What does your menstrual cycle reveal about your fertility?

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a series of changes your body undergoes each month, where the ovary releases an egg and the uterus prepares for pregnancy. The cycle can be divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.The first day of your period is day 1 of your cycle and the start of the follicular phase. The luteal phase begins after ovulation and continues until the start of the next menstrual period.

Does the length of a menstrual cycle matter?The length of a menstrual cycle is determined by the number of days from the first day of bleeding to the start of the next period. The length of your cycle can be a key indicator of hormonal imbalances and whether or not ovulation occurs in a predictable manner.

Normal menstrual cycle:
Days:24 to 35 days

Cycles of normal length indicate regular ovulation and that all hormones are balanced to support natural conception.

Short menstrual cycle:
Days:Less than 24 days

Shortened cycles can be an indication that the ovaries contain fewer eggs than expected. Alternatively, a short cycle could indicate that ovulation is not occurring. If the blood test confirms this is the case, natural conception may be more difficult.

Long or irregular menstrual cycle:
Days:Over 35 days

Longer cycles are an indicator that ovulation is not occurring, or at least not in a normal way that can make conception difficult.

When menstrual bleeding lasts more than 5-7 days:
Days:Over 7 days

Prolonged bleeding can be a sign of delayed or absent ovulation. Alternatively, there may be something disrupting the lining of the uterus

What if I never have a period?
Days:Rarely or Never

Either ovulation is not happening or there is something blocking menstrual blood flow. The patient will have difficulty conceiving naturally without intervention.If you do not have regular monthly periods, regardless of how long you have been trying to conceive, you should be evaluated by a specialist.