1. The Menstrual Cycle Kids Health: Menstruation Movie
For each female, menstruation begins at puberty and continues for years.
Each woman has her own cycle length, which is normal for her.
Menstrual flow = Bleeding, shedding of the uterus. (endometrium)

3. 4 Phases of Menstruation
1. Menses
First phase that refers to bleeding
Usually last for 4-5 days
2. Estrogenic Phase
Last about 8 days, phase that varies the most
During this phase, the egg matures inside the ovary
The pituitary gland secretes F.S.H. (follicle stimulating hormone) which helps the egg mature
The lining of the uterus begins to repair itself

4. 4 PHASES (CONT.) 3. Ovulation 4. Progestational Phase
Egg is released from the ovary
Some women could feel a little pain during ovulation (Mittelschmerz)
Cervical mucus is thin and slippery to help the male sperm move and survive
Occurs on day 14 of the cycle
4. Progestational Phase
Most constant phase of the cycle
Last 14 days
The lining of the uterus is thick and spongy
If the egg is fertilized by the sperm, it imbeds in the the wall of the uterus, if not, the lining is shed and menstruation begins
The day of ovulation can be figured out by counting backward 14 days from the first day of a woman’s period. BUT THIS CAN ONLY BE FIGURED OUT AFTER THE FACT

6. Other Terms Menarche first menstrual period Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstruation not related to pregnancy, usually due to low body fat % (marathon runners), anorexia
Menopause
“Change of Life”, when menstruation stops later in a woman’s life

7. Other Terms (Cont.) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Feelings of tension or irritability that occur from 2 to 10 days before menstruation
Other symptoms include depression, anxiety, anger, impatience, and insomnia, as well as breast tenderness, constipation, headaches, and bloating.
Estimates of women with PMS range from 20%-90%.
Most researchers agree that about 5% to 10% of these women experience PMS discomfort enough to interfere with normal work or social function.

8. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) Not directly related to the menstrual cycle
rare condition related to the use of high-absorbency tampons during the menstrual period
TSS is a bacteria that can cause high fevers, headache, rashes, vomiting, and ultimately death if untreated.
The best way for women to avoid TSS is to change their tampon at least every four to six hours during their period.