The Sex Organs - The Female Sex Organs

The Menstrual Cycle

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What is the menstrual cycle?
A woman becomes capable of reproduction during puberty and then loses this capacity in her early fifties. However, even in her fertile years she can conceive only during a certain time once a month when one of her ovaries releases an egg. The monthly recurrence of this event, together with other regular body changes, constitute the female reproductive cycle. Its most obvious external sign is menstruation (monthly bleeding). For this reason, the reproductive cycle may also be called menstrual cycle. Indeed, this latter term has the advantage of referring to a concrete experience which is familiar to practically all women, including those who do not reproduce.

First and last menstruation
A girl's first menstruation (gr.: menarche) usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 13. However, the second menstruation may very well be much farther away than just another month. During adolescence, menstrual cycles are rather irregular. It is only later that some definite pattern is established. In a mature woman, menstrual cycles usually last between 28 and 35 days. Still, some irregularity is always possible and quite normal. The irregularity increases again as the woman grows older. Finally, after menopause, her menstruations cease altogether.