Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a naturally occurring function in women of reproductive age. The average length of the cycle is 28 days and is comprised of four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Each month, this cycle will result in either pregnancy or menstruation.

During the menstrual cycle, your body undergoes many physiological and hormonal changes. The process begins with your brain triggering certain hormones to stimulate egg growth. Once the egg matures it will release from the ovary and travel through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, it will disintegrate and be absorbed. When the egg goes unfertilized, hormone levels will drop causing the lining of the uterus to shed and bleed resulting in a discharge through the vagina. Bleeding (also known as your “period”) will last around 5 days.