Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation, commonly known as a period, is a natural process experienced by most women of reproductive age. It’s a monthly cycle marked by bleeding, a complex interplay of hormones, and a series of physical changes within the body. While often considered a simple shedding of the uterine lining, understanding the intricacies of the menstrual cycle offers valuable insight into overall women's health. This comprehensive guide explores the various aspects of menstruation, providing a thorough understanding of the process. At Maud Medical Calgary, we understand the significance of this biological event. We're dedicated to helping women navigate their menstrual health with confidence and support.

The Menstrual Cycle: A Monthly Journey

The menstrual cycle is typically 21 to 35 days long, though variations are common. This cycle involves a series of hormonal changes that prepare the body for potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding. The cycle is divided into three key phases:

1. The Follicular Phase (Days 1-14)

This phase begins on the first day of menstruation (Day 1). The brain releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prompting the ovaries to develop several follicles, each containing an immature egg. One follicle eventually becomes dominant, nurturing a single mature egg. As the dominant follicle grows, it produces estrogen, thickening the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for a potential fertilized egg. This estrogen increase also stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and further follicle-stimulating hormone, causing the egg to mature completely.

2. The Ovulatory Phase (Day 14, approximately)

A surge in LH triggers ovulation – the release of the mature egg from the dominant follicle. This egg then travels down the fallopian tube, where fertilization can occur if there are sperm present. The timing of ovulation varies slightly from person to person and even across a woman's individual cycles. The released follicle transforms into the corpus luteum.

3. The Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

The corpus luteum produces progesterone, further preparing the endometrium for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization doesn't occur, progesterone levels decrease, triggering the breakdown of the endometrium and subsequent menstruation. This phase is relatively consistent in length, usually around 12-16 days, while the follicular phase can fluctuate more. This means that most variation in cycle length is related to the first phase.

Understanding Normal Menstrual Bleeding

Menstrual bleeding typically lasts 3-8 days, with the heaviest flow occurring in the first two days. The total blood loss is usually around 2-3 tablespoons, although it might seem like more due to fluid secretions. While some women experience short, light periods, others may have longer, heavier flows. Variations are common. However, excessively heavy or prolonged bleeding (heavy menstrual bleeding or HMB) could indicate an underlying condition.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)

Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as excessive menstrual blood loss, typically greater than 80 mL per cycle. It is also characterized by soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours, requiring double padding, needing to change pads or tampons at night, having periods that last longer than seven days, or passing large blood clots. If you experience any of these, we encourage you to speak to our doctors at Maud Medical Clinic to talk about menstruation comfort. There are options available to help with heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal cramping, period pain and symptoms associated with PMS.

Tracking Your Cycle: Understanding Your Body

Regularly tracking your menstrual cycle can provide invaluable insights into your overall health and fertility. This can involve a simple calendar, noting the start and end dates of your periods, the heaviness of flow, and any associated symptoms, like pain, mood changes, or bloating.

Methods for Tracking Ovulation

Besides basic calendar tracking, several methods can help pinpoint ovulation:

• Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Changes in the cervical mucus's consistency – from sticky and cloudy to clear, stretchy, and abundant (egg-white cervical mucus or EWCM) – signal the fertile window.

• Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking: Your BBT, measured first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, rises slightly after ovulation. This method requires consistent daily monitoring over several cycles.

• Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs): These kits detect the surge in LH in urine, indicating that ovulation is about to occur, usually within 24–48 hours.

These methods can be used individually or in combination for a more accurate understanding of your cycle.

Menopause: The Next Chapter

Menopause marks the end of menstruation and a woman's reproductive years. It's a natural process, typically occurring around age 51.5, although it can vary widely. The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can include various symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sexual discomfort, and urinary incontinence. Many women experience menopause symptoms with minimal discomfort, while others face significant challenges. Maud Medical in Calgary provides support and treatment for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Period Prosperity: A Maud Medical Initiative in Calgary

Maud Medical Clinic Calgary is proud to support the community through our Period Prosperity campaign. We're collecting donations of new, unopened period and incontinence products, including tampons, pads, menstrual cups, leak-proof underwear, and bed liners. These donations create a safe, accessible supply for those in need within the Calgary area. Our clinic acts as a distribution point for these essential items, aiming to address menstrual equity in our city.

The Period Prosperity program extends beyond simple product distribution. We're committed to raising awareness about menstrual equity and breaking down the stigma surrounding periods. We do this by sparking conversations through various events, online platforms, and public outreach programs in the Calgary community. Period Prosperity is about more than just providing products; it's about empowering people with periods to thrive through community support and open conversations.

You can donate and learn more about Period Prosperity by Maud here.

Seeking Support at Maud Medical

Navigating the complexities of menstruation and menopause can be challenging. At Maud Medical in Calgary, we offer compassionate and comprehensive care. Our Maud Calgary Doctors can help you address concerns about heavy periods, irregular cycles, and menopausal symptoms. We provide individual consultations, tailored treatment options, and educational resources to empower you to manage your menstrual health effectively.

We offer treatments for a variety of symptoms and educational workshops to help our patients feel empowered and regain control over the body.
Learn more