What is Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the monthly process that occurs in the female body of reproductive age, usually between the ages of 12 and 50. It is a series of physiological changes that occur in the reproductive system and is controlled by a complex interplay of hormones.
The menstrual cycle usually lasts for 28-32 days, although it can be shorter or longer in some women. The cycle is divided into several phases, including the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
During the follicular phase, which lasts for around 14 days, the body prepares for ovulation by releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones stimulate the growth of a follicle in the ovary, which contains an egg.
Ovulation occurs when the egg is released from the follicle and travels down the fallopian tube, which usually happens around day 14 of the cycle. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it may implant in the uterus and result in pregnancy.
If the egg is not fertilized, the body enters the luteal phase, which lasts for around 14 days. During this time, the ruptured follicle in the ovary forms a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy.
If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down and progesterone levels drop, which triggers the shedding of the uterine lining in the form of menstrual bleeding. This marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.
Types of menstrual cycles:
There are two main types of menstrual cycles: the regular menstrual cycle and the irregular menstrual cycle.
Regular menstrual cycle: A regular menstrual cycle is characterized by consistent intervals between periods. The typical length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, but can vary between 21 and 35 days. Women with a regular menstrual cycle can usually predict when their next period will occur, and experience relatively stable menstrual flow, duration, and symptoms.
Irregular menstrual cycle: An irregular menstrual cycle is defined as one where the interval between periods is inconsistent, and varies by more than 7 to 9 days. This type of menstrual cycle can be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Women with an irregular menstrual cycle may experience unpredictable periods, heavy or light bleeding, longer or shorter periods, and symptoms that fluctuate from cycle to cycle.
It’s important to note that occasional irregularities in the menstrual cycle are common and often not cause for concern. However, if a woman experiences persistent irregularities or significant changes in her menstrual cycle, she should consult with her healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health issues.
Why track Mestrual Cycle?
There are several reasons why tracking menstrual cycle is important:
Pregnancy planning: Tracking menstrual cycle can help women identify their fertile window, which is the period of time when they are most likely to conceive if they have sex. Knowing when ovulation is expected to occur can help women plan intercourse to increase their chances of getting pregnant.
Monitoring reproductive health: Changes in menstrual cycle can indicate underlying reproductive health issues. Tracking menstrual cycle can help women identify patterns or changes in their menstrual cycle that may warrant further medical investigation.
Managing menstrual symptoms: Women who experience menstrual symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, and mood changes, can use menstrual tracking to identify when these symptoms are most likely to occur. This information can help them prepare for and manage these symptoms more effectively.
Managing chronic conditions: Women with chronic conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may find that tracking their menstrual cycle helps them better manage their symptoms and treatment plans.
There are many tools available to help women track their menstrual cycle, including period tracking apps, menstrual calendars, and wearable devices. By tracking their menstrual cycle, women can better understand their bodies and take control of their reproductive and overall health.
Why Track Menstrual Cycle with Medugo?
Tracking menstrual cycle with Medugo has several advantages over traditional paper-based methods:
Convenience: With Medugo, women can track their menstrual cycle using their smartphone or tablet, which is often more convenient than carrying around a paper calendar or journal. Plus, Medugo can be accessed from anywhere, making it easy to track menstrual cycle on-the-go.
Personalization: A feature coming soon in Medugo will allow users to input additional data, such as symptoms, sexual activity, and medications, which can help personalize the tracking experience and provide more insight into menstrual cycle patterns and potential health issues.
Insights: Medugo often offer insights and analysis of the data collected, such as predictions of upcoming periods, ovulation dates, and fertile windows. This information can be useful for women who are trying to conceive, or those who want to better understand their menstrual cycle and health.
Privacy: Medugo offers privacy and security, as the data is only accessible to the user. This can be especially important for women who may feel uncomfortable sharing their menstrual cycle information with others.
Overall, tracking menstrual cycle Medugo can provide an easy and convenient way for women to monitor their menstrual cycle, identify patterns, and gain insights into their reproductive health.