
If a fertilised egg implants in the lining of the uterus, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, which maintains the thickened lining of the uterus. This causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. The luteal phaseĪfter ovulation, cells in the ovary (the corpus luteum), release progesterone and a small amount of oestrogen. If sperm reaches the egg during this time, you may get pregnant. Once the egg is released, it will survive up to 24 hours. It is possible to get pregnant in the five days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation, but it’s more likely in the three days leading up to and including ovulation. This usually happens once each month, about two weeks before your next period. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from an ovary and moves along a fallopian tube towards your uterus. During this phase, your uterus lining also thickens in preparation for pregnancy. This can happen from day 10 of your cycle. Usually, only one follicle will mature into an egg. The pituitary gland in the brain releases a hormone to stimulate the production of follicles on the surface of an ovary. The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts for 13 to 14 days, ending in ovulation.

Pads and tampons need to be changed regularly (preferably every three to four hours) and menstrual cups should be changed every eight to 12 hours. Sanitary pads, tampons, period underwear or menstrual cups can be used to absorb your period. The average length of a period is three to seven days. Your period contains blood, mucus and some cells from the lining of your uterus. When you menstruate, your uterus lining sheds and flows out of your vagina. Menstruation is commonly known as a period. There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle. Some women might reach menopause as late as 60. In Australia, the average age for women to reach menopause is 51 to 52. In Western countries, the average age for a first period is 12 to 13, but it can start as early as nine and as late as 16. For example, teenagers might have cycles that last 45 days, whereas women in their 20s to 30s might have cycles that last 21 to 38 days. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 to 29 days, but every woman’s cycle is different. Once you start your period, the cycle starts again.Ī menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. If you are not pregnant, your hormones send a signal to your uterus to shed its lining.

The menstrual cycle prepares your body for pregnancy. Talk to your GP (doctor) if you are worried about your period. Some women may experience menstrual problems (e.g. The menstrual cycle has four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. It is a complex cycle controlled by female hormones that cause regular bleeding (periods). The menstrual cycle is a natural process.
