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Menstrual Cycle

The period from onset of one menstrual bleeding ( MENSTRUATION) to the next in an ovulating woman or female primate.

Recently Answered Questions

Are very heavy periods a sign of cancer?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Heavy bleeding does not usually point to cancer, but it can. Therefore, it's important to visit your gynecologist to determine the cause of your heavy bleeding, and treatment options. There are many treatments beyond traditional hysterectomy that are effective in treating heavy periods.
What happens during the menstrual cycle?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Females of reproductive age (anywhere from 11-16 years) experience cycles of hormonal activity that repeat at about one-month intervals. (Menstru means "monthly"; hence the term menstrual cycle.) With every cycle, a woman's body prepares for a potential pregnancy, whether or not that is the woman's intention. The term menstruation refers to the periodic shedding of the uterine lining. The averag...
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How can I know if I have amenorrhea?
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by Cleveland Clinic
If you miss your period, contact your health care provider. First, he or she will want to know if your period has stopped because of a normal condition such as pregnancy or menopause. (Most women go through menopause in their early 50s.) You will be given a physical and pelvic exam, and will be asked about your medical history. You will also be asked to describe your symptoms. A sample of blood a...
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What is dysmenorrhea?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: "primary" and "secondary." Primary dysmenorrhea is common menstrual cramps. Cramps usually begin one to two years after a woman starts getting her period. Pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen or back and can range from mild to severe. Common menstrual cramps usually become less painful as a woman age...
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What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Aching pain in the abdomen (pain may be severe at times) Feeling of pressure in the abdomen Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs When cramps are severe, symptoms may include: Upset stomach, sometimes with vomiting Loose stool. Learn more about the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
What causes common menstrual cramps?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus (which is a muscle). The uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows, contracts throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pai...
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How can I relieve mild menstrual cramps?
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by Cleveland Clinic
To relieve mild menstrual cramps: Take aspirin or another pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Note: For best relief, you must take ibuprofen as soon as bleeding or cramping starts.) Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen. Rest when needed Avoid foods that contain caffeine Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol Massage your lower back and abdomen. ...
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How does secondary dysmenorrhea cause menstrual cramps?
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by Cleveland Clinic
Menstrual pain from secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a disease in the woman's reproductive organs. Conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include: -Endometriosis - A condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside of the uterus. -Pelvic inflammatory disease - An infection caused by bacteria (a type of germ) that starts in the uterus and can spread...
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How many menstrual periods does the average woman have?
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by Dr. Michael Roizen
Most women will have 350 menses in their lifetimes. Our female ancestors had only about 100 menses, due to constant pregnancy and breastfeeding. This means that therapies that reduce the monthly event might be more natural than we suspect. In theory, this would also reduce the incidence of cancer of the reproductive organs.
Can I cut down on the number of menstrual cycles I have?
2 Expert Answers
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by Dr. Kevin W. Windom
The answer to this question is yes.  There are numerous birth control pill options that you can take and have only 4 menstrual cycles per year as well as there are some birth control pills that you can take continuously and never have a menstrual cycle.  In some medical conditions such as menstrual migraines, endometriosis, or severe pelvic pain with your menstrual cycles, it is advanta...
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