Long menstrual cycle. What does a menstrual cycle considered long mean?
Today on your Louloucup blog, we are talking female health and more precisely, period ou ovarian cycle. We had already discussed the different phases of a menstrual cycle together. Are you interested or would you like to rediscover them again? Find our different super complete articles on these different periods governed by the hormones :
In this article, we are more specifically interested in long menstrual cycle. When is a menstrual cycle considered long? What does this imply ? Does a long menstrual cycle have consequences on fertility For example ? Is it harder to get pregnant? What are the causes of a long menstrual cycle ? While the cycles of 28 or 30 days follow one another, why suddenly are the next periods and the next bleeding slow to come? Is it serious to have long cycles?
A menstrual cycle and numbers
We remind you, the menstrual cycle is a process governed by a lot ofhormones in the female body. The life of the feminine and hormonal cycle of women repeats itself tirelessly from puberty to menopause. This is punctuated by different phases which, if there is no fertilization and pregnancy, starts again and again. How does this actually happen?
Periods of 3 to 7 days
Un menstrual cyclel lasts on average (and we emphasize the importance of the word average here) 28 days. The menstrual cycle therefore lasts approximately one month. Quite well-established, the cycle has a beginning, a middle and an end. It starts with menstruation which lasts depending on women, age and many other factors, between Approximately 3 and 7 days.
An ovulatory period of 14 days
After the period or menstruation follows the best period of the cycle, the follicular phase. We are in good shape and we are in good spirits. This ovulatory period stretches until the middle of the cycle and usually lasts fourteen days. The ovarian follicles take time to mature.
Ovulation on the 15th day
THEovulation occurs around the fifteenth day. An ovarian follicle is more mature ( The count ) than the others and manages to free himself and free a oocyte fertilizable. L'estrogen is then at its peak. It is on this date that you have every chance of being pregnant. To find out when you ovulate, you can simply add fifteen days to the date of the first day of your period.
Last 15 days, the luteal phase
Finally, after ovulation, the last phase of the menstrual cycle begins, the luteal or progestin phase. Pre-menstrual symptoms may occur. This period always lasts 14 days. The follicle produces progesterone, which makes it possible to thicken theendometrium (wall of the uterus) in order to facilitate the implantation of a potential future embryo. And yes, nothing is left to chance.
If fertilization and implantation do not occur, the progesterone level then drops, the endometrial wall which had been prepared disintegrates and a new cycle begins again with the appearance of new periods.
The length of the menstrual cycle in question
The length of the menstrual cycle varies. Non-stop ! It is important to be aware of this and not to take the duration of 28 days as an acquired figure on which you must absolutely rely.
Le stress, diet, illness, medication, many external facts can influence the duration of a menstrual cycle.
It is considered short when it lasts less than 21 days. It is considered rather long beyond 35 days.
A long menstrual cycle, what does that imply?
A menstrual cycle that lasts 35 days, 40 days or even 50 days is considered long. If you followed the previous explanations carefully, it is the follicular or ovulatory phase, the phase between periods and ovulation which lasts longer than the 14 days on average. It is during this phase that the body produces the egg which, at ovulation, detaches and waits to be fertilized. In the case of a long cycle, the egg takes longer than average to be produced and ready.
Ovulation does not occur 14 days after the first day of menstruation as in a classic cycle. It is therefore more difficult to know where ovulation is occurring and thus to get pregnant. Ovulation tests or taking your temperature can help you know if you are fertile.
Why are you late ? This can be explained by a simple variation or shift in certain hormones. The mechanism may experience some slowdowns.
Why is ovulation slow in coming and thus lengthening my cycle?
Several reasons are possible:
- stress can disrupt the cycle,
- food,
- anorexia has an impact on the menstrual cycle,
- a psychological shock can disrupt hormonal balance,
- practicing a high-level sport,
- drug treatment,
- PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome or ovarian dystrophy,
- thyroid dysfunction,
- a disruption of hormones,
- contraception,
- an infection or disease affecting the uterus, vagina or tubes.
In short, the causes of a long cycle are very varied.
Long cycle and fertility
You will have understood, the periods of ovulation and the windows where the woman is fertile are much further apart during long cycles. However, women with long cycles are not infertile! Their oocytes would also be of better quality. On the other hand, we must talk about these irregularities and these long cycles in their own right. gynecologist.
My period is late in coming
Do you have more or less well-paced cycles around 28 to 32 days and suddenly your periods are slow to come? You can do a pregnancy test first. Know that the more you stress, the longer your period will come. Have you noticed mood changes, have you suffered from discomfort or pain? Do not hesitate to consult your midwife or gynecologist. It is never trivial.
Our 3 tips for living your periods more peacefully
Your menstrual cycle is long but your period has finally arrived? Here are our three tips for experiencing this particular period of your hormonal and feminine cycle.
A good menstrual routine
Having a good period routine can bring relief to many of us. Have the right products, slow down, take care of yourself and your body but also be more attentive to your abilities. We were talking about it recently, a hot water bottle, a pair of period panties and a little meditation can really make a difference. So take care of yourself!
Impeccable hygiene
Whatever protection you use, it is important to wash well during your period. For your health and for your comfort, conduct a personal hygiene gentle and non-aggressive daily. Water or an intimate product without perfume or alcohol are perfect for washing your intimate area.
Choose durable and washable hygienic protection
A menstrual cup for the day, one pair of period panties for the night, one your swimwear for the swimming pool, today, washable and durable menstrual protection is diverse and varied! You have the choice. The composition is healthy and clear, absorption guaranteed, comfort at the top and the prices are fair. For hassle-free periods, all Louloucup menstrual products are perfect!
Our period panties (teen, large size and postpartum range) are suitable for all menstrual flows. Our menstrual cups are super soft and extremely reliable. Our menstrual swimsuits are perfect for not missing out on an afternoon at the pool with friends.
You're hesitating ? Find our comparison of the best period panties.