Health Glossary - For Everyone

Menstrual cycle
  print page print this page   Email email this page

 

 

 

 

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a part of the female reproductive cycle that only females experience.

The menstrual cycle is the body of a woman's way of preparing for a possible pregnancy. The menstrual cycle happens once every 28 days (approximately) - although the cycle can vary anywhere from 23-35 days and still be considered to be normal and healthy.

In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the following occurs:


In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the following occurs:

Advertisement



^ top



Important menstrual cycle facts



^ top

Advertisement

 

Why the menstrual cycle is important

Women who are approaching menopause (in perimenopause) can experience an irregular menstrual cycle and thus irregular menstruation. Young girls who have just started menstruating also experience an irregular menstrual cycle too.

The menstrual cycle is necessary to enable pregnancy to occur.

 

^ top

 

Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 14 March 2010

 

Related Articles
  • Amenorrhoea (health conditions)
  • Dysmenorrhoea (health conditions)
  • Follicle stimulating hormone (glossary)
  • Hormones (glossary)
  • Oestrogen (glossary)
  • Menopause (health conditions)
  • Perimonopause (health conditions)
  • Progesterone (glossary)

^ top

references

 

More information

To learn more, go to the the following web sites:


 

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

 

^ top