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Normal Menstrual Cycle

Overview

The menstrual cycle is the series of changes the body goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy. About once a month, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) starts to thicken. Then an ovary releases an egg. If the egg is fertilized by sperm and attaches to the lining of the uterus (implants), pregnancy begins. If the egg isn't fertilized or a fertilized egg doesn't implant, the uterus sheds its lining. This is the monthly menstrual bleeding, or period. Periods happen from the early teen years until menopause, around age 50.

A normal cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days. Count from the first day of one menstrual period until the first day of your next period to find the number of days in your cycle.

You may have no discomfort during your menstrual cycles. Or you may have mild to severe symptoms. If you have problems, ask your doctor about over-the-counter medicine. It may help relieve pain and bleeding.

What controls your menstrual cycle?

Your hormones control your menstrual cycle. During each cycle, your brain's hypothalamus, Opens dialog and pituitary gland, Opens dialog send hormone signals back and forth with your ovaries, Opens dialog. These signals get the ovaries and uterus ready for a pregnancy.

The hormones estrogen, Opens dialog and progesterone, Opens dialog play the biggest roles in how the uterus changes during each cycle.

  • Estrogen builds up the lining of the uterus.
  • Progesterone increases after an ovary releases an egg (ovulation, Opens dialog) at the middle of the cycle. This helps keep the lining ready for a fertilized egg.
  • A drop in progesterone (along with estrogen) causes the lining to break down. This is when your period starts.

A change in hormone levels can affect your cycle. Other things can also change your cycle. They include birth control pills, low body fat, losing a lot of weight, being overweight, stress, and very hard exercise training. Pregnancy is the most common cause of a missed period.

What symptoms are linked to the menstrual cycle?

For about a week before a period, some people may have premenstrual symptoms. You may feel irritable. You may gain water weight and feel bloated. Your breasts may feel tender. You may get acne. You also may have less energy than usual. A day or two before your period, you may start to have pain (cramps) in your belly, back, or legs. Cramps can range from mild to severe. These symptoms go away during the first days of a period. And some people have no symptoms.

When your ovary releases an egg in the middle of your cycle, you may have pain in your lower belly. You also might have red spotting for less than a day. Both are normal.

How can you manage menstrual bleeding?

You can choose from a range of pads, tampons, or menstrual cups to manage menstrual bleeding. Follow all directions included with the product of your choice. You may have to try different products to find out what's right for you. Whichever you use, be sure to change it regularly. This helps prevent leakage and infection.

How can you manage menstrual cycle symptoms?

Getting regular exercise, eating a variety of healthy foods, and reducing stress may help menstrual symptoms. It may also help to limit food and drinks that make your symptoms worse, such as alcohol or caffeine.

Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine to help relieve your menstrual symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Opens dialog (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), can reduce menstrual cramps, pain, and bleeding by lowering the level of the hormone prostaglandin. If NSAIDs don't relieve the pain, try acetaminophen (Tylenol). Take the medicine for as long as the symptoms would normally last.

You can also try other ways to relieve menstrual cramps:

  • Apply a heating pad set on low or hot water bottle to your belly. Or take a warm bath.
  • Lie down, and prop up your legs by putting a pillow under your knees.
  • Lie on your side, and bring your knees up toward your chest.
  • Exercise.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.