Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation

Breakdown of the lining of the uterine wall and discharge of blood through the vagina

Menstrual cycle

A series of changes that occurs in the uterine wall and the ovaries and also involves the formation and release of mature ovum

Controlled menstrual cycle

The brain and endocrine

The menstrual cycle

Factors affecting the menstrual cycle

Nutrient intake, abrupt change in body weight and emotional changes

Menstruation phase

The uterine lining breaks down and is discharged together with blood, unfertilised ovum and mucus

Repair phase

Uterine lining starts to rebuild and thicken. Blood vessels in uterine lining are formed and ready to receive the implantation of fertilised ovum

Fertile phase

An ovum is released from the ovary on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle (ovulation)

Premenstrual phase

The uterine lining continues to thicken and becomes richly supplied with blood vessels. Implantation of an embryo is ready if fertilisation occurs

Importance of personal hygiene during menstruation

A menstruating woman is encouraged to bathe frequently to clean her body