The Length of the Menstrual Cycle: Things to Know
The length of the menstrual cycle: Studies show that women experience about 450 menstrual cycles throughout their lives, from puberty to menopause. That is, of course, a lot, but on average, a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and can vary from woman to woman. The topic of menstruation is still a taboo subject for many, but questions about menstruation, especially regarding the duration of menstruation, concern many women. We provide you with all the answers and solutions to help you get to know your body better.
What is the benefit of knowing the length of your menstrual cycle?
The length of the menstrual cycle is the time from one period to the next. It is known that a cycle lasts on average 28 days, but in reality, its length is different for each woman. Some women have long cycles of up to 35 days, while others have short cycles of only 21 days.
It is important to know the length of your menstrual cycles, as it provides a clear idea of the fertile times, especially for those women who choose a natural contraceptive method, but also for sexual health in general. An irregular cycle may prompt you to consult a specialist and take the necessary measures. Furthermore, certain medical examinations often require information about the length of the menstrual cycle and the date of the last period. Always provide the date when your period started, not the end of the period.
How do you calculate the length of a menstrual cycle?
Calculating the length of the menstrual cycle is easier than it seems, yet for many women it remains a mystery. The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends the day before the start of the next period. So, one counts the days between two periods.
"Let's take, for example, a woman whose period starts on the 2nd day of a month with 30 days, and whose first day of the next period is on the 1st day of the following month." Thus, their cycle lasts 29 days.
To know exactly how long your menstrual cycle is, it is important to track your period accurately for at least 3 months. The cycle can change from month to month, so you should monitor it carefully over several months. This way, you can calculate your menstrual cycle and know its average length. For example, the duration over three months was 28 days, 29 days, and 26 days. Add them together and divide by three to get an average of 27.6 days.
A trick to keep track of things is to note the start date of the cycle each time in a menstrual calendar or with the help of a mobile app.
The individual phases of the menstrual cycle
Each cycle consists of three phases:
The first phase is the follicular phase.
In this phase, the follicles in the ovaries develop. Each follicle contains an egg cell, the female sex cell. This phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until the fourteenth day.
The ovulation phase begins when the follicle releases the only mature egg.
This mature egg now detaches from the ovary. This phase lasts less than a minute, but the egg lives on for 12 to 72 hours, waiting for sperm. The day of ovulation is on the fourteenth day of the cycle in normal 28-day cycles. For shorter or longer cycles, you need to count 14 days from the end of the cycle.
The luteal phase or post-ovulatory phase extends from the day of ovulation to the first day of the new cycle, i.e. for about two weeks.
During this phase, the follicle transforms into a corpus luteum, which secretes estrogen and progesterone. If fertilization has occurred, a process called implantation takes place: the egg attaches itself to the uterus and the pregnancy continues. If this does not happen, the corpus luteum tissue degenerates and abruptly stops the production of estrogen and progesterone. This drop in hormones causes the uterine lining to contract until it detaches and is expelled through the vagina: a new menstrual period begins. This phase can be the ideal time to try out a period panty as they can be adjusted to any menstrual flow.
Now you know what generally happens during a normal cycle.
What about irregular cycles?
For many women, the length of the menstrual cycle can be irregular. Some women may experience long cycles, while others may have shorter ones. They can vary from one cycle to the next or even experience disruptions. These irregularities can lead to an unusual delay in menstruation or conversely, a rapid and abnormal return of menstruation. It is completely normal for menstruation to be irregular at the very beginning of puberty, during breastfeeding, and in the time leading up to menopause. The same applies during pregnancy and after menopause when menstruation stops.
Many factors can cause these disturbances. The long list includes:
- Fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- Stress;
- A medication treatment;
- A high consumption of certain substances such as tobacco or alcohol;
- Anorexia;
- Obesity.
"Some diseases can also cause disturbances in the menstrual cycle, such as polycystic ovary syndrome."
When do I need to see a doctor?
Every woman is different, and so is the length of her menstrual cycle. However, there are times when an irregular period should be a warning sign. If there are unusually long intervals between periods (more than 6 weeks) or periods that occur too frequently (less than 15 days), you should consult your gynecologist for advice to find out the causes. Even if there is often no serious underlying issue, irregularities in the length of cycles accompanied by symptoms such as acne, abdominal pain, or a painful or excessively heavy period can be a sign of an endocrine, uterine, or mammary pathology. In any case, it is advisable to contact a gynecologist in case of doubt. Only he or she can identify the cause of the disturbances and provide the appropriate treatment.
The menstrual cycle and female fertility
The female cycle has a significant impact on a woman's sexuality and fertility. In fact, the cycle prepares a woman's body for fertilization. Monitoring the cycle using an ovulation calendar is necessary for those who want to have a child or conversely for those who want to avoid pregnancy. This way, no ovulation test needs to be conducted.
Throughout the entire menstrual cycle, all women are subjected to significant hormonal changes. In each phase of the cycle, a woman's body produces hormones that affect her behavior and condition. Headaches, fatigue, abdominal pain, and weight gain often make the cycle a burden.
The female libido changes depending on the current phase of the cycle. It is highest during the ovulation period and decreases on the days of menstruation. Although there is no medical issue with having sex during menstruation, 8 out of 10 women avoid it.
