Your body is a miraculous piece of natural engineering. Every month or so it goes through a complex cycle of changes designed to make it possible for you to have a baby.
Your period is the most obvious sign of these internal,
rhythmic changes. But there are many other events that take place during
your menstrual cycle.
The
Female Cycle
The Hormones
Harmony or Imbalance
Listening to Your Body
True or False
Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation
The Female Cycle
Each month or so, between menarche--the start of menstruation--and
menopause, your body ripens one of the hundreds of eggs or ova which have
been inside you since you were born. The eggs are stored in your ovaries--two
almond-shaped glands which lie in your abdomen on either side of your uterus
or womb. When the egg is fully matured, it is released from the ovary--an
event known as ovulation--and travels down the fallopian tube towards your
uterus. If, during this journey, the egg is fertilized by a male sperm,
it implants in the thick, bloody lining of the uterus called the endometrium
and develops, over nine months, into a baby. If it is not fertilized, the
egg together with the endometrium breaks down and passes out of your body,
through the vagina, during your next period.
The Hormones
This cycle is controlled by chemical messengers called hormones.
Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is released by a gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. FSH causes the egg to ripen in the ovary. The egg is surrounded by a shell of tissue called a follicle. Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries. It encourages the uterus to start building up a thick lining in preparation for a pregnancy. Estrogen builds up during the egg-maturation phase. When it reaches its peak, it stimulates another pituitary hormone, luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers the follicle to burst, releasing the egg from the ovary. The egg moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. Progesterone is produced after ovulation by cells in the now empty egg follicle. It causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to thicken even more. If the egg is not fertilized and there is to be no pregnancy, the level of progesterone subsides causing the uterus to shed its lining. All these hormones "talk" to one another throughout your cycle, behaving like a communications center where one, then another, takes control in giving information.
Harmony or Imbalance
Unless you become pregnant this cycle will repeat itself every month
until menopause--when menstruation ends completely. But some women’s hormones
are easily thrown off balance by changes in bodyweight or diet, excitement,
stress or illness. And it may cause problems like irregular or missed periods.
Hormonal imbalance is also thought to be the main cause of a collection
of symptoms know as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). They usually occur during
the two weeks prior to a period and may include bloatedness, breast soreness
and swelling, fatigue and irritability.
Listening To Your Body
Most women are somewhat aware of the constant internal murmur of their
hormones. If you have been menstruating for a few years you are likely
to be familiar with your own rhythm. Your can probably tell when your period
is about to begin. The feeling is different for all of us: some women feel
tired and a bit "down," others find their hair and skin looks a little
oily. After your period the estrogen level starts to rise again and you
may get a sudden renewal of energy and feel that you can tackle anything.
Mid-cycle you may become aware of the time when you ovulate--a sharp, one-sided
pain low down in the abdomen and an increase of vaginal discharge can be
signs that ovulation is about to happen. It's a good idea to develop this
ability to listen to your body. When you know what to expect it is easier
to cope with the "downs" and are better prepared to make the best of the
"ups." You can try to avoid stressful situations when you know you are
likely to be grouchy or tired, and plan special events for days when you
are likely to be full of energy. Keeping in close touch with your body
will also help you quickly identify any unusual symptoms that should be
seen by your doctor.
You
can't get pregnant during your period.
False. It's not likely, but it is possible.
You shouldn't take a bath or wash your hair when you have
your period.
False. When you're menstruating, it's more important than ever
to keep yourself clean and fresh.
If you become very thin you stop menstruating.
True. Dramatic weight loss can make your periods stop. If this
happens, see your doctor.
Women who live in the same house often menstruate at the
same time.
True. Women who live or work in close proximity, often end up
having their periods at the same time.
Menstrual Cycle:
To work out the length of your menstrual cycle, mark on a calendar the
days on which your periods start. The first day of a period is day one
of your cycle. Then count forward to the day before your next period begins.
The menstrual cycle is usually about 28 days but anything between 19 and
35 days is normal. You can pinpoint when you ovulated by counting back
14 days from the last day of your menstrual cycle.
Menstruation:
The time in your menstrual cycle when you have your period usually lasts
between three and seven days. The amount of blood flow will vary from day
to day and it's important to always choose the lowest absorbency of tampon
to control the flow. In the U.S., Tampax® tampons come in four different
absorbencies: Lites, a junior absorbency for light flow days; Slender Regular
and Regular, for light to medium flow; Super, medium to heavy flow; Super
Plus, for days of very heavy flow. Tampons should be changed every 4-8
hours.