A 28-DAY GUIDE TO YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE

If you’re a little unsure about how your reproductive cycle works, you’re not alone. One UK study showed thatone in four women didn’t understand their menstrual cycle. Likewise,58 percent, that’s more than half of women across the country, are embarrassed to talk about their period and 42 percent experiencing period shaming.

Understanding Cycle Length

It’s hard enough talking about our period without feeling embarrassed, no wonder some women don't understand their reproductive cycle. Well, it's time to put period shaming and embarrassment to a stop. Ladies, menstruating is a natural bodily function that shouldn't be taboo.

So, let’s talk about your cycle length. While the standard menstrual cycle is 28-days, some women have shorter or longer cycles. Reproductive menstrual cycles can range between 23 to 35 days. How do you calculate the length of your cycle? It’s simple, count from the day of your period to the start of your next period and that’s how long your cycle is unless you tend to get irregular periods.

Your Period

As you might have already guessed, the first day of your period is when your cycle begins. Most periods can range from 3 to 7 days long. Every month a woman's body releases an egg, but when it's not fertilized, your body sheds the lining of your uterus and the cycle repeats. This process is when women have their period, and using the right tampons can make all the difference,

Women who useVeedatampons, pads and liners report that they experience less discomfort and shorter periods when they use the natural cotton alternative to chemical-laden fem-care products from other conventional brands. Your period is already uncomfortable, so make ‘that time of the month’ less cringe-worthy with better-for-you tampons.

When Your Body Ovulates

At the beginning of your cycle, the pituitary glands produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The FSH is a hormone that is directly responsible for stimulating and maturing an egg for release. Ovulation occurs when your body has released an egg. This takes place anywhere between day 12 to day 14 of your cycle.

Although it’s said that most women ovulate on day 14, that’s not always the case. Depending on your body’s estrogen level, triggers what is called the “LH surge” which is a surge of the luteinizing hormone.

Days 15 through 24

Once these levels are at their peak, a dominant follicle will rupture an egg and will be ready for fertilization. The egg will travel down to the fallopian tubes and if it’s fertilized in the fallopian tubes it will travel to the uterus where it will attach to the womb. If you don’t want your egg to meet the sperm and trying to avoid getting pregnant, it’s best to use some type of birth control method. The remaining days, days 24 through 28 you will likely start experiencing some PMS symptoms, as your body prepares for menstruation.

See Your Gyno

It’s always wise to check in with your Gyno and book that appointment. This is especially true if you’re experiencing irregular periods, worse than normal PMS, which might be a sign that you havePMDD. Getting checked forcervical cancer is also super important, so don’t be afraid and ask your Gyno questions you might have about your menstrual cycle.

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Medical Disclaimer:Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns.