Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Irregularities

Menstruation is the periodic discharge of blood and other material from the lining of the uterus (womb) of human females and the females of such higher primates as the apes. Menstruation identifies a female's fertile years that is, the span of time in which she is capable of becoming pregnant. Menstruation came from the Latin word menstruus (monthly), because menstruation occurs approximately every 28 days. The flow last for an average menstrual period of three to five days. This period is part of the normal series of bodily changes known as the menstrual cycle.

Menarche is the first menstrual period, this usually occur between the age of 10 and age 16. Menstrual periods begin in puberty (when the reproductive organs begin functioning) and end at menopause (when the reproductive organs stop functioning).

The Menstrual Cycle - is a series of hormonal changes occurring between the beginning of one menstrual period and the beginning of the next. Menstrual cycle is controlled by various hormones produced in the ovaries and in the pituitary gland.

• The first four or five days of the cycle, the uterus discharges blood, glandular secretions, and tissue shed from the endometrium (lining of the uterus).

• From the 6^th to the 16^th day, this lining is thickened by cell division and the accumulation of tissue fluids.

• Sometime between the 8^th and 16^th days of the cycle, one or more eggs (ova) are discharged from one of the two female sex glands (ovaries) and begin to move through a fallopian tube toward the uterus. This process is called ovulation. If an egg is fertilized, it becomes a new organism (embryo), attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, and continues to develop. If an egg is not fertilized, however, it disintegrates.

• Between the 16^th and 26^th days of the menstrual cycle, the outer layers of the endometrium, which are no longer needed, begin to deteriorate. As one menstrual cycle ends and another begins, the deteriorating tissues are normally discharged along with blood and secretions from glands in the endometrial tissues.

Endometriosis - is a condition wherein some deteriorating tissue is not discharged through menstruation and instead passes into the abdominal cavity or anywhere in the body where it forms cysts.

Pituitary hormones - stimulate ovaries to produce estrogens and progesterone, which in turn promote the growth of endometrium.

Menstrual Irregularity. The normal menstrual cycle is about 28 days long, except during months when a woman is pregnant and for up to 12 weeks after childbirth. A woman may also experience some changes in her menstrual cycle but any pronounced change may be caused by an abnormal condition and will need an immediate medical treatment.

Normal Variation In Menstrual Periods:

• Some women menstruate every three, others every five, weeks.
• Periods may last only three days in some individuals, and as long as seven days in other.

Menstrual Condition / Abnormalities:

Amenorrhea is the absence of the menstrual flow. In primary amenorrhea or delayed menarche, women older than 16 years have not begun to menstruate. This condition is usually caused by hormonal imbalances or genetic abnormalities. Treatment consists of administration of various hormones.

Secondary Amenorrhea is the temporary stopping of menstruation due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy is the most common cause of this condition., other causes can be stress, rigorous exercise, malnutrition, certain drugs, or certain disorders such as anorexia nervosa and tuberculosis. Athletes such as runners and skaters usually experience secondary amenorrhea due to the stressful condition of their jobs. Normal menstruation is usually resumed once the underlying cause is corrected or eliminated.