Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation

Ovulation and Menstrual Cycle: Information for Women's Health Ovulation is when the mature egg is removed from the ovary (ovary) and taken by tubes and becomes ready for fertilization. During this process, the inner layer of the uterus thickens so that the fertilized egg can settle. If pregnancy does not occur, the inner layer of the uterus sheds by bleeding; this bleeding is called menstrual (menstrual) bleeding. What is Menstruation (Menstruation)? Menstruation is a natural bleeding process that a woman experiences at regular intervals December. During menstruation, the inner layer of the uterus is shed and the bleeding is expelled through the vagina.

The duration is usually 3–5 days (2–7 days is considered normal). What is the Menstrual Cycle (Menstrual Period)? The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of one period to the start of the next period. A regular menstrual cycle is an important indicator that the body is functioning healthily. Average cycle duration: 28 days In adult women: 21–35 days During adolescence: 21–45 days The cycle is controlled by hormones. Phases of the Menstrual Cycle 1. Folicular Phase Begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation (7–21 days). Follicles mature in the ovaries; the inner lining of the uterus thickens. 2. Luteal Phase It lasts from ovulation until the first day of the next menstrual period (approximately 14 days). Progesterone hormone is secreted, and the uterus prepares to accept the fertilized egg. What Happens in the Body During the Menstrual Cycle? The inner lining of the uterus sheds during menstruation (approximately 5 days). With estrogen, the inner uterine lining thickens again, and ovarian follicles grow. Ovulation occurs approximately on the 14th day; the egg lives for 12–24 hours. If intercourse occurs within the 3 days before and the 1 day after ovulation, fertilization may occur.

If pregnancy does not occur, hormones decrease and a new menstrual cycle begins. What is Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding? Normal menstruation: 21–35 day intervals Bleeding lasting 2–7 days Possible causes: Pregnancy or miscarriage Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Premature ovarian failure Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Fibroids or hormonal irregularities Cancers Note: Abnormal bleeding must be evaluated according to the underlying cause. Things to Know About Ovulation Usually, a single egg develops each month. Stress, illness, or lifestyle can affect ovulation. Light spotting or groin pain may occur during ovulation (mittelschmerz). The embryo implants in the uterus 6–12 days after ovulation. Ovulation can occur either before or after menstruation, and it can happen even without menstrual bleeding. How is Ovulation Time Calculated? It is estimated by counting back 14 days from the first day of the next expected menstruation. In women with regular menstruation, your period is usually 11-21. it takes place between the days. Dec. If pregnancy is planned and ovulation is difficult to predict, it can be determined by a doctor or ultrasound monitoring.

References:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Ovulation and MenstrualCycle. 2022.

• Speroff L, Fritz MA. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, 9th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011.

• Nelson AL, Shoupe D. Menstrual Cycle: Physiology and Abnormalities. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;129:387–396.

• Fritz MA, Speroff L. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. 8th Edition. 2011.

• Mayo Clinic. Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not. 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org