What is the Menstrual Cycle?
Original Sources & Further Reading:
Cleveland Clinic — The Menstrual Cycle
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycleThe Lancet Global Women’s Health — Hormonal regulation and reproductive health
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanogw/article/PIIS3050-5038(25)00001-9/fulltextNHS — Periods: fertility in the menstrual cycle
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/StatPearls / NCBI — Physiology, Menstrual Cycle
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/
What is it?
The menstrual cycle isn’t just a period, it’s a monthly hormonal rhythm your body runs to prepare for pregnancy and maintain reproductive health. It’s one of the most important vital signs in a person with ovaries and tells us a lot about overall health.
Your menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of one period (bleeding) to the day before the next period begins, usually about 28 days, but healthy cycles can range from 21 to 35 days.
This cycle occurs every month from menarche (the first menstrual period) to menopause (when periods cease).
Why does it happen?
Your body is constantly talking between your brain, hormones, ovaries and uterus to prepare for a possible pregnancy:
Hormones like Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Lutenising Hormone (LH) from the brain signal the ovaries to mature and release eggs.
Oestrogen and progesterone prepare the uterus lining.
If an egg isn’t fertilised, hormone levels fall, and your body sheds the uterine lining, that’s your period
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with concerns about your health.