Menstruation 101A crash course on everything you need to know about “Aunt Flo”

What is menstruation??The process of shedding the

lining of the uterus (endometrium)

This is the body’s way of preparing the female for pregnancy each month

When fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining is not needed because there is no pregnancy. Therefore the lining sheds

Menstrual CycleThe average is 28 days, but ranges from 21-35

daysDays 1-5 are when a female has her periodAfter the period, an ovum is matured in the ovaryThe uterine lining builds up blood and tissueThe mature ovum is released

If fertilized, it attaches to the uterine lining If not fertilized, lining breaks down & there’s another period

Create your own Menstrual Cycle

How to create your menstrual cycle:Use info in book, pg 25You can make a pie chart, calendar, graph,

etc to represent the menstrual cycleUse an average 28 day cycle. Include:

Days 1-5Days 6-11Days 12-16Days 17-28

Days to Remember

Life span of egg:Up to 48 hours(2 days)

Life span of

sperm:Up to 5

days

Days: 1-5 -Menstruation/bleeding occurs; uterine lining

sheds6-11 -Levels of estrogen rise

-Uterine lining thickens (becomes sponge-like)8-18 -Days MOST likely to get pregnant12-16 -Ovulation: egg cell is released from ovary17-28 -Progesterone levels rise to prepare for

implantation of egg19-28 -Days LEAST likely to get pregnant25 -Hormone levels drop if egg is not fertilized;

triggers next menstrual cycle

Menstruation Fact

Want to relieve your period cramps? Regular exercise can help when a heating pad doesn't do the trick. Physical activity can give you more energy, reduce cramps, and help you feel better.