The Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation is the cyclical shedding of the lining of
uterine endometrium and it is accompanied by bleeding.
The cyclical nature roughly corresponds to monthly
recurrence. Menstrual bleeding, menses, periods or
catamenia are some other names for menstrual cycle.
The
Onset Of Menstruation:
Menarche is the beginning of first menstruation and it
starts at puberty in girls. Menarche starts in girls at
the age of 12-14 years of age. Several factors like
heredity, diet, general health are responsible for
accelerated or delayed menarche. Menstruation starts
from puberty and stops completely later in life.
Cessation of menstruation is called Menopause and it
signifies the end of reproductive life of a woman. The
normal age of menopause is 40-58 years.
The
Duration Of Menstrual Cycle:
Each
menstrual cycle usually ranges from 21 to 35 days 28
being the most common number. The day of bleeding is
counted as first day of each menstrual cycle. Only
10-15% of women have menstrual cycle of 28 days. The
cycle is of longest duration just before menarche and
menopause.
The
Duration Of Menstrual Bleeding:
Menstrual bleeding occurs for a duration of 3 to 7 days
again 5 days is the average. Blood loss during each
cycle amounts to ½ to 21/2 ounces. The blood of menses
doesnt clot under normal menstruation.
Various
Phases Of Menstrual Cycle:
Three
phases of menstrual cycle are follicular or
proliferative phase, ovulatory phase, luteal or
secretory phase.
Follicular phase
During follicular phase, FSH (Follicle
stimulating hormone) release causes the development of
4-6 follicles. Only one and rarely two of these
follicles will mature and others will undergo atresia.
As follicles mature, they secrete
estradiol, a form of estrogen. This estrogen transforms
the endometrium of uterus. Endometrium proliferates that
is why this stage is also called proliferative stage.
Ovulation:
The
matured egg secretes sufficient estradiol that triggers
the release of LH or Luteinizing hormone. The LH peak or
surge starts and continues for 12 to 48 hours.
LH
helps mature the egg and weakens the wall of follicle in
the ovary so that the wall of follicle ruptures and
frees the ovum. This release of ovum is called
ovulation. The egg moves to fallopian tubes under the
influence of fimbria the hairy tissues at the end of
fallopian tubes.
Luteal
phase:
Corpus luteum is a solid body formed in
ovaries by the leftover part of follicle after
ovulation. Corpus luteum transforms under the support of
pituitary hormones.
Corpus luteum secretes progesterone and
estrogen for about 2 weeks. Progesterone transforms the
proliferative endometrium into secretory lining so that
it could receive the fertilized ovum for implantation
and support it in early pregnancy.
Plus the body temperature is perceptibly
raised in this luteal phase to ½ to 1 degree Fahrenheit.
If egg is fertilized, it will reach in uterus within 6
to 12 days and get implanted into uterine endometrium.
And it will release hCG or human chorionic
gonadaotrophin hormone as a signal for pregnancy. hCG
will maintain corpus luteum and continuation of
secretion of progesterone by it.
In case ovum is not fertilized, there is
no hCG and corpus luteum disintegrates and level of
inhibin and progesterone fall. These changes lead to
next cycle by shedding of endometrium and bleeding and
release of FSH to develop other follicles.
Hormones Playing Part in Menstrual Cycle:
Menstrual cycle is closely coordinated
event in which neurohormones, hormones, glands and
reproductive organs participate. The gonadal hormones,
hypothalamus and pituitary hormones play a major part.
Gonadal Hormones:
1.
Estrogen peaks twice during follicular phase and
luteal phase.
2.
Progesterone is seen in luteal phase and during
pregnancy.
Two of pituitary hormones FSH and LH
play important roles. FSH regulates growth of follicles
in ovary. LH triggers ovulation.
The gonadotrophin releasing hormone of
hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland. However the
feedback loop is there in all these glands and
reproductive organs.
Bliss
Ayurveda Health Supplements Supporting Menstrual Cycle:
MenstruCare Tablets:
MENSTRU CARE is a non hormonal herbal formulation for
regular and smooth menstruation and is an
effective alternative to troublesome hormonal
replacement therapy (HRT). This potent combination of
herbs and minerals tones up female generative organs and
promotes regular menstruation. It also restores pH of
vaginal secretion thus decreasing the chances of
infection in genito-urinary system.
Other
Supportive Health Supplements:
Osteo Bliss Tablets:
It could be taken by growing teenage girls, aged women,
women with deficiency of calcium and other minerals,
women with heavy and painful menstruation.
GugguMax Tablets:
It is a safe herbal cleanser that can be taken for its
general body cleansing along with cleansing and toning
of reproductive organs.
Peaceful Mind Tablets:
This can be taken by women who complain of emotional
disturbance and anxiety associated with their
menstruation.
Ojus Yoga Tablets:
The rejuvenative formulation can be taken by weak women,
energy deficient women, and by those who need to take
natural multivitamin, multimineral and antioxidant
formula.
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