1. Menstrual Cycle

2. WHAT IS IT?
Menstruation: is when a female sheds the lining of the uterine (womb) wall.
Uterine wall to cervix to vagina
Last 3-5 days
Comes monthly

3. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Shows body is working properly
Provides important chemicals (hormones) to keep females healthy
Prepares body for pregnancy each month

4. HOW IS COUNTED
Counted as the first day of the menstrual cycle to the first day of the next
Average is 28 days
Can range from 21 to 35 days in adults or 21 to 45 days in young teens
Rise and fall of hormones each month control the cycle

5. WHAT HAPPENS? First half of cycle, levels of estrogen start to rise
Estrogen plays a role in building strong bones and keeping that way in elder years
Estrogen makes the lining of the uterus thicken and grow
While lining thickens and grows, an ovum (egg) begins to mature in one of the ovaries
Day 14 ovum leaves ovary (ovulation)
Egg travels through fallopian tube
Hormone levels increase to help with a possible pregnancy
Can get pregnant at day of ovulation or up to 3 days prior

6. WHAT HAPPENS? If fertilization does not occur egg will break apart
Hormone levels drop
Lining will shed causing menstrual cycle to occur
Menstrual flow: how heavy the period is
Menstrual Cramps: contractions that occur in the uterus

7. Did you know…… Why do you females crave chocolate or sugary food?
Stress hormone (cortisol) increases and feel good hormone (serotonin) decreases, sugary foods help regulate this
Why do women get Menstrual Cramps?
contractions that occur in the uterus

8. http://www. womenshealth
publications/fact-sheet/menstruation.html