1. Menstrual Cycle
From day one of a female’s period to day one of her next period

2. Menstrual Cycle Length of time: 28 days (average)
Normal range – 21 – 35 days (aka 3 – 5 weeks)
4 Stages 2

3. Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle is not the same as the period.
The menstrual cycle is the whole thing (28 days).
The period is just one stage of the menstrual cycle (3-5 days average).

4. Menstrual Cycle
A woman is always on her cycle, from menarche to menopause, except during pregnancy.
A woman does not always have her period.

5. First Stage Menstruation days when endometrium sheds
Menstruation is also called the period
Length 3-5 average, 2-7 normal

7. 2nd Stage the Follicular stage days between menstruation and ovulation
Length of time varies
Predominant hormones – Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Estrogen

8. 2nd Stage the Follicular stage endometrium builds back up (estrogen)
Ovary prepares to release egg (FSH) 8

10. 3rd Stage Ovulation Occurs 14 days before next period
egg is released from the ovary
Length - Brief
Usually preceded by a few days of thin, runny discharge

12. 4th Stage The Luteal Stage days between ovulation and next period
Length 14 days
Two primary hormones – Luteinizing Hormone and Progesterone

13. 4th Stage The Luteal Stage endometrium fills with blood (progesterone)
Ovary heals (LH)

15. December/January S M Tu W Th F 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31