Menstruation

During the menstrual cycle, the uterus lining sheds and flows out of the body through the vagina as a period. This forms part of the female’s reproductive system in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of a period, and a regular cycle is about 28 days long. A period can last anywhere from four to seven days.

The different stages in the menstrual cycle are influenced by the increasing and decreasing of hormones in a woman’s body. The pituitary gland is mainly responsible for releasing these hormones.

The various stages of a normal menstrual cycle are as follows:

The menses phase:

This is when the uterus sheds through the vagina if a pregnancy has not occurred. Most women bleed for approximately three to five days, but two days or even seven is standard.

The follicular phase:

The hormone oestrogen rises from day six to 14, causing the uterus lining to thicken. At the same time, the follicle-stimulating hormone causes the follicles in the ovaries to grow. Finally, at around days 10 to 14, one of the developing follicles will mature into an ovum (egg).

Ovulation:

Between days 14 and 28, there will be a sudden increase in the luteinising hormone, which causes the ovary to release the egg.

The luteal phase:

From day 15 to 28, the released egg will begin to travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The progesterone hormone will increase to prepare the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is fertilised by sperm, it will attach itself to the uterine wall, which means that the woman is now pregnant. If pregnancy does not happen, oestrogen and progesterone will drop, and the uterus lining will start to shed once again.

Symptoms of a normal menstruation

Here are the most common symptoms of menstruation:

  • Moodiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Food cravings
  • Cramps in the lower abdomen and back
  • Bloating
  • Tenderness in the breasts
  • Acne
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Headaches
Symptoms of an abnormal menstruation

Some women may experience abnormal symptoms during menstruation. If you experience any of these signs below or are concerned that something is wrong with your menstrual cycle, you should visit a gynaecologist.

  • Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
  • Missing three or more periods in a row
  • Menstrual flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual
  • Periods that last longer than seven days
  • Periods that are accompanied by pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting
  • Bleeding or spotting that happens between periods, after menopause or following sex