Menstruation 101 A crash course on everything you need to know about “Aunt Flo”

What is menstruation??  The process of shedding the lining of the uterus (endometrium)  This is the body’s way of preparing the female for pregnancy each month  When fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining is not needed because there is no pregnancy. Therefore the lining sheds

Menstrual Cycle  The average is 28 days, but ranges from days  Days 1-5 are when a female has her period  After the period, an ovum is matured in the ovary  The uterine lining builds up blood and tissue  The mature ovum is released  If fertilized, it attaches to the uterine lining  If not fertilized, lining breaks down & there’s another period

Create your own Menstrual Cycle

How to create your menstrual cycle:  Use info in book, pg 25  You can make a pie chart, calendar, graph, etc to represent the menstrual cycle  Use an average 28 day cycle. Include:  Days 1-5  Days 6-11  Days  Days 17-28

Days to Remember Life span of egg: Up to 48 hours (2 days) Life span of sperm: Up to 5 days Days: 1-5-Menstruation/bleeding occurs; uterine lining sheds 6-11-Levels of estrogen rise -Uterine lining thickens (becomes sponge-like) 8-18-Days MOST likely to get pregnant Ovulation: egg cell is released from ovary Progesterone levels rise to prepare for implantation of egg Days LEAST likely to get pregnant 25-Hormone levels drop if egg is not fertilized; triggers next menstrual cycle

Menstruation Fact Want to relieve your period cramps? Regular exercise can help when a heating pad doesn't do the trick. Physical activity can give you more energy, reduce cramps, and help you feel better.