The lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, thickens and then thins over the course of a menstrual cycle and thickens considerably during pregnancy. Embedded in this lining are glands that can secrete a fluid that will help nourish a pregnancy until a placenta is formed.
In a typical menstrual cycle, estrogen made by the maturing ovarian follicle causes the glands to grow and the endometrium to thicken partly through an increased blood supply.
This thickening of the uterine lining is called the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. It can vary in length, generally lasting between six and 20 days. Progesterone, made by the corpus luteum ruptured follicle after the egg is released, stimulates the glands in the endometrium to begin secreting their nourishing substance.
This is the secretory phase of the cycle and is the only time when a fertilized egg can implant in the lining. In the case of irregular periods, it is the proliferative phase that is variable; for example, if you have day cycles, you ovulates on day 14; if you have day cycles, you ovulate on day If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum produces estrogen and progesterone for about 12 days, with the amount lessening in the last few days.
As the estrogen and progesterone levels drop, the tiny arteries bringing blood supply to the endometrium close off. The lining, deprived of nourishment and oxygen, collapses and breaks off starting about 14 days after ovulation. This is menstruation: the menstrual period or flow. Breastfeeding also affects your cycle. At the end of menopause, your cycle stops permanently. Some women will have pain in their belly the lower abdomen. This can be a crampy pain or just a mild ache.
You may have lower backache on its own or with the pain in your belly. The pain can often be stronger on the first day or two of your period and will vary in strength and severity from one women to another. Some women also have a headache or feel very tired just before their period arrives or on the first day.
Mood changes, teariness and easily losing your temper can sometimes be an indicator that you are getting your period, this is referred to as premenstrual syndrome PMS or premenstrual tension PMT. For some women this can be so overwhelming that they are unable to go about their normal lives.
Any symptoms that you find hard to manage should be investigated with your GP. Many women have no symptoms at all. It is not uncommon for women to notice that they have their period only after they have gone to the toilet and found that there is blood on their underpants or on their toilet paper. Even without overwhelming symptoms, some women still find it comforting to simply take time out when they get their period, and cuddle up with a hot water bottle.
Your periods may be heavier at first. However, they usually will lighten over time. If they do not, let your doctor know. The type of hormone you take will depend on whether you want to get pregnant as well as your age. Hormones can be given in different ways. Your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to help make your periods more regular. Hormones also can be given as an injection, as a vaginal cream, or through an IUD that releases hormones. An IUD is a birth control device that is inserted in the uterus.
The hormones in the IUD are released slowly and may control abnormal bleeding. Bleeding may be caused by endometrial hyperplasia. This condition occurs when the lining of the uterus grows too thick. Progesterone can help treat and prevent it. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, may help control heavy bleeding. They also may be used to relieve menstrual cramps. If you have an infection, you will be given antibiotics. Some women may need to have surgery to remove growths such as polyps or fibroids that cause bleeding.
This often can be done with hysteroscopy. Sometimes other techniques are used. Endometrial ablation may be used to control bleeding. This treatment uses electricity, laser, heat, or freezing to destroy the lining of the uterus.
It is intended to stop or reduce bleeding permanently. A woman may not be able to get pregnant after ablation. An endometrial biopsy is needed before ablation is considered. Hysterectomy may be done when other forms of treatment have failed or they are not an option. This is major surgery. Afterward, a woman no longer has periods.
She also cannot get pregnant. Discuss all of your options with your doctor before choosing a treatment. If you are having abnormal bleeding, see your doctor. There is no way to tell why your bleeding is abnormal until your doctor examines you.
Once the cause is found, it often can be treated with success. Close main menu Homepage Encyclopedia. Menstrual Cycle. Birth Control. About Clue. App Store Play Store. Why does a period happen? Yes, yes, but why exactly does a period happen?
Download Clue to track your period and menstrual cycle. What are the baby blues? Gender Equality Why are women and people with cycles underrepresented in health research? The consequences have been dangerous.
0コメント