The first period is a special moment in the life of a girl. A big step towards adulthood. But what happens in the body? What you should know about the menstrual cycle.
Another month over … At the onset of the period begins for many women suffering. Because the end of the menstrual cycle is often synonymous with painful abdominal cramps, cravings, and discomfort. While many women know these symptoms too well and endure them on a monthly basis, only very few really know what happens in their body during the cycle. PMS, duration of the period, fertile days and menstrual period … Here you learn everything worth knowing about the menstruation of the woman.
The phases of the menstrual cycle:
How long does the period last and how is the menstrual cycle exactly?
The menstrual cycle of around 28 days begins on the first day of the period and ends one day before the next menstrual period. It is divided into three phases: the proliferation phase, the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase.display
1. The proliferation phase
A female cycle prepares for pregnancy in the proliferative phase. The lining of the womb grows, the growth of the follicle is stimulated and gets an egg.
2. The ovulation phase
After about 14 days ovulation takes place, the ovulation phase begins. The follicle bursts, the egg cell is transported towards the uterus. If sperm now enter the fallopian tube, fertilization may occur.
3. The luteal phase
A good 18 days after the onset of the menstrual cycle, the luteal phase begins. From the follicle of the so-called yellow body is formed, which forms the hormone progesterone and causes a rebuilding of the uterine lining. If the egg is fertilized, it can nest in the uterus. If there is no fertilization, the production of progesterone is stopped, the corpus luteum forms and the built-up lining of the uterus are eliminated with the onset of the period.
Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle:
If a woman regularly has a cycle of fewer than 25 days (shortened menstrual cycle) or more than 31 days (extended menstrual cycle), this should be clarified by a doctor. Also, other abnormalities, such as regularly very strong or weak bleeding, but also a bleeding that lasts longer than six days, as well as frequent bleeding, should be controlled by the doctor. If a woman regularly has a cycle of fewer than 25 days (shortened menstrual cycle) or more than 31 days (extended menstrual cycle), this should be clarified by a doctor.
Menstrual Cycle: The 10 Most Important Facts
- The menstrual cycle starts about once every four weeks. It lasts on average 28 days but can vary between 21 and 35 days.
- Since the female cycle varies with most women, ovulation cannot be easily calculated. Since the female cycle varies with most women, ovulation cannot be easily calculated.
- The first period is between the 10th and the 15th birthday. On average, girls in Germany are 13 years old.
- Only 100 years ago, the average age for the first period was 17 years.
- Each woman loses between 50 and 100 milliliters of blood per period.
- On average, the period lasts between three and seven days.
- Four to eight out of ten women suffer from abdominal cramping or before that under PMS during their period.
- During the period, the risk of infection during sex is increased.
- Pregnant despite period? That’s just a rumor. The menstrual cycle does not take place during pregnancy.
- At the end of 40, with the onset of menopause, the period becomes more irregular, until at some point it stops altogether
At what time of the menstrual cycle is fertility highest?
The window of pregnancy is very small month by month. It is possible only around the ovulation around. This usually takes place well 14 days before the next period. The ovum can be fertilized between 12 and 24 hours after ovulation. However, since sperm can survive up to five days in the female body, one should, if you want to prevent pregnancy, do not wait until ovulation with contraception.
Here you can calculate your ovulation in just a few clicks !
The best tips against PMS and menstrual pain:
- Move sufficiently. Sport helps against the pain.
- Drink enough.
- Even if the appetite for chocolate is great: Prefer to nuts, wholegrain bread, fruits, and vegetables.
- Put a hot water bottle on the stomach, the heat is relaxed.
- Do something nice, spoil yourself.
