The menstrual cycle and the fertility of the woman

The menstrual or sexual female cycle is the process by which the female gametes (ovules) are developed. In this period there are also a series of changes that prepare the uterus of the woman, in order to allow a possible pregnancy. The start of the cycle is defined as the first day of menstruation a

The start of the cycle is defined as the first day of menstruation and the end of the cycle is the day before the start of the next rule. The average duration of the cycle is 28 days, although it may be longer or shorter. Normal cycles that range from 21 to 35 days are considered normal.

Phases of the menstrual cycle in women

The menstrual cycle is characterized by having two very differentiated phases:

- The first part of the cycle: goes from the first day of the period until the 14th. The most evident event is the appearance of the desquamation of the superficial layer of the uterus or endometrium, such as spotting (rule), if there has not been fecundation and therefore pregnancy.

- The second part of the cycle: goes from the 15th to the 28th. In this stage the changes that follow suppose the appearance of a certain state of weakness.

Are menstrual cycles always the same? The first two or three years of rule it is normal that the cycles are somewhat irregular. After this period, the cycles tend to become more regular and, usually after the first delivery, the cycles tend to stabilize until they reach 40-45 years. From this age the cycles will become irregular again before the menopause period (or absence of menstruation) appears. As we said, it is normal for the cycles to be 28 days, but they are considered normal a few days or so.

However, each woman is different, and even the same woman may have variations of their cycles: sometimes situations of stress, malnutrition, certain diseases, obesity or very strong emotions can alter the woman hormonally and affect the menstrual cycle.

Characteristics of the first stage of the menstrual cycle

The amount of bleeding varies greatly from woman to woman. Generally, 70% of the losses occur during the first two days of the rule and in the last days, we observe how the amount of loss is decreasing.

This first phase of the cycle is orchestrated by estrogen, and we know that during this phase the ovum has just matured and is expelled from the ovary. That expulsion is ovulation. The egg begins to move through the fallopian tube that leads to the uterus. Around these days, if a sperm fertilizes an egg and it attaches to the wall of the uterus, a pregnancy begins.

The first week, the defenses and energy suffer, while the rule frees us from the inconvenient liquid retention of the previous days. The last days of the period are ideal for starting a diet. The second week is characterized by a tremendous rush of energy. Estrogens improve the quality of our skin and hair. Hyperactivity is reflected in the fact that we tire less and perform more. Ovulation is close and the libido goes off. During these days it is easier to get excited and reach orgasm.

What happens in the second stage of the menstrual cycle

During this second phase (from day 15-28), the changes that follow suppose the appearance of a certain state of weakness. Progesterone begins to take protagosnismo, whose elevation begins 2-3 days after ovulation.

The third week of the menstrual cycle, progesterone produces nervousness, dries out the skin and encourages us to eat more: we can take advantage to practice our favorite sport and release tension and endorphins. And, until we get the rule, progesterone takes over our body.

The fourth week and last week of the cycle, premenstrual syndrome we it can cause anguish and physical decay. The accumulation of liquids can make us gain weight and cause some digestive discomfort such as feeling of heaviness, swelling, nausea or constipation.

Fortunately the arrival of the rule entails the disappearance of these discomforts, which is a relief. The rule is the starting point of the next cycle ... unless you get pregnant!