Menstrual cycle

Irregular Menstrual Cycle: A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days and the menstrual period can last from 2 to 7 days. Anytime that bleeding occurs outside of this regular cycle it is called an irregular menstrual cycle. If periods are suddenly occurring between two expected periods in the cycle, if the periods are either too early or too late, it can be called irregular. Similarly, there may be a total absence of periods, or a skipping of one or more.

Irregular menstrual cycle can have various causes, the most common of which is hormone imbalances generally at the beginning, or the end, of her menstrual life. Other reasons may be pregnancy, sudden gain or loss of weight; sudden and heavy exercise, stress, illness, or medications. There can be many other causes of prolonged irregularity, including polyps of the cervix or uterus, fibroids, side effects of birth control pills, and so on.

Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy: The menstrual cycle and pregnancy are subjects that every woman should really understand as the understanding of the interrelation is vital to a woman’s wellbeing. The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of your period to the first day of the next one. After the period is over, the lining of the uterus begins to thicken in anticipation of ovulation and fertilization. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from one of the ovarian follicles. It is generally quite regular and occurs, around the 14th day of a 28-day cycle. Knowing the time of ovulation can aid in getting pregnant since it is usually the most fertile time of a woman’s cycle and therefore the best time to try for a baby.

A menstrual calculator or chart can easily tell you when that is. However, menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman. Constantly irregular periods can mean irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all. Up to 50 percent of healthy women’s occasionally irregular cycles are no cause for concern, but if you are consistently irregular, find out more about menstrual cycle and pregnancy, or see your doctor.

Menstrual Cycle Calendar: The menstrual cycle calendar is designed for the average woman, with a more or less regular cycle, and helps you keep track of your cycle and pregnancy. The calendar can help you calculate your ovulation date, figure out how long you have before your next period, and in short gives you all the information you may need.

The menstrual cycle calendar can be a help to you in your efforts at getting pregnant or in planning events. It can tell you when to postpone your event for an expected period. Or you can choose to ask your doctor how to stop your period temporarily.

Missed Period in a Menstrual Cycle: When you have either a late period or missed period in a menstrual cycle it could be a sign of something being out of normal. There ca be different reasons for a missed or late period but if it persists, for more than one cycle, see your doctor.

Almost the first noticeable sign of pregnancy is a missed period in a menstrual cycle. But a missed period alone does not necessarily denote pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test even if you have been using contraception. The test will rule out one of the possible causes.

If you are not pregnant, it could be due to recent illness, sudden gain or loss of a significant amount of weight, excessive stress levels or new medications. Certain kinds of birth control pills, like Depo-Provera and Norplant, can cause menstrual cycle disturbances.