Menstruaaltsüklite
Menstruaaltsüklite refers to the cyclical changes that occur in a woman's reproductive system each month, preparing the body for a potential pregnancy. This process is regulated by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. The cycle typically begins with menstruation, also known as a period, where the uterine lining is shed if pregnancy has not occurred. This phase is usually marked by bleeding that lasts for several days. Following menstruation, the follicular phase begins, during which an egg matures in one of the ovaries. Around the middle of the cycle, ovulation occurs, releasing the mature egg into the fallopian tube. If fertilization by sperm takes place, the egg implants in the uterus, leading to pregnancy. If fertilization does not happen, the egg degenerates, and the uterine lining breaks down, initiating the next menstrual period. The length of a menstrual cycle can vary significantly from person to person, but an average cycle is about 28 days. Irregularities in the cycle can be influenced by factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and underlying medical conditions.