The menstrual cycle: everything you need to know to better understand your body

The rules mark the transition from childhood to adulthood. They accompany women during their fertile years, from adolescence to the menopause. But do you really know what a menstrual cycle and how many time does it last? 🤔 Discover what you need to know to better understand your body and your menstrual health. 🌸

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a natural mechanism that accompanies the women throughout their fertile years, of the puberty until then menopause. It is a process orchestrated by hormones like estrogens and progesterone, which regulate each stage of the cycle.

The cycle starts the first day of the period and ends the day before the following ones. Its average duration is 28 days, but it can vary. Some women have short bibibibibibicycles, of about 21 days, while others may have longer cycles, up to 35 days or more. These variations are normal, each woman is unique and has a unique cycle !

The menstrual cycle does not limit itself to rules. He prepare the body to a possible pregnancy and influences many other aspects of health and well-being, such as emotions, energy, or even skin quality.
Better understand your cycle allows for better know your body, to anticipate its needs and act accordingly. 😊

How long does a menstrual cycle last?

We know that the duration of a menstrual cycle is not the same for all the women. As a reminder, a menstrual cycle starts on the first day of the rules and ends the day before the following ones. On average, it lasts 28 daysrs, but this duration may vary from one woman to another. Some will have a cycle rather short less than 21 days, others a long cycle, up to 45 days. The menstrual cycles "classic" usually lasts between 25 and 35 days.

Rest assured, there is no duration of cycle ideal, each cycle is different! 😊

But then why the menstrual cycle varies as much? Many factors can influence the duration of your cycles, such as :

  • Stress or fatigue
  • An unbalanced diet or deficiencies
  • Hormonal changes (such as puberty or menopause)
  • Some diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • The start or stop of hormonal contraception

If your cycles suddenly become longer, shorter or irregular, or if you feel others unusual symptoms (intense pain, very heavy bleeding), you can consult a healthcare professional. This will help ensure that everything is in order and ease your concerns. 🩵

Remember that every woman is unique, and its menstrual cycle it is too. Keep a track of your periods (with a calendar or a dedicated app) can help you better understand your cycle and your body!

The phases of the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is an essential process for the female body. It is divided into several phases, each having a specific role for prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. Here is how it works in detail. 😊

The menstrual cycle is composed of four main phases, which are linked together to form a complete cycle. Their duration and their intensity can vary from one woman to another:

Menstruation = period (days 1 to 5)

This is the menstrual phase, where the endometrium (internal wall of the uterus), is eliminated in the form of bleeding. This phase marks the beginning of the cycleBlood loss lasts on average between 3 and 7 days.

The follicular phase (days 1 to 13)

During this phase, under the effect of hormones, your body prepare the release of an egg. The ovaries produce follicles, and one of them reaches maturity. This period is marked by a increase in estrogen, who thicken the endometrium to welcome a potential embryo.

Ovulation (around day 14)

This is the phase key of cycle. The ovary releases an egg ready to be fertilized, it descends into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized for about 12 to 24 hours. This is the most fertile period of the menstrual cycle.

The luteal phase (days 15 to 28)

After theovulation, the corpus luteum (what remains of the follicle) progesterone product to keep the endometrium in place. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop, the endometrium breaks down and the rules start. This phase is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as pain, bloating, or fatigue related to PMS.


The menstrual cycle is a natural mechanism that shows that your body works well! Thearning to understand it allows for better management of its rules, its symptoms and its intimate health. Don't hesitate to listen to your body and to consult a professional if something seems unusual to you. 😊

 

The evolution of the menstrual cycle throughout life 

It is also important to know that your menstrual cycle will evolve throughout your life. Some first rules to the menopause, it adapts to the different stages of life. So if you notice changes, it can be completely normal! Thet's discover how our menstrual cycle evolves over time. ⏰

The first rules

The first menstruation occur between 9 and 15 years on average. They mark the beginning of puberty and of menstrual cycle. At this stage, the cycles are often irregulars, as the body adapts to the hormonal changes. This can last several months or several years before becoming more stable.

Please note: It is normal for the rules can be unpredictable at first. They can be heavy or light and last from 2 to 7 days. If the first rules if it takes a long time to arrive after 16 years, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. 🤗

Adulthood

During the "fertile" years, between adolescence and around 45-50 years old, the menstrual cycles generally become regular. As mentioned earlier, they last on average 28 days, but can vary between 21 and 35 days depending on the women. During this period, temporary changes may occur:

  • Pregnancy : the rules stop, and the cycle is interrupted (read also : Can you get pregnant during your period?)
  • Breastfeeding the return of rules can take several months after childbirth
  • External factors : stress, fatigue, weight change or illness can influence your cycles and make them irregular

To remember: in adulthood, monitor one's cycle can help identify signs of potential hormonal imbalances or health issues such as PCOS or endometriosis.

Perimenopause and menopause

From 45 - 50 years old, the body starts at produce fewer hormones, notably estrogen and progesterone. This transition period, called pre-menopause, leads to changes in the cycles :

  • The rules become irregular (shorter or longer)
  • They can be more abundant or on the contrary very light
  • Symptoms such as hot flashes, increased fatigue, or mood swings appear

The menopause arrives when the rules completely disappear for 12 consecutive months. It usually occurs around 50 years old, but can happen earlier or later depending on the women. This stage marks the end of the menstrual cycles and the fertile period.

The menstrual cycle evolves over time, it adapts to the different stages of a woman's life. Understanding these changes allows you to better experience each period and identify the signs that require special attention. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor to answer your questions and support you through these natural transitions. 🩷

Symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle

In addition to the variations of the menstrual cycle, many symptoms can appear throughout it. Some are mild, while others may be more difficult to manage on a daily basis. 

These symptoms are: 

  • Abdominal pain or cramps : often felt at the beginning of the rules, they are due to the contractions of the uterus to expel the endometrium
  • Light or heavy bleeding: the quantity of blood lost varies according to women and even from one cycle to the other
  • Bloating: caused by water retention or hormonal changes, they often appear before or during the rules
  • Headaches or migraines: related to the sudden drop in hormones such as estrogen, they are common before or during the menstruations
  • Mood swings and irritability: hormonal fluctuations can influence your mood and trigger intense emotions
  • Sleep or appetite disorders: some women experience increased fatigue, insomnia, or "cravings" during their cycle

These symptoms varies in intensity from one woman to another. If these signs become too intense or difficult to manage, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. 🤗

Remember that every body is unique, and these symptoms, even if they can be unpleasant, are a sign of a menstrual cycle that works. Take care of yourself, listen to your body! 🌸

The SPM: what is it? 

In addition to the bleeding, menstrual cycle can be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. This is called the premenstrual syndrome (or SPM).

The SPM group them physical and emotional symptoms that occur a few days before the arrival of the period. It is caused by the hormonal variations natural of menstrual cycle

Here are some common signs of the SPM :

  • Bloating or a feeling of a swollen belly
  • Headaches, even migraines
  • Irritability, mood swings, or intense fatigue
  • Tension or pain in the breasts
  • A breakout of acne or skin problems
  • Cravings or changes in appetite
  • Sleep disorders such as insomnia

Of course, these symptoms vary from one woman to another, in intensity and duration. For some, they are light and almost go unnoticed. For others, they can disrupt daily life.
If these signs become particularly difficult to manage, it could be a premenstrual dysphoric disorderl (TDPM). This disorder causes emotional symptoms intense feelings such as anxiety, depression, or great irritability. In this case, talk to your doctor who can offer you suitable solutions! 👌

Le SPM is a signal from the body indicating that the menstrual cycle follow its normal course. Simple actions like good hydration, physical activity, or a balanced diet can sometimes alleviate these symptoms.


Le menstrual cycle is a natural process that accompanies the women throughout their fertile life. Understanding the different phases of the cycle, its symptoms and variations allow you to better listen to your body, anticipate its needs, and act accordingly. Whether it's to manage discomforts like cramps, mood swings, or to identify fertility periods, know your cycle is a true asset for your daily well-being!

Each woman is unique, and it is perfectly normal that the cycle change over time or situations. If your symptoms are too bothersome or if your cycles If you have concerns, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. Taking care of yourself means taking the time to understand your body. Listen to yourself, be kind to yourself, and remember that your health always comes first! 💚

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