1. Menstruation and Menstrual Cycle
Health Grade 9

2. What is the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the process by which a woman’s body gets ready for the chance of a pregnancy each month.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days from the start of one to the start of the next, but it can range from 21 days to 35 days. 

3. Beginning of the Menstrual Cycle
Levels of estrogen rise, causing the lining of the uterus to grow and get thicker.
An egg starts to mature in one of the ovaries.

4. Middle of the Menstrual Cycle
Ovulation- Around the middle of the cycle, the mature ovum (egg) leaves the ovary.
Occurs once every 28 days which is usually on the 14th day.

5. Next step…
The egg begins to travel down the fallopian tubes to the uterus.  If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell and attaches to the uterus, the woman becomes pregnant. 
If not, the uterus does not need the extra thick lining and it begins to shed.

6. Menstruation
Menstruation- part of a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle in which blood and tissue are discharged from the vagina.
Preparation for implantation and development of fertilized ovum
Commonly called a period or menstrual period
Most menstrual periods last 3-5 days

7. Signs of Menstruation
Bleeding from the vagina is the primary sign of menstruation.
Some women have other symptoms around the time of menstruation, including:
Cramping, bloating, and sore breasts
Food cravings
Mood swings and irritability
Headache and fatigue

8. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS usually occurs one or two weeks before menstruation.  
PMS may affect a woman of any age who has menstrual periods.
If the symptoms disrupt your lifestyle, you may want to seek medical care.

9. Problems with Menstrual Periods
Amenorrhea- cessation of menstrual cycle
(stop in menstrual period)
Dysmennorhea- irregular menstrual cycle