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Basically, the menstrual cycle have four phases. Menstruation or having your period is the first phase. Each month the uterus prepares for an
embryo by thickening its lining with tissue and blood. When an egg is released without being fertilized, then the uterus will shed this lining
through the small opening of the cervix and passes out of the body through the vagina. The menstrual flow is a mixture made up of blood,
mucus, and body cells. The flow might be red or quite dark, and may include
some clumps or clots. Periods normally last about three to five days.
The second phase is called pre-ovulation phase. This happens after a period ends. At this time the ovaries start to prepare another egg, or
ovum, for release in the fallopian tubes.
Ovulation is the third phase, where the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tubes. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm
cell, it attaches to the uterine wall and a fetus will begin to develop
The ovulation phase typically occurs 14 days before the start of the next period.
The fourth and final phase is the premenstrual phase. If the egg is not fertilized, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed and a new
menstrual cycle starts all over again.
A period may vary every month and differs from one woman to another. It can either be light, moderate, or heavy. Although most menstrual
periods last from three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is still considered normal. However during the first few years after having
menstruation, periods may be very irregular.
Women stop having their periods when they reached menopause, usually around the age of 50. Menopause refers to the stage when a woman is no
longer ovulating or producing eggs. As a result she can no longer become pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause also varies from woman to woman
and may even take some years to occur.
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