What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a process by which your body gets ready for pregnancy (123).
It begins during puberty at around age 9-12 and continues through to menopause (which is the end of menstruation) around the age of 45-50. (123).
The menstrual cycle repeats every month - about every 28-31 days. Since everybody is different, it is completely normal for some people to have longer or shorter menstrual cycles.
An average menstrual cycle usually ranges between 21-35 days (17).
MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS RESOURCES
- 123. Planned Parenthood. Menstruation [Internet]. [place unknown]: Planned Parenthood Federation; c2022 [cited 2022 Jan23]. [LINK]
- 14. Planned Parenthood. How do I use tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups? [Internet]. [place unknown]: Planned Parenthood Federation; c2022 [cited 2022 Jan 22]. [LINK]
- 15. Physical and Health Education Canada. Always changing and growing up #likeagirl female student guide. Always Changing grades 5-6 [document on the internet]. Ottawa; c2020 [2022 Jan 23]. [LINK]
- 16. Mayo Clinic. Toxic shock syndrome [Internet]. [place unknown]: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2020 Mar 18 [cited 2022 Jan 22]. [LINK]
- 17. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. Menstrual cycle basics [Internet]. Ottawa: SOGC; c2022 [cited 2022 Jan 22]. [LINK]