4.6 The Process of Menstruation :

Menstruation is triggered by a small gland located in the base of the brain, called the PITUITARY GLAND, which produces HORMONES (chemicals that act like messengers, traveling in the blood to the ovaries). Inside the body, the reproductive system begins to function.

During each monthly cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg cell (Ova), which is smaller than a grain of mustard. It enters the nearby fallopian tube and travels toward the uterus that has a special lining of blood and tissue, called the ENDOMETRIUM.

If the ova does not get fertilized due to the absence of male SPERM, so the lining & ova get dissolved and finally flow out of the uterus, through the cervix and through the vagina and out of the vaginal opening, as the MENSTRUAL FLOW. The flow stops, when the lining is completely removed from the uterus.

Menstrual flow is not only made up of blood but also fluids and tissues. However, if your period lasts more than a week or it is always heavy and contains large clots, then check with the gynecologist.

The no. of days when the menstrual flow is leaving the uterus are called the PERIOD, which usually lasts from 4 to 5 days. The length of each menstrual period & the amount of menstrual flow varies from girl to girl.