How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle
Do you know your own menstrual cycle? Menstrual cycles vary from person to person, such as "I always have a 28-day cycle," or "This time it was a 40-day cycle. It's a bit long," and it may differ from month to month. It is easier to arrange your schedule if you are aware of your menstrual cycle, which will also tell you when to ovulate and when your next period will start.
As a result, today we'll explain the menstrual cycle in simple terms, along with how to calculate it, how long it lasts, its physical features, and even how to use medications to accelerate or delay your menstrual flow.
What Is The Menstrual Cycle? Is It Short Or Long?
A menstrual cycle is the number of days from the start of one period to the day before the next period. This menstrual cycle is regulated by the secretion balance of the female hormones estrogen (follicular hormone) and progesterone (progesterone). The follicular phase, so named for the follicular hormone, lasts from the end of the menstrual cycle until ovulation when the amount of oestrogen secreted is high. The ovulation phase, or "ovulation period," ends around the day of ovulation, and progesterone lasts from the time of ovulation until the beginning of the following period. The period of high secretion is also called the luteal phase, after the name of the hormone. In other words, there are four stages of menstruation follicular phase, luteal phase, ovulation phase, and menstruation phase which make up a complete menstrual cycle.
All four of these phases are combined into one part, with a typical menstrual cycle being 25 to 38 days long. Sometimes the menstrual period is divided into three phases, including the luteal phase.
When Your Menstrual Cycle Is Early, Late, Or Inconsistent
So, what happens when your menstrual cycle is short, or when your period comes early? "Recurrent menstruation" is the term for a condition in which your menstrual cycle lasts for less than twenty-four days. Frequent menstruation is more common. It is believed that those who have recently achieved menarche and whose sexual function is immature, as well as those who are close to menopause and experiencing a loss in ovarian function, are more likely to experience frequent menstruation.
In addition, "oligomenorrhea" is the term for a disorder that occurs when your menstrual cycle is lengthy or when your period arrives later than usual. Menstrual cycles longer than 39 days but shorter than three months are referred to as oligomenorrhea. For instance, you get oligomenorrhea if there is an approximate 40-day interval between your periods. Furthermore, some individuals may experience irregular menstrual cycles. We refer to a state of non-stable, irregular menstrual cycles as "irregular menstruation." For instance, this month and the previous month followed different cycles; the two months prior had a 24-day cycle, whereas this month and last month had a 40-day cycle. Frequent menstruation, rare menstruation, and irregular menstrual cycles are often caused by a hormonal imbalance, but they can also be caused by an unexpected disease.
What Is The Average Menstrual Period?
A normal menstrual period is 3 to 7 days. The menstrual cycle lasts roughly five days on average. "Prolonged menstruation" refers to the short menstrual cycle, lasting fewer than two days. On the other hand, a menstrual cycle lasting eight days or longer is referred to as "excessive menstruation." Furthermore, a heavy menstrual cycle with a total blood loss of 140 ml or more is referred to as "hypermenorrhea," and a period with a little total blood loss of less than 20 ml is called "oligomenorrhea." Sometimes changing sanitary napkins is insufficient to relieve heavy menstruation. There are situations in which changing sanitary napkins every hour or even maintaining the usage of sanitary napkins throughout the day and night is insufficient in cases of heavy menstruation.
Possible causes of excessively short or oligomenorrhea periods include uterine disease, anovulatory cycles, and abnormal thyroid hormone secretion. Possible causes of excessive menstruation or excessive menstruation include uterine fibroids, uterine adenomyosis, and anovulatory cycles. You should exercise caution if you have a heavy or protracted menstrual cycle since iron deficiency anaemia could result. In case you notice any irregularities related to menstruation, do get in touch with a professional right away.
Let's Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle
So, how exactly can you calculate your menstrual cycle? These days, it has become easy to manage using smartphone apps, but we'll walk you through an easy method to calculate it yourself here.
There is nothing special to prepare, but it will be easier to understand if you have something like a calendar or schedule book that you can use to see the dates. The first day of your menstruation is the commencement point, and it begins on that day. Write "1" on your calendar, etc. From there, each day that passes, add 1 day at a time, ``2, 3, 4, 5''. When your next period comes, the day starts from "1" again. We will repeat this. Repeat this procedure at least three times and derive your own menstrual cycle from the average value.
Your lifestyle choices, hormone balance, and general health all have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. Thus, even if the period is irregular, try not to get too worked up about it; instead, wait and see. If your menstrual cycle is irregular and lasts longer than 40 days, 24 days, or occurs often, then you can talk to a professional if you want to.
Characteristics Of Four Periods Of The Menstrual Cycle: Hormones And Body Temperature
From here, let's take a look at the physical changes, mental changes, and characteristics of each of the four phases. It could be simpler to comprehend, especially if you focus on changes in hormones and body temperature.
Follicular phase (proliferation phase): As the name implies, this stage is characterised by a high degree of follicle hormone secretion, specifically estrogen. In the ovary, the primordial follicle that produces the egg matures, and in the uterus, the endometrium thickens due to the influence of estrogen. Another characteristic is that the basal body temperature remains low until ovulation. Because your metabolism is high during this time of year, it's said to be an ideal time to start a diet. Your skin and hair need to get better. Additionally, the parasympathetic nervous system gains dominance under the effect of estrogen, which promotes mental stability.
Ovulation Phase: Once the follicle has grown sufficiently, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) to trigger ovulation. An LH surge is a temporary, sudden secretion of large amounts of luteinizing hormone approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period. After this LH spike, ovulation happens in about 24 to 36 hours. The body's basal temperature falls a little before rising sharply and reaching the high-temperature phase. The time of high temperatures is about to begin. The hormonal balance rapidly shifts at this time, and many people experience mental instability. In addition, your skin and hair, which were in good condition throughout the follicular period, start to deteriorate.
Luteal Phase (Secretory phase): The ovulated follicle turns into a corpus luteum and secretes progesterone, a progesterone. The blood's estrogen levels are still high in the blood. Progesterone and estrogen work together to thicken the endometrium, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy. During the luteal phase, the basal body temperature is high, and this high-temperature state lasts until the next menstrual cycle. Your body is changing during this period, which increases your risk of lower back discomfort, breast tenderness, and tension. Progesterone causes the body to retain water, which results in swell and coldness. Mentally, symptoms include becoming irritable and angry, increasing anxiety, and becoming sleepy. Additionally, freckles, age spots, and acne become more common in your skin. Furthermore, poor blood circulation is likely to occur, making dark circles and dullness more noticeable. The luteal phase can be said to be a time when physical and mental disorders are noticeable. In the latter half of this luteal phase, some persons get premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Menstrual phase or period: If implantation does not occur, the endometrium sloughs off and is expelled with blood. Menstruation is what's happening here. Progesterone and estrogen, two feminine hormones, drop off quickly. When menstruation begins, the body's basal temperature decreases and enters a low-temperature phase. Low blood circulation brought on by a reduction in body temperature can result in a number of ailments. Menstrual pain is a common occurrence for many women. Furthermore, your skin becomes more sensitive and prone to skin irritation, and you are more likely to suffer from headaches and stomachaches. When their period starts, many women experience mental depression, but as estrogen secretion begins in the second half of the period, many women feel better.
How To Delay Or Accelerate Menstruation
How To Delay Your Menstruation: By taking a medium-dose medication, you can postpone or delay your period if you know when it's due. You can consult with a doctor. Please try to see your doctor at least five days before the expected start of your menstrual cycle. In other words, oral dosage should begin five to seven days prior to the scheduled menstruation.
According to an interview, they ask: "How long do you want to delay your period?" It is advised that you continue taking the prescription until the day before your period arrives, if possible. We advise quitting by the final day of the day you wish to postpone your period, rather than your chosen day, as the timing of stopping oral medication varies from person to person and some individuals may start their period the day after they finish taking it where some get after 2 days or 3 days.
How to accelerate your period: There are also ways to make your period happen earlier. Many people choose home remedies to speed up their period. Well, there is no over-the-counter medication available in the market. If you really want to speed up or get your period faster, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can guide you better.
Side Effects Of Changing Your Menstrual Cycle
The side effects of taking a medium-dose medication to move your period are no different from those of the low-dose pill. Because female hormones artificially put the body into a pre-menstrual state, some women may experience premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, stomach upset, and swelling. However, this differs from person to person and is not universal. You shouldn't worry too much because this hardly affects your body at all.
Precaution When Taking Medication To Delay Your Period
Periods are adjusted with medications known as medium-dose tablets. The medication has more hormones in it than the low-dose pill, as the name "medium-dose pill" implies. As a result, using medium-dose tablets increases the risk of major adverse effects like thrombosis. Even if they wish to change the timing of their periods, people who are contraindicated for low-dose medications should never take medium-dose medications because of the great risk involved.
Furthermore, some people might attempt to use personal importation or importation services to purchase and take medications to change the timing of their periods. These activities do carry some danger. Please refrain from buying or using medication on your own.
For people who "want to shift their period!" or "have a menstrual cycle of 40 days or more"
Many people may be concerned about their menstrual cycle and period, expressing worries like "My period lasts more than 8 days" or "My menstrual cycle is longer than 40 days." Many variables can easily affect the menstrual period, and it is unavoidable that the cycle will vary and not be continuous. Nonetheless, do not hesitate to seek medical advice from a facility if you see any anomalies. Talk to a professional.
FAQ(Frequently asked questions) about the menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycles become shorter during menopause, is that true?
It varies greatly from person to person, so it cannot be generalised. However, during menopause, menstrual cycles tend to become irregular, becoming shorter, longer, or even missing for several months. Menstruation is more likely to occur during this time, including irregular bleeding, irregular menstruation, too little menstruation, and excessive menstruation. Furthermore, the risk of developing uterine cancer is highest during perimenopause.
It's been 3 months since my menstrual cycles became 40 days apart. Should I see a doctor?
Yes, An oligomenstrual period lasts for 40 days during the menstrual cycle. You should evaluate your ovarian status and hormonal balance if you have had three consecutive menstrual cycles, but if your cycle lasts for 40 days once or twice a year, you should track your progress. We also advise determining whether ovulation is taking place as it should. You can have trouble getting pregnant in the future if you don't recognize your medical state and leave it alone. Kindly make an appointment to a professional
If I want to postpone my period, how many days in advance should I go to the doctor?
- The guideline for seeing a doctor will vary depending on whether you want to move your period forward earlier or later. If you want to postpone your period, see your doctor at least five days (or seven days) beforehand. If you want an earlier period: Consult a physician before the period you wish to postpone, ideally on the first day of your menstrual cycle, during this time.
I don't know how to count menstrual cycles. How should I count?
Learning to count your menstrual periods is a simple process. First, the first day (day 1) of your period is when your menstrual cycle begins to count. If your menstrual cycle is 28 days, for instance, the first day of your cycle would be January 10th if your period begins on that day. Ovulation will take place on the 14th day of your cycle, which falls around January 23rd. The 28th day falls on February 6th. On February 7th, the day after, you will receive your period and it will be the start of your new menstrual cycle.
My menstrual cycle is different. Should I go to the hospital?
Yes. When menstrual cycles are not stable and irregular, it is called "irregular menstruation," and it often occurs during adolescence, menopause, postpartum, and breastfeeding. If you do not fall into these periods and your menstrual cycle is irregular, you need to check in detail to see if there is any abnormality or hidden illness.