergoes a series of changes every month to prepare for a potential pregnancy during the years between puberty and menopause. Such a hormone-driven process is known as the menstrual cycle. In every cycle, an egg matures and is discharged from the ovaries which results in the thickening of the uterus lining.  But when the pregnancy does not take place, the uterine lining starts to shed. That is how the cycle begins again. This entire process is divided into four phases:

• Menstrual phase
•  Follicular phase
• Ovulation phase
• Luteal phase

The duration for each phase varies from woman to woman. Every woman has a different menstrual cycle. Some females experience menstruation around the same time each month. other face irregular periods. women bleed for a longer period of time or with greater intensity than others. But a lot can be inferred about your health from your menstrual cycle. Monitoring your menstrual cycles can help you determine what is normal for you, determine when ovulation occurs, and spot significant abnormalities like a missed period or irregular menstrual blood. While irregular menstrual cycles are typically not dangerous, they occasionally can be a symptom of health issues. Do you recall when was your last menstrual date and how long did it last?  In such a case, perhaps it’s time to start paying attention.

For that, let’s understand what a normal menstrual period looks like and what are its abnormalities.

What’s a normal menstrual cycle?

On average, the menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days, but it can last between 21 to 45 days with normal bleeding for 3 to 8 days. However, it can vary from woman to woman and from one cycle to the next. Your menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the day before the start of your subsequent period. There are several factors in your checklist that you need to determine for tracking the normalcy of your periods because normal varies for each woman. Here’s how you can keep a record:

Duration of your cycle:

 How long did your recent cycle last? Is it longer or shorter than the usual time period?

Flow during periods:

Keep a record of how heavy your flow is. Is it heavier or lighter than usual? How frequently should you replace your sanitary protection? Did you have any recent unnatural bleeding? Do you experience bleeding between periods?

Menstrual Pain:

Do you usually experience pain while menstruating? Do you feel more discomfort than usual?

Unusual changes:  

Have your emotions or conduct changed at all? Around the time of the shift in your periods, did anything new happen? Any new form of discharge?

What’s not normal in the menstrual cycle?

Your menstruation becomes abnormal when its duration, bleeding flow, or pain is repeatedly irregular without any external factors such as puberty, birth control pills, breastfeeding, or menopause. If the time span is shorter than 28 days or longer than 45 days, then it is time to worry. It may be naturally occurring but it happens due to some problems.  Let’s understand the causes behind the irregularity of the menstrual period.

Polymenorrhea:

It is a frequent, short menstrual cycle that lasts up to 21 days with bleeding days for 2 to 6 days. This condition may occur naturally but usually, it is a symptom of some underlying problem that is causing such irregularity in the cycle.

Early Pregnancy or Breastfeeding:

Missing a period might be an early symptom of pregnancy or breastfeeding. Typically, breastfeeding postpones the onset of menstruation following pregnancy.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS:

Women who have this common endocrine system condition may experience irregular periods treatment for married as well as enlarged ovaries with fluid-filled sacs known as follicles that can be detected during an ultrasound examination.

Stress:

Missed periods and irregular cycles can be brought on by chronic stress, as well as even brief anxiety about any particular issue.

Severe weight loss, eating disorders, or overexertion:

Extreme weight loss increased physical activity, and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa can interfere with menstruation.

How do get a normal menstrual cycle?

Depending upon the person-to-person condition, there are various irregular periods of treatment for married and unmarried women in careful consideration with your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes:

Your doctor might suggest making lifestyle adjustments in order to solve this issue. You should balance your workout routine, your weight, and your diet according to your routine. You must develop new coping mechanisms if you are taking on too much stress.

Hormone therapy (HT):

If hormonal imbalance is the cause of your irregular periods, your doctor may recommend certain birth control medications to manage them.

Surgery:

In some circumstances, structural issues with the fallopian tubes or uterus lead to irregular periods. In order to treat irregular menstruation issues, your doctor might advise surgery.

Endometrial ablation:

In this technique, the uterine lining is surgically removed in order to lessen high menstrual flow.

A daily dose of vitamins and nutrients:

There are several supplements available like Folino and Libizo women which are rich in key nutrients and vitamins that support reproductive health and regulate menstruation. However, it is suggested to consult your doctor before starting to take any supplement.