Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

The purpose of a menstrual cycle is to bring an ovum to
maturity and renew a uterine tissue bed that will be
responsive to its growth should it be fertilized.
The average age of onset of menstrual cycles is 21 to 35
days.The accepted average length is 28 days.The length of
the average menstrual flow is 1-9 days and the average
length is 5 days.Amount of flow is from spotting to 80 ml on
average.
Four body structures that are involved in the normal
physiology of the menstrual cycle are:
- The hypothalamus
- The pituitary gland
- The ovaries and
- The uterus.
- Cervix
For a menstrual cycle to be complete, all four structures must
contribute their part, in activity from any part will result in an
incomplete or ineffective cycle.
Some women have symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, abdominal
bloating, headache, appetite disturbance, irritability and
depression in pre-manustural period. Some women may
experience abdominal pain during ovulation and the release of
accompanying prostaglandins. Some even notice irritation
when a drop or two of follicular fiuid or blood spills in to the
abdominal cavity.
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