MC Full Form

Menstrual cycle or periods is commonly known by the acronym MC. The menstrual cycle is a biological phase in women when they attain puberty. The menstrual cycle is primarily seen in human females. It occurs in mammals mostly. However, not all female mammals need to menstruate like humans. Mammals other than humans have estrous cycles. During this time, they ovulate and mate with males to produce offspring. 

The onset of the menstrual cycle in females when they attain puberty is called menarche. It is the first occurrence of periods. This happens between the ages of 11-18 in females. Most females menstruate till the age of fifty. After that, periods stop. This is known as menopause.

The process of menstruation

When females attain puberty, due to hormonal reaction, the ovaries produce mature eggs, known as ovums. These ovums, through the fallopian tubes, are released into the uterus. During this time, the uterine walls are tightened so that eggs can be attached. In case fertilization occurs, the embryo is produced. If fertilization does not occur, then the ovum with the lining of the uterine wall sheds, and blood is released from the vagina. This menstrual bleeding occurs for three to five days every month. The menstrual cycle is of 28 to 35 days on average. However, not all women need to menstruate. This can be because of several hormonal imbalances. Irregular periods can be due to polycystic ovary syndrome. It occurs when the ovary fails to mature ovums.

The process of the menstrual cycle is divided into phases

1. The menses phase

If fertilization has not occurred, the lining of the uterus sheds, and it bleeds through the vagina. These are menses phases. The phase is seen by bleeding for three to five days. With the first day of bleeding, the menstrual cycle begins. Most women face cramps and bloating during the menses.

2. Follicular phase

Between the sixth to the fourteenth day, the follicle-stimulating hormones lead to the growth of follicles in the ovaries to produce mature ovums. During the follicular phase, the estrogen hormone causes the uterine wall to thicken.

3. Ovulation phase

During the fourteenth day of the cycle, the luteinizing hormone causes the mature ovum to be released from the ovaries.

4. Luteal phase

The 15th and 17th day of the menstrual cycle is the most fertile period for women to conceive. The egg is released from the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The progesterone prepares the uterine wall for pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the progesterone and estrogen levels drop. Before the periods begin and after it ends, women have mood swings and irritability; this is called the pre or post-menstrual syndrome.

Here are the common symptoms that occur during the menstrual cycle

1. Moodiness

Due to hormonal changes, women face mood swings before and after the periods. Mood swings also occur when women are nearing their menopause phase.

2. Acne

Due to lifestyle changes and hormonal fluctuations, women have minor to severe acne breakouts during the periods. Hence, gynecologists recommend a healthy diet to reduce the chances of acne breakouts.

3. Cramps

As the uterine line contracts to release blood flow, women experience cramps on their lower pelvis and back. Cramps are experienced differently amongst women. It is recommended that a fit lifestyle and applying hot water bags reduce the pain of cramps.

4. Bloating

During periods, due to the high estrogen level, water gets retained in the body. This makes women feel bloated. Having salty and spicy food aggravates bloating. Hence, it is better to have supple and light food to reduce bloating and discomfort during the periods.

5. Food cravings

During periods, women have cravings. This is because the body is devoid of those nutrients. The fluctuating progesterone and estrogen levels also lead women to crave sugary foods. To deal with the cravings in a healthy manner, women can eat yogurt, nuts, fruits ,and dark chocolate. This fills the body with energy, magnesium, and iron to enrich the body with lost nutrients.