Menstrual cycle and menopause. Part 1.

What is considered an abnormal menstrual cycle?

In such a menstrual cycle, the following can be distinguished: menstrual bleeding occurring regularly, the follicular phase lasting on average 14-17 days, ovulation and the luteal phase lasting about 14 days, and the cycle length ranging from 21-36 days. Menstrual bleeding lasts approximately 2-8 days.

In the case of a 28-day cycle, ovulation will occur on day 14, the follicular phase lasts on day 14 and the luteal phase also lasts 14 days. In a 36-day cycle, ovulation will occur on day 22, i.e. the follicular phase will last 22 days, and the following luteal phase will not change and remains 14 days long.

In each cycle, under the influence of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, periodic changes occur in the ovaries and in the entire reproductive system.

(Hormones produced by the adrenal glands also play a role.)

External factors that may cause a change: disease, contraceptives, significant change in body weight, stress, pregnancy.