09/02/2026
The menstrual cycle is a natural monthly process that occurs in the female body.
It prepares the body for possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the cycle repeats again.
Average cycle length: 28 days (can be 21–35 days in different people).
🔄 PROCESS OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
According to the diagram, the cycle has 4 main phases:
1️⃣ Menstrual Phase (Day 1–5)
This is the time when menstruation (periods) happen.
The thick inner lining of the uterus breaks down and comes out as blood.
It lasts about 3–5 days on average.
What happens:
Shedding of uterine lining
Bleeding occurs
Marks the beginning of a new cycle
2️⃣ Follicular Phase (Day 6–13)
After periods stop, the body begins to prepare a new egg.
The lining of the uterus starts becoming thick again.
What happens:
Hormones stimulate the o***y
An egg starts developing
Uterus lining builds up for possible pregnancy
3️⃣ Ovulation (Around Day 14)
This is the most important phase.
A mature egg is released from the o***y.
Key points:
Egg travels toward the uterus through the fallopian tube
This is the most fertile time
Pregnancy can happen if s***m meets the egg
4️⃣ Luteal Phase (Day 15–28)
The uterus lining remains thick, waiting for a fertilized egg.
If pregnancy does NOT occur, hormone levels fall.
Result:
The lining breaks down
Menstruation starts again
The cycle repeats
🧠 CAUSES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The menstrual cycle is controlled mainly by:
Hormones from the brain and ovaries
Estrogen
Progesterone
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
These hormones work together to:
Develop eggs
Thicken uterus lining
Trigger ovulation
Start menstruation
😊 EFFECTS ON THE BODY
During the cycle, many physical and emotional changes may happen:
Physical effects:
Abdominal cramps
Back pain
Tiredness
Headache
Breast tenderness
Acne
Emotional effects:
Mood swings
Irritability
Anxiety
Low energy
These are normal and vary from person to person.
⚠ COMMON PROBLEMS
Some females may experience:
Irregular periods
Heavy bleeding
Severe pain
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
If problems are severe, medical advice is necessary.
🛡 PREVENTION & CARE
Menstruation is natural and cannot be “prevented.”
But we can manage it properly.
Good Practices:
Maintain good hygiene
Use clean pads/tampons/menstrual cups
Change pads every 4–6 hours
Eat healthy food
Drink plenty of water
Exercise regularly
Get enough rest
For pain relief:
Warm compress
Light exercise
Healthy diet
Doctor-prescribed medicine if needed
IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO KNOW
Menstruation is normal and healthy
It is not a disease
It shows that the reproductive system is working properly
Education about periods is important for both boys and girls
Respect and support are essential
SUMMARY (From the Diagram)
The cycle repeats every month
It prepares the body for pregnancy
One egg is released each month
If no pregnancy occurs → bleeding happens
Then the cycle starts again