The menstrual cycle usually lasts about 28 days and is divided into 3 phases, depending on hormonal changes that occur in the woman’s body during the month. Menstruation represents the fertile years of a woman’s life, which begin in adolescence and last until menopause.
It is normal for the cycle duration to vary between 25 and 35 days, but cycles with shorter or longer intervals than these may represent health problems such as polycystic ovaries and therefore, if this occurs, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
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When the menstrual cycle is irregular, it is more difficult to know the day of ovulation and may be more difficult to get pregnant because the fertile period cannot be accurately calculated.See how to calculate the fertile period of irregular cycles.
The normal menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days, starting on the first day of menstruation and ending when the next month’s period begins. Each cycle is divided into three phases:
This is the first phase of the cycle, which begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts between 5 and 12 days, at this stage the brain increases the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which makes the ovaries mature.through the ovaries.
With this maturation, the ovary also begins to release higher amounts of estrogen, which is another hormone, responsible for preparing the lining of the uterus for a possible pregnancy.
At this stage, estrogen levels continue to increase and cause the body to produce luteinizing hormone (LH), which is responsible for the selection of the most mature egg and its removal from the ovary, that is, at the time of ovulation, usually around the day.14 of the cycle.
Once released, the egg passes through the tubes until it reaches the uterus, usually the egg survives 24 hours outside the ovary, so if it comes into contact with the sperm it can be fertilized, as the sperm can last up to 5 days.inside the woman’s body, it is possible that if the woman has had sex up to 5 days before ovulation, she may become pregnant.
This phase occurs, on average, in the last 12 days of the cycle and, during these days, the follicle, left by the egg inside the ovary, begins to produce progesterone in greater quantities, to continue preparing the lining of the uterus in case of possible pregnancy.In addition, there is also an increase in estrogen production, so some women may experience breast tenderness, mood swings and even swelling.
When fertilization does not occur, the follicle shrinks inside the ovary and, as a result, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease until the lining of the uterus is removed, beginning menstruation and the next menstrual cycle.
If fertilization occurs, the egg sticks to the walls of the uterus and the body begins to produce hCG, a hormone that prevents the follicle from producing high levels of estrogen and progesterone to maintain the lining of the uterus until the placenta forms.
Signs indicating a fertile period are clear flow similar to egg white, increased breast tenderness, and mild pain in the uterus, similar to mild, transient cramping.
In addition to these signs, it is also possible to identify ovulation through the ovulation test in pharmacies, such as Confirm and Bioeasy.Learn how to use these tests to find out if you’re in fertile times.
The irregular menstrual cycle is one in which it is not known when menstruation will occur. The most common causes of irregular cycle are:
In the presence of an irregular menstrual cycle or when the menstrual cycle does not occur for more than 3 months, the gynecologist should be consulted to find the cause of the problem.See 10 myths and truths about menstruation.