Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process in which a woman's body prepares for potential pregnancy. It typically lasts about 28 days but can vary. The cycle is divided into four phases: the menstrual phase (shedding the uterine lining), the follicular phase (the body prepares an egg), ovulation (the release of the egg), and the luteal phase (the body readies for pregnancy). If fertilization doesn’t occur, hormone levels drop, leading to menstruation. This cycle is driven by hormones like estrogen and progesterone and is a vital aspect of female reproductive health.