Menstrual Cycle

WHAT IS IT? Menstruation: is when a female sheds the lining of the uterine (womb) wall. Uterine wall to cervix to vagina Last 3-5 days Comes monthly

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Shows body is working properly Provides important chemicals (hormones) to keep females healthy Prepares body for pregnancy each month

HOW IS COUNTED Counted as the first day of the menstrual cycle to the first day of the next Average is 28 days Can range from 21 to 35 days in adults or 21 to 45 days in young teens Rise and fall of hormones each month control the cycle

WHAT HAPPENS? First half of cycle, levels of estrogen start to rise Estrogen plays a role in building strong bones and keeping that way in elder years Estrogen makes the lining of the uterus thicken and grow While lining thickens and grows, an ovum (egg) begins to mature in one of the ovaries Day 14 ovum leaves ovary (ovulation) Egg travels through fallopian tube Hormone levels increase to help with a possible pregnancy Can get pregnant at day of ovulation or up to 3 days prior

WHAT HAPPENS? If fertilization does not occur egg will break apart Hormone levels drop Lining will shed causing menstrual cycle to occur Menstrual flow: how heavy the period is Menstrual Cramps: contractions that occur in the uterus

Did you know…… Why do you females crave chocolate or sugary food? Stress hormone (cortisol) increases and feel good hormone (serotonin) decreases, sugary foods help regulate this Why do women get Menstrual Cramps? contractions that occur in the uterus

http://www. womenshealth http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our- publications/fact-sheet/menstruation.html