Menstruation and Menstrual Rehab

Original Editor - Chelsea McLene

Top Contributors - Chelsea Mclene, Kirenga Bamurange Liliane, Sai Kripa, Kim Jackson, Khloud Shreif, Vidya Acharya, Candace Goh and Areeba Raja  

Introduction

Menstruation, also known as a period is the process of discharging blood and other material from the lining of the uterus at regular intervals of about one lunar month from puberty until the menopause, except during pregnancy. The first period usually begins between twelve and fifteen years of age, a point in time known as menarche.

Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilised, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina.

Phases

The day count for menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation when blood starts to come out of the vagina. The typical cycle is of 28 days. The cycle may be short as 21 days or long as 40 days.

There are 2 cycles to be understood.

1. Uterine cycle - Menstrual phase, Proliferative phase and Secretory phase.
2. Ovarian cycle - Follicular phase, Ovulation, Luteal phase.

Uterine cycle

Menstrual phase (day 1-5)

Menstrual phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts till the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. The following events occur during this phase:

• • The uterus sheds its inner lining of soft tissue and blood vessels which exits the body from the vagina in the form of menstrual fluid.
  • Blood loss of 10 ml to 80 ml is considered normal.
  • Abdominal cramps can be experienced. These cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterine and the abdominal muscles to expel the menstrual fluid.

Proliferative phase (day 6-14)

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