The Menstrual Cycle Kids Health: Menstruation Movie For each female, menstruation begins at puberty and continues for 30-35 years. Each woman has her own cycle length, which is normal for her. Menstrual flow = Bleeding, shedding of the uterus. (endometrium)

4 Phases of Menstruation 1. Menses First phase that refers to bleeding Usually last for 4-5 days 2. Estrogenic Phase Last about 8 days, phase that varies the most During this phase, the egg matures inside the ovary The pituitary gland secretes F.S.H. (follicle stimulating hormone) which helps the egg mature The lining of the uterus begins to repair itself

4 PHASES (CONT.) 3. Ovulation 4. Progestational Phase Egg is released from the ovary Some women could feel a little pain during ovulation (Mittelschmerz) Cervical mucus is thin and slippery to help the male sperm move and survive Occurs on day 14 of the cycle 4. Progestational Phase Most constant phase of the cycle Last 14 days The lining of the uterus is thick and spongy If the egg is fertilized by the sperm, it imbeds in the the wall of the uterus, if not, the lining is shed and menstruation begins The day of ovulation can be figured out by counting backward 14 days from the first day of a woman’s period. BUT THIS CAN ONLY BE FIGURED OUT AFTER THE FACT

Other Terms Menarche first menstrual period Dysmenorrhea Painful menstruation Amenorrhea Absence of menstruation not related to pregnancy, usually due to low body fat % (marathon runners), anorexia Menopause “Change of Life”, when menstruation stops later in a woman’s life

Other Terms (Cont.) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Feelings of tension or irritability that occur from 2 to 10 days before menstruation Other symptoms include depression, anxiety, anger, impatience, and insomnia, as well as breast tenderness, constipation, headaches, and bloating. Estimates of women with PMS range from 20%-90%. Most researchers agree that about 5% to 10% of these women experience PMS discomfort enough to interfere with normal work or social function.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) Not directly related to the menstrual cycle rare condition related to the use of high-absorbency tampons during the menstrual period TSS is a bacteria that can cause high fevers, headache, rashes, vomiting, and ultimately death if untreated. The best way for women to avoid TSS is to change their tampon at least every four to six hours during their period.