Once the egg is released, the follicle seals over and this is called the corpus luteum. If the egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates after about 24 hours. After release, the egg enters the fallopian tube where fertilization may take place, if sperm are present. The release of the mature egg happens on about day 14 as a result of a surge in LH and FSH over the previous day. The surge in LH also causes a brief surge in testosterone, which increases sex drive, right at the most fertile time of the cycle. On about day 12, surges in LH and FSH cause the egg to be released from the follicle. High levels of estrogen stimulate the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH). The lining of the uterus (endometrium) becomes thicker and more enriched with blood in the second part of this phase (after menstruation is over), in response to increasing levels of estrogen. The maturing follicle produces the hormone estrogen, which increases over the follicular phase and peaks in the day or two prior to ovulation. If more than one follicle reaches maturity, this can lead to twins or more. Eventually, one of these follicle becomes dominant and within it develops a single mature egg the other follicles shrink back. These fluid filled “bumps” each contain an egg. This hormone causes several ‘follicles’ to rise on the surface of the ovary. The pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) releases a hormone called FSH – follicle stimulating hormone. While menstrual bleeding does happen in the early part of this phase, the ovaries are simultaneously preparing to ovulate again. Day 1 is the first day of bright red bleeding, and the end of this phase is marked by ovulation. This phase of the menstrual cycle occurs from approximately day 1-14. The cycle begins again on Day 1 menstrual bleeding.Ĭomprehensive explanation of the menstrual cycle: If the egg was not fertilized or implantation does not occur, hormonal changes signal the uterus to prepare to shed its lining, and the egg breaks down and is shed along with lining. In this case the fertilized egg will travel to the uterus and attempt to implant in the uterine wall. If sperm are present in the fallopian tube at this time, fertilization can occur. Somewhere around day 14, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and begins its journey down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The uterine lining becomes thicker and enriched in blood and nutrients. Once the bleeding stops, the uterine lining (also called the endometrium) begins to prepare for the possibility of a pregnancy. Your period can last anywhere from 3 to 8 days, but 5 days is average.īleeding is usually heaviest on the first 2 days. The first day of menstrual bleeding is considered Day 1 of the cycle. The exact timing of the phases of the cycle is a little bit different for every woman and can change over time. The menstrual cycle includes several phases. If you just want a quick, general overview of the menstrual cycle, read this description.įor a more detailed review of the physical and hormonal changes that happen over the menstrual cycle, click here. The menstrual cycle is controlled by a complex orchestra of hormones, produced by two structures in the brain, the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus along with the ovaries. The length of time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period normally ranges from 21-35 days. For most women, menstruation happens in a fairly regular, predictable pattern. If pregnancy does not occur, this thickened lining is shed, accompanied by bleeding. This happens because the lining of the uterus has prepared itself for a possible pregnancy by becoming thicker and richer in blood vessels. About once a month, females who have gone through puberty will experience menstrual bleeding. Menstruation is the technical term for getting your period. How can I figure out what is happening in my cycle? When am I ovulating?
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