How Menstruation Works
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The Menstrual Cycle: A Natural Process in Women’s Health
It’s a natural phenomenon that every woman goes through – the menstrual cycle. This cycle is crucial in a woman’s reproductive health and is controlled by hormones that bring about a range of changes in the body. In this article, we’ll learn more about the menstrual cycle and how it affects a woman’s body.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a regular occurrence in reproductive-aged women, lasting between two to seven days every month. It happens approximately 450 times during a woman’s life and is regulated by a series of hormonal controls. These hormones work to make menstruation start or stop during the 28-day cycle.
The Role of Ovaries in the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, the ovaries hold over 400 thousand egg cells, but release only one each month, which results in pregnancy or a period. Hormones released by the pituitary gland stimulate the ovaries to grow and mature the egg cell. The follicle responds by pumping out estrogen, which makes the egg cell grow. The estrogen levels peak, and the production of follicle stimulating hormone reduces, causing the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone. This causes the most mature egg cell to burst out of the follicle and through the ovary wall, also known as ovulation.
The Journey of the Egg Cell
After ovulation, the egg cell moves along the fallopian tube, waiting for fertilization by a sperm cell. If fertilization does not occur within 24 hours, the egg’s escapade ends, and the window for pregnancy closes for that month.
Progesterone and the Womb’s Lining
In preparation for a fertilized egg, the empty follicle begins to release progesterone, another hormone that tells the womb’s lining to plump up with blood and nutrients. If no fertilization occurs, the progesterone levels drop, causing the womb to degenerate, and the period begins. The process can take up to a week to clear out the unused contents of the womb, after which the cycle begins again.
Variations in the Menstrual Cycle
Although the menstrual cycle appears to move by clockwork, there is room for variation. Women and their bodies are unique, after all. Menstrual cycles occur at different times in the month, ovulation comes at various points in the cycle, and some periods last longer than others. Menstruation even begins and ends at different times in life for different women.
Taking Charge of Your Body
Learning about the menstrual cycle can empower women to understand and take charge of their own bodies. Understanding this small cycle helps women factor it into a much larger cycle of life.
Discussion Questions
- How does the menstrual cycle affect a woman’s reproductive health?
- What hormones are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle?
- What role do the ovaries play in the menstrual cycle?
- Can you explain the process of ovulation and fertilization during the menstrual cycle?
- How does progesterone affect the lining of the womb during the menstrual cycle?
- What are some variations that can occur in the menstrual cycle?
- How can women use their knowledge of the menstrual cycle to take charge of their own bodies?
- What are some common misconceptions or myths about the menstrual cycle that you have encountered?
Lesson Vocabulary
Menstrual cycle – The monthly cycle in women of reproductive age, in which the lining of the uterus is shed (menstruation) and a new cycle begins with the maturation of an egg. – My menstrual cycle is usually 28 days long.
Women’s health – The branch of medicine focused on the well-being of women, including reproductive and sexual health, as well as other medical conditions that affect women differently than men. – Women’s health is important for overall health and well-being.
Hormones – Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate various bodily functions, including growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. – Hormones can affect mood, weight, and other aspects of health.
Ovaries – The female reproductive organs that produce and release egg cells, as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. – The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus.
Egg cell – The female reproductive cell, also known as an ovum, which is released by the ovaries and can be fertilized by sperm during sexual reproduction. – The egg cell is the largest cell in the human body.
Fallopian tube – The tube that connects the ovary to the uterus, through which the egg cell travels during ovulation and where fertilization by sperm may occur. – Blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes can cause infertility.
Progesterone – A hormone produced by the ovaries that helps to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the lining of the womb. – Progesterone levels rise during the menstrual cycle and drop if pregnancy does not occur.
Womb’s lining – The inner lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, which thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle or prepares to support a fertilized egg during pregnancy. – The womb’s lining is nourished by blood vessels and hormones.
Variations – Differences or changes in something, such as the length, timing, or symptoms of the menstrual cycle, which can vary widely among individuals. – There are many variations in menstrual cycles, and what is normal for one person may not be for another.
Reproductive health – The state of physical, mental, and social well-being related to the reproductive system and its functions, including access to healthcare, contraception, and the ability to have children. – Reproductive health is an important part of overall health and well-being.
Ovulation – The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary, which occurs once per menstrual cycle and is necessary for fertilization and pregnancy. – Ovulation is triggered by hormones and can be detected by changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature.
Empowerment – The process of gaining confidence and control over one’s life and decisions, often through education, support, and advocacy. – Empowerment is an important aspect of promoting women’s health and reproductive rights.
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- Categories: Health, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: egg cell, fallopian tube, hormones, menstrual cycle, ovaries, ovulation, progesterone, reproductive health, variations, womb's lining, women's health
