Back

Facts for Kids

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structure of the female reproductive system that prepares the body for pregnancy and enables menstruation when pregnancy doesn't occur.

Overview

Hormonal Regulation

Menstrual Disorders

Menstruation And Health

Menstrual Cycle Variability

Phases Of The Menstrual Cycle

Physical Symptoms And Changes

Cultural Perspectives On Menstruation

Menstrual Products And Sustainability

Impact Of Lifestyle On The Menstrual Cycle

main image

Inside this Article

Did you know?

๐Ÿฉท The menstrual cycle usually starts around age 12, but can vary for each person.

๐ŸŒป It typically lasts about 28 days, but can be shorter or longer.

๐ŸŒผ The menstrual cycle has four main phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal.

๐ŸŽ‰ During menstruation, the body sheds the uterine lining if pregnancy doesn't happen.

๐Ÿค“ Estrogen and progesterone are the main hormones that help control the menstrual cycle.

๐ŸŒˆ Hormonal changes play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle's proper functioning.

โœจ Every person's menstrual cycle is unique and can vary in length and symptoms.

๐Ÿšดโ€โ™€๏ธ Common physical symptoms during the cycle may include cramps, fatigue, and mood swings.

๐ŸŽ Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you understand your body's patterns and health.

๐ŸŒฟ Sustainable products like menstrual cups can help reduce waste during menstruation.

Introduction

The menstrual cycle is an amazing process that happens in the bodies of people with a uterus, usually starting around age 12! ๐Ÿฉท

This cycle typically lasts about 28 days, but it can be shorter or longer for some. During this time, the body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy. If a person doesn't become pregnant, the body sheds the lining of the uterus, which is called menstruation. This is often called their period, and it usually lasts from 3 to 7 days. The cycle includes several important steps that help the body stay healthy! ๐ŸŒป

Read Less

Hormonal Regulation

Hormones are chemicals in our bodies that help control lots of important processes, including the menstrual cycle. The main hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone. ๐Ÿค“

At the beginning of the cycle, estrogen helps to build up the uterine lining. During ovulation, a surge in hormones causes the egg to be released. Afterwards, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining in case the egg is fertilized. If a pregnancy doesnโ€™t happen, hormone levels drop, and the cycle starts again! These hormonal changes are crucial for the menstrual cycle to work properly! ๐ŸŒˆ

Read Less

Menstrual Disorders

Sometimes, people can experience menstrual disorders, which can make their periods irregular or painful. ๐Ÿฅบ

Examples include conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis. PCOS can cause irregular periods and hormone imbalances, while Endometriosis involves tissue similar to the uterus lining growing outside of it, leading to pain. If someone experiences severe pain or unusual cycles, itโ€™s important to talk to a doctor. With help and support, many people can manage these disorders and lead healthy lives! Remember, youโ€™re not alone in this! ๐ŸŒผ

Read Less

Menstruation And Health

Menstruation is a natural part of many peopleโ€™s lives, and it can also be an important indicator of health! ๐ŸŽ

Regular periods can mean that the body is healthy, but irregular or painful cycles may signal a need for a doctorโ€™s help. Tracking your cycle can help you notice any changes and understand your body better. Eating nutritious foods, exercising, and managing stress can help maintain a healthy cycle. Remember, itโ€™s always good to talk to adults or healthcare professionals about any concerns regarding menstruation and health! โค

๏ธ
Read Less

Menstrual Cycle Variability

Did you know that every person's menstrual cycle is unique? ๐ŸŒ

Some people have cycles that last 21 days while others might have cycles that last 35 days or more. This is normal! Factors like age, health, and even stress can affect the length of the cycle. Girls often have irregular cycles when they first start menstruating, but they usually become more regular over time. Also, some days can feel different; some may feel tired, and others can feel energetic! Embracing these differences is important for understanding our bodies! โœจ

Read Less

Phases Of The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle has four main phases which are: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. ๐ŸŒผ

The menstrual phase is when menstruation occurs and the body sheds the uterine lining. During the follicular phase, the body prepares for ovulation and small sacs in the ovaries called follicles mature. Then, ovulation occurs when an ovum (egg) is released from the ovary and is ready to meet a sperm. Lastly, in the luteal phase, the body gets ready for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining again! Each phase plays a key role in a healthy cycle. ๐ŸŽ‰

Read Less

Physical Symptoms And Changes

During the menstrual cycle, your body goes through many physical changes! ๐Ÿค—

Some common symptoms include abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Many people also experience bloating, fatigue, or headaches. The reasons for these feelings stem from hormonal changes and the shedding of the uterine lining. Itโ€™s good to talk about how you feel with someone you trust because it helps us understand that these changes are normal! Activities like gentle exercise and staying hydrated can help ease some of these symptoms. ๐Ÿšด

โ€โ™€๏ธ
Read Less

Cultural Perspectives On Menstruation

Many cultures around the world have different traditions and beliefs about menstruation. ๐ŸŒ

In some societies, it's celebrated as a sign of growing up and becoming women, while others might consider it a taboo topic! For example, in some parts of India, there are special ceremonies for girls when they first get their periods. On the other hand, some cultures might restrict activities during menstruation. Understanding these perspectives helps us respect and learn from each other, as all cultures have their unique ways of celebrating this important life process! ๐ŸŽŠ

Read Less

Menstrual Products And Sustainability

There are different products people use during their periods, such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. ๐ŸŒฟ

Pads and tampons are disposable, but they can create a lot of waste. Menstrual cups, however, are reusable and can be more environmentally friendly! ๐ŸŒŽ

Many companies are now focusing on making eco-friendly products to help reduce waste. It's important to find a product that feels comfortable and suits an individual's needs. By choosing sustainable options, we can help take care of our planet while taking care of ourselves! ๐ŸŒ

Read Less

Impact Of Lifestyle On The Menstrual Cycle

Did you know that your lifestyle choices can affect your menstrual cycle? ๐Ÿƒ

โ€โ™€๏ธ Things like diet, sleep, and exercise play an important role! Eating healthy foods with lots of fruits and vegetables can help keep your body balanced. Getting enough sleep and staying active can also reduce symptoms during menstruation. On the contrary, stress can lead to irregularities, so finding ways to relax, like reading or spending time with friends, is essential! Every positive change can support a healthy cycle and make you feel better overall! ๐ŸŒป

Read Less

Menstrual Cycle Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a โ€œChallengeโ€ on DIY?
What is a โ€œCourseโ€ on DIY?
What are โ€œSkillsโ€ on DIY?
What if I'm new to all thisโ€”where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraftโ„ข, Mojang, Microsoft, Robloxโ„ข or YouTube. LEGOยฎ is a trademark of the LEGOยฎ Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.