Menstrual cycle - all you need to know about menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a biological process that is repeated regularly in a woman body, starting from the first menstruation (menarche) until the last menstrual period (menopause). It has a periodical character.

The menstrual cycle is a process in which the woman's body prepares for the fertilized egg, and pregnancy. A woman is able to conceive and carry a child from about 14 to 45 years. Experts call this a reproductive or a fertile period. Menstrual cycle of women is a very complex process which leads to changes in the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and vagina and is controlled by numerous hormones.

4 phases of menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle has 4 phases - menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, lutheal phase. 

1. Menstruation - the first phase of menstrual cycle
In the first phase of the menstrual cycle a bleeding occurs. The uterus gets rid of its lining. This process is repeated every month, when a woman is not pregnant. Bleeding lasts five days in average.

2. Follicular phase - the second phase of menstrual cycle
During this phase the pituitary gland in  braing produces hormones that cause the formation of other hormones in the ovaries. Hormones from the ovaries cause that the uterus begins to form a new lining. This is the beginning of preparations for the fertilized egg. 


3. Ovulation - the third phase of menstrual cycle
The egg gradually matures in the ovary, where it is surrounded by several layers of cells that make up a pouch called a follicle. Inside the follicle there is a tube that contains egg and also a fluid. With the gradual maturation of the egg, the amount of fluid in the follicle increases. The surface of the follicle cells becomes thinner and eventually breaks. During one menstrual cycle, usually one egg matures in a follicle.  After the rupture of the follicle, the mature egg is washed into the abdominal cavity toward the fallopian tube. This is called ovulation. The released egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus.If not fertilized during this trip, it disappears.


4. Lutheal phase - the fourth phase of menstrual cycle
During this phase of the menstrual cycle, hormones work to further build up the lining of your womb in preparation for a fertilised egg. If the egg is not fertilized, the thick uterus starts to break down, and your body sheds the lining. This is the start of your period and the beginning of your next  menstrual cycle.


If the egg has been fertilised, it may successfully implant itself into the womb lining. This usually takes place about a week after fertilisation.