Health Articles

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in women of reproductive age, typically from puberty to menopause. Understanding your cycle can help you recognize what's normal for your body, identify potential health issues, and plan for pregnancy if desired.

The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)

This phase begins on the first day of your period. The uterus sheds its lining through the vagina, which appears as menstrual bleeding that typically lasts 3-7 days. Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest during this phase.

Common experiences: cramps, fatigue, mood swings, bloating. Some women experience minimal discomfort, while others may have more severe symptoms.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)

This phase overlaps with menstruation and ends with ovulation. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates ovarian follicles to mature. One follicle will become dominant and prepare to release an egg.

Estrogen levels rise as the follicle develops, causing the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for potential pregnancy.

Common experiences: increasing energy, improved mood, clearer skin as estrogen rises.

3. Ovulation (Day 14)

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the dominant follicle to release its egg. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the next period (not necessarily day 14 of the cycle).

The egg travels down the fallopian tube where it may be fertilized by sperm. The egg survives for about 12-24 hours after ovulation.

Common experiences: mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz), increased cervical mucus (clear and stretchy), slight rise in basal body temperature.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

After releasing the egg, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone drops, and menstruation begins.

Common experiences: premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, and food cravings in the days before menstruation.

Tracking Your Cycle

Monitoring your menstrual cycle can provide valuable health insights. Consider tracking:

• Start and end dates of your period
• Flow intensity (light, medium, heavy)
• Physical symptoms (cramps, headaches, breast tenderness)
• Emotional changes
• Basal body temperature (rises after ovulation)
• Cervical mucus changes

Many apps are available to help track these details. Our Period Tracker tool can help predict your cycle patterns.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Periods that are very heavy (soaking through a pad/tampon every hour)
• Periods that last longer than 7 days
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• No period for 90 days (without pregnancy)
• Sudden changes in your cycle pattern
• Bleeding between periods or after sex

The prostate is a small gland that plays an important role in male reproductive health. Located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, it surrounds the urethra and produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate health becomes increasingly important as men age. After about age 50, many men experience prostate changes that can affect urinary function and overall quality of life.

Common Prostate Conditions

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects about 50% of men by age 60 and 90% by age 85. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra and cause urinary symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

2. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, which may be caused by infection or other factors. It can occur at any age but is most common in men under 50.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Pain in the groin, lower back, or genital area
• Flu-like symptoms (with bacterial prostatitis)

3. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men (after skin cancer). It typically grows slowly and may not cause symptoms initially. When symptoms occur, they may resemble BPH symptoms.

Risk factors include:

• Age (risk increases after 50)
• Family history of prostate cancer
• African-American ethnicity
• Obesity

Prostate Health Maintenance

Several lifestyle factors may support prostate health:

Diet

• Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes (lycopene), cruciferous vegetables, and berries
• Choose healthy fats like omega-3s from fish
• Limit red meat and high-fat dairy products
• Consider green tea and soy products

Exercise

Regular physical activity may help maintain prostate health and reduce BPH symptoms. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

Regular Check-ups

Men should discuss prostate screening with their doctor starting at age 50 (or earlier if at high risk). Screening may include:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty urinating or painful urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Persistent pain in back, hips, or pelvis
• Erectile dysfunction