Understanding the Normal Menstrual Cycle

Having a period (menstruation) is a normal, healthy part of being a person born with a uterus. It’s also part of the menstrual cycle, a process that makes it possible to become pregnant. The first day of your period is the first day of your menstrual cycle. 

Irregular cycles

If you have irregular cycles, you can become pregnant during bleeding. This may not be a true menstrual period.

An egg is released

Eggs are female reproductive cells stored in the ovaries. During each cycle, the hormones trigger an egg, (usually one), to mature and be released from an ovary. This is called ovulation. The egg then travels from the ovary to a fallopian tube.

The egg travels through a tube

The egg moves through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If sperm are present in the tube, the egg may be fertilized, and pregnancy could result.

The uterine lining grows thicker

The lining of the uterus is made up of blood, tissue, and fluid. During each cycle, hormones cause the lining to thicken. This helps prepare the uterus to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. 

The egg and lining are shed

If pregnancy doesn’t happen, the egg and thickened lining of the uterus are no longer needed. They are then shed through the vagina. This is called a menstrual period.

How long is each cycle?

It's normal for a cycle to take 21 to 34 days. For teens, the time between periods might be as much as 45 days. For adults, it will be around a month from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. That’s why you may hear about a “monthly cycle,” even though cycle length can vary from one month to another, and anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks is normal. Not everyone has a 28-day cycle.

How long does a period last?

It’s normal for a period to last 2 to 7 days. Talk with your healthcare provider if your period lasts longer than 7 days for 2 cycles in a row.