Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining when an egg is not fertilized. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, with days 1-5 consisting of menstruation where the uterine lining sheds. Later in the cycle, an egg matures and is released around day 12-16, after which the uterine lining builds up in preparation for potential pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, hormone levels drop and another period begins.

1. Menstruation 101
A crash course on everything you need to
know about “Aunt Flo”

2. What is menstruation??
The process of shedding the lining
of the uterus (endometrium)
 This is the body’s way of preparing the female for
pregnancy each month
 When fertilization does not occur, the uterine
lining is not needed because there is no
pregnancy. Therefore the lining sheds

3. Menstrual Cycle
 The average is 28 days, but ranges from 21-35 days
 Days 1-5 are when a female has her period
 After the period, an ovum is matured in the ovary
 The uterine lining builds up blood and tissue
 The mature ovum is released
 If fertilized, it attaches to the uterine lining
 If not fertilized, lining breaks down & there’s
another period

4. Create your own Menstrual Cycle

5. How to create your
menstrual cycle:
 Use info in book, pg 25
 You can make a pie chart, calendar, graph,
etc to represent the menstrual cycle
 Use an average 28 day cycle. Include:
 Days 1-5
 Days 6-11
 Days 12-16
 Days 17-28

6. Days to Remember
Days:
1-5 -Menstruation/bleeding occurs; uterine lining sheds
6-11 -Levels of estrogen rise
-Uterine lining thickens (becomes sponge-like)
8-18 -Days MOST likely to get pregnant
12-16 -Ovulation: egg cell is released from ovary
17-28 -Progesterone levels rise to prepare for implantation
of egg
19-28 -Days LEAST likely to get pregnant
25 -Hormone levels drop if egg is not fertilized; triggers
next menstrual cycle

12. Menstruation Fact
Want to relieve your period cramps?
Regular exercise can help when a
heating pad doesn't do the trick.
Physical activity can give you more
energy, reduce cramps, and help you
feel better.