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Menstrual Cycle

What is Really Happening Each Month?

Day 1

The first day of your period is considered day 1 of the menstrual cycle. This occurs after hormone levels drop signaling blood and tissue that line the uterus to break down and shed from the body. Bleeding usually lasts approximately 5 days.

Day 7

Usually by day 7 the bleeding has stopped. Within these 7 days hormones cause fluid filled pockets called follicles to develop on the ovaries. Each of these follicles contain an egg.

Day 7-Day 14

During this time one follicle will continue to develop and reach maturity. The lining of the uterus starts to thicken, waiting for the fertilized egg to implant there. The lining is rich in blood and nutrients.

Day 14

Around day 14 (in a 28 day cycle), hormones cause the mature follicle to burst and release an egg from the ovary, a process called ovulation.

Over the next few days, the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If a sperm unites with the egg here, the fertilized egg will continue down the fallopian tube and attach to the lining of the uterus.

Day 25

If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop around day 25. This signals the next menstrual cycle to begin.

Day 28

The egg will break apart and be shed with the next period around day 28 and menstruation will begin.

From Our Patients

“She is a great doctor, and brings with her a sense of comfort hard to find in other professionals. I’d recommend her to everyone! Thank you, Dr. Akonye, for your dedication.” – Priscilla Terrazas