3. BASIC TERMS
•Endometrium: Lining of the uterus
•Oocyte: Developing reproductive cell
•Ovum: Mature egg after meiosis
•Menarche: the first menstruation
•Menopause: Last menstrual cycle, after
which egg production stops
4. What is the menstrual cycle?
•The process in which females ripen or
release one mature egg.
•The average menstrual cycle will repeat
itself about every 28 days, but normal
menstrual cycles can range from 21 to
40 days.
7. Menstrual phase (DAY 1-7)
• The menstrual phase is the first stage of the menstrual cycle. It’s
also when you get your period.
• This phase starts when an egg from the previous cycle isn’t
fertilized. Because pregnancy hasn’t taken place.
• The thickened lining of your uterus, which would support a
pregnancy, is no longer needed, so it sheds through your vagina.
• During your period, you release a combination of blood, mucus,
and tissue from your uterus.
8. You may have period symptoms like these:
• cramps
• tender breasts
• bloating
• mood swings
• irritability
• headaches
• tiredness
• low back pain
9. FOLLICULAR PHASE (Day 8-11)
•The lining of the uterus thickens in
preparation for the fertilized egg.
10.
11. OVULATION PHASE ( Day 12-17)
• Ovulation is when your ovary releases a mature egg.
• The egg travels down the fallopian tube toward the
uterus to be fertilized by sperm.
• The ovulation phase is the only time during your
menstrual cycle when you can get pregnant.
• Ovulation happens at around day 14 if you have a 28-
day cycle
• After a day, the egg will die or dissolve if it isn’t
fertilized.
12. You can tell that you’re ovulating by
symptoms like these:
•a slight rise in basal body temperature
• Your basal body temperature may increase slightly — typically
less than a 1/2 degree F (0.3 C) — when you ovulate
•thicker discharge that has the texture of egg
whites
13.
14. LUTEAL PHASE (Day 18-28)
•Day 18-28
•If fertilization not taken place the corpus
luteum fades away.
• (The corpus luteum is made from a follicle that
housed a maturing egg.)
15. LUTEAL PHASE (Day 18-28)
•Day 26-27
•The uterine lining detaches leading to
menstruation.
16. PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects a
woman’s emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain
days of the menstrual cycle, generally just before her menses.
17. Symptoms of PMS
• bloating
• breast swelling, pain, or tenderness
• mood changes
• headache
• weight gain
• changes in sexual desire
• food cravings
• trouble sleeping
18. Any of these things can alter your menstrual cycle:
• Birth control. The birth control pill may make your periods shorter and
lighter. While on some pills, you won’t get a period at all.
• Pregnancy. Your periods should stop during pregnancy. Missed periods are one
of the most obvious first signs that you’re pregnant.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This hormonal imbalance prevents an egg
from developing normally in the ovaries. PCOS causes irregular menstrual
cycles and missed periods.
• Uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in your uterus can make your
periods longer and heavier than usual.
• Eating disorders. Anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders can disrupt
your menstrual cycle and make your periods stop.
19. The takeaway
• Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. What’s normal for you
might not be normal for someone else.
• It’s important to get familiar with your cycle — including when you
get your periods and how long they last. Be alert for any changes,
and report them to your healthcare provider.