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  • WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTRE
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    • What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection (VYI)?
    • What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
    • What Is Menopause?
    • What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
    • What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
    • What Is Cystitis?
    • What Is Vaginal Dryness?
    • How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area
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  1. Home
  2. Women's Health Centre
  3. What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
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What Is the Menstrual Cycle?

Learn about the menstrual cycle, its duration, the cause of menstrual pains and when you should see a doctor.

The Menstrual Cycle

Your menstrual cycle is the process your body goes through from the time you get your first period to when you begin menopause learn more about menopause. Specifically, your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of one period and lasts until the day before your next period starts. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but most women aren't that regular. It's not unusual to have a menstrual cycle as long as 35 days or as short as 22 days.

When you hit puberty (for most women, between the ages of 10 and 16), your body starts to produce varying amounts of different hormones that are responsible for particular changes in your body. During your menstrual cycle, the female sex hormone estrogen increases and your ovaries start to develop an egg. Up to 20 follicles start to develop in every cycle, but only one or occasionally two will mature into fully formed eggs ready to be fertilised. Once the egg is released (this process is called ovulation), it travels down your fallopian tubes — the two tubes that connect your ovaries to your womb. Meanwhile, the lining in your uterus (or womb) thickens; this is because your body is anticipating a pregnancy. If an egg and sperm meet, it can lead to fertilisation, resulting in a pregnancy (see more below). Unfertilised eggs only survive for about 24 hours after ovulation. After that point, the lining of your womb will come away and mix with blood to produce a menstrual period that travels out your vagina.

How Long Will My Period Last?

It’s normal for your period to last between one day and eight days, but the average length of a period is four to five days. Normally you lose about 80 mLs of blood during a period — about 16 teaspoons. If you take a contraceptive pill, you may find your periods are lighter and shorter than the periods you had before taking it. That’s because the pill prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg and helps to thin the lining of your womb.

What Causes Period Pain?

Most women experience period pain at some point in their lives. It’s common for period pain to start when you begin your period and last for two to three days. You may suffer from cramps around your stomach or a dull pain around your back and thighs.

Period pain usually occurs when your womb contracts to shed the lining. This prevents the usual flow of blood through nearby blood vessels, which can cause you pain and inflammation.

Simple changes to your lifestyle can help ease your period pain. If you keep fit and healthy throughout your menstrual cycle, it can really make a difference. Smoking may increase your risk of period pain, so it’s best to avoid it during your period or give it up completely. You can try to attempt gentle exercise as it can help to relieve pain and stress. Alternatively, you could consider relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture, meditation and yoga. Heat helps to soothe any discomfort you may have, so try having warm baths or showers or apply hot water bottles and heat pads to painful areas on your body.

There are a range of specific drugs for period pain that are available over the counter. For example, Midol®† products and Maxidol®** are drugs that can help relieve your menstrual pain, and you can buy them without a prescription. To be sure a product is suitable for you, always read and follow the label.

When Should I See a Doctor About Period Problems?

Period problems are a very common reason for women to go to the doctor; one in twenty women will consult a doctor about period-related problems in any given year. If you notice anything unusual (for you) in your cycle or you start to notice bleeding in between periods, make an appointment to see your doctor. It won’t usually be anything to worry about but it’s best to be sure.

If your periods are very heavy and painful, have a chat with your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or suggest you try a contraceptive pill.

When Am I Most Likely to Get Pregnant?

You are most fertile for the five days before you ovulate and then for a couple of days afterward, but the time frame can be difficult to determine and can vary from woman to woman. If you are trying to get pregnant, it’s best to have sex at least every two days. Sperm can live for up to seven days, so having regular sex means sperm is more likely to be available when you ovulate.

†Midol® caplets contain acetaminophen and other ingredients. **Maxidol® contains naproxen sodium.

Learn More about Women's Intimate Health

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What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Learn what a vaginal yeast infection is and what common symptoms can help identify it. You can also find out how you can treat a yeast infection and how you can help prevent it from recurring.

LEARN MORE
woman laughing

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Learn what BV is and what bacterial vaginosis symptoms are. You can find out who is more prone to getting this infection and what the differences between a vaginal yeast infection and BV are.

LEARN MORE
woman wearing glasses

What Is Menopause?
 

Learn about menopause, including symptoms and how to treat them.

LEARN MORE
woman clapping

What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
 

Learn more about your menstrual cycle, including your periods.

LEARN MORE
woman playing with her hair

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Learn what PMS is, how to treat and prevent PMS, and when you should see a doctor about your PMS symptoms.

LEARN MORE
woman smiling

What Is Cystitis?
 

Learn about the causes and symptoms of cystitis, plus how to prevent it.

LEARN MORE
woman with arms folded smiling

What Is Vaginal Dryness?
 

Learn what vaginal dryness is, including symptoms and prevention.

LEARN MORE
woman with drink smiling

How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area

Learn about hygiene in your intimate area.

LEARN MORE
  • VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
    • BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
    • INTIMATE HYGIENE
  • WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTRE
    • What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection (VYI)?
    • What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
    • What Is Menopause?
    • What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
    • What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
    • What Is Cystitis?
    • What Is Vaginal Dryness?
    • How to Properly Clean Your Intimate Area?
  • CANESTEN® PRODUCTS
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    • FAQ
    • Contact Us

 

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© 2021 Bayer Inc.

* Data on file.

To be sure this product is suitable for you, always read and follow the label.

First-time sufferers of Vaginal Yeast Infections or Bacterial Vaginosis, see your doctor. Canesten® and CanesOral® cure most vaginal yeast infections.

IMPORTANT NOTE This website is intended for marketing educational purposes only and is in no way intended to substitute for professional medical advice, to contradict medical advice given, or for medical care of any kind. As with any medication, speak to your doctor before using. Please review the Conditions of Use before using this website. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to be bound by the Conditions of Use.

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