For all those women who have been trying to conceive a child and visiting a gynecologist, “When was the first day of your last period?” is one of the most common questions. And there is a reason why this is one of the most pertinent questions. An abnormal menstrual cycle not only hampers a woman’s day-to-day life, but can also impact her ability to become pregnant. At a time when puberty onset threshold in girls have lowered, women are suffering from diseases such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis, and infertility is rampant due to unsuitable lifestyle, keeping a tab on menstrual cycle can tell a lot about a woman’s health, say experts.
“In normal conditions every girl and woman get their periods within every 21 to 35 days,” Dr Smita Vaid, senior consultant, gynaecology at Fortis La Femme said. “The first day marks the beginning of the follicular phase during which follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), a female sex hormone, is released from the brain to stimulate the development of a single dominant follicle containing one egg. As the egg matures, the follicle releases estrogen to stimulates the growth of the uterine lining and the phase concludes with the start of ovulation that marks the beginning of the luteal phase. During this phase, the ovary releases progesterone to matures the lining of the uterus and prepares it for the implantation of an embryo. If pregnancy does not occur, the progesterone level drops and bleeding occurs at the end of an average of 14 days when the luteal phase concludes,” added Dr Smita.
A normal menstrual cycle of 21 to 35 days indicate that ovulation has occurred and that all of the sex hormones are balanced to support natural conception. Long or irregular menstrual cycle continuing for 35 days or more indicate either ovulation is not occurring or is occurring irregularly. A short menstrual cycle occurs in less than 21 days indicating ovulation may not have occurred at all.
EXPERTS SPEAK
A short menstrual cycle occurs in less than 21 days indicating ovulation may not have occurred at all. “It may also indicate that ovaries have fewer eggs than normal and menopause may be approaching,” says experts.
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