THE FEMALE ATHLETE: HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND PERFORMANCE Understanding your menstrual cycle: What’s normal, what’s not? The Basics Menarche Occurrence of a girl’s first menstrual period. Menstrual cycle A monthly cycle of changes in female-sex hormones that prepare the body for pregnancy. Menstrual period Release of the internal lining of the uterus through the vagina (menstruation & menses). Figure (below): Fluctuations in female sex-hormone concentrations over one menstrual cycle 1.2 120 FOLLICULAR PHASE LUTEAL PHASE 1.0 100 0.8 80 0.6 60 0.4 40 PERIOD 0.2 20 0.0 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 Is my menstrual cycle ‘normal’? Menstrual cycles vary, but are on average: First period Cycle length Period duration Menstrual flow/fluid 11-14 years 25-35 days 4-7 days 30-60 mL Do I have a problem? Have you noticed any of these symptoms? CONDITION ABNORMAL SYMPTOMS Amenorrhea No period by age 15 years or Absence of menstrual period for 3 months Oligomenorrhea Periods do not occur on a regular basis Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Fluid retention, headache, fatigue, and irritability Dysmenorrhea Painful periods Menorrhagia Heavy menstrual flow i.e., >7 days or needing to change a super pad/tampon more frequently than every 2 h Should I see a doctor? Schedule an appointment with your GP if: You have any questions about your general health or menstrual cycle You think you are pregnant Your period is not normal or you are experiencing abnormal symptoms You get very anxious or depressed If your period affects your daily activities, training, and/or competitions ?? For more information about this infographic, please contact: Content - Clare Minahan, [email protected], Designer - Bianca Cattelini, [email protected].