Menstrual cycle

So, let’s talk about the menstrual cycle!

Definition of the menstrual cycle

It is the general term for the time that goes by between the first day of bleeding (day 1), and the last day before the start of the next period.

The cycle can last between 21 to 35 days, depending on the person. Throughout the cycle, different hormones interact and react in the body. This triggers several phases during the cycle.

The four phases of the menstrual cycle

Menses phase (~day 1 to 5)

Menstruation marks the beginning of a completely natural cycle in the life of a menstruating person. During the cycle, the uterine wall swells like a cushion by filling with blood for a potential egg. But when nothing happens, this wall empties: then, menstruation happens!

Menstruation last 2 to 7 days (for a good 30 to 40 years of your life). But it is also possible that the cycle goes beyond 35 days or that periods last more than 7 days.

« Menstruation » or « periods » is when the walls lining the uterus (also called « endometrium »), detach and flow into the vagina. This is why the fluid lost during menstruation contains not only blood, but also tissues of the uterus.

Do not worry if menstruation is irregular during the first years. They tend to become regular and shorten over time. After that, you will be able to easily calculate how long your cycle lasts and when your next one starts (by the way, several applications exist to help you track them).

Throughout the menstrual cycle, a menstruating person usually loses between 2 to 6 tablespoons of menses only!

Menstruation can come in different colors:

Rose
Light red
Brown
And even dark brown or black at the end of menstruation

But never blue like as shown in TV ads!

Also, they can also appear in several forms: liquid or even as small clots or lumps … Which is quite normal!

To conclude, menstruation can be different from cycle to cycle. They can be:

With or without pain
Mild or abundant
Shorter or longer, etc.

If your periods are very heavy, if they stop and/or remain irregular over time, or if you feel excessive pain, it is important to talk to people you trust to receive support and advice. All of this can be linked to multiple reasons that are important to explore.

Follicular phase (~day 6 to 14)

During this phase, the hormone called estrogen increases, which allows the uterus to grow and thicken. During this time, hormones (FSH) allow follicles to grow and release an egg for fertilization.

* A follicle like a small sac of water that grows and releases an egg, that will then be fertilized by a sperm.

Ovulation phase (~day 14)

This is again, caused by the hormones (luteinizing in this case) which triggers the release of the egg. It will travel from the ovary, to the fallopian tubes, and finally to the uterus.

Luteal phase (~day 15 to 28)

Once the egg is released, it travels to the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. At this time, the body has already released an important hormone (Progesterone) to prepare the uterus:

In the event that a sperm enters the body, an embryo is formed with the egg and… you are pregnant!

OTHERWISE, the levels of hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone) fall, the uterus reduces itself and sheds: this is menstruation!

And everything resets: the cycle begins again!

Take care of your lifestyle!

All of our daily choices influence the health of our menstrual cycle. Taking care of our lifestyle can prevent and even stop from having to medicalize our periods.

Sleeping well, moving around, drinking water, eating healthy, are very simple things that help us stay healthy and experience a harmonious menstrual cycle.