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It's a beautiful sunny day. But, you wouldn't know it. You're snippy with practically everyone. Your favorite jeans don't fit you. Oh, and get this there's no more ibuprofen left in the house. These are some of the signs of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that most women, including myself, dread.

Menstruation is a monthly occurrence that affects every woman differently. The menstrual cycle refers to the days between the start of one cycle to the next. Menstrual cycles range from 21 to 45 days for girls and for women it shortens to about 21 35 days. The number of days periods last and the heaviness of the flow vary as well in menstruation.

So, what's actually happening every month in the female reproductive system?

The uterus is in essence preparing for pregnancy. Hormones are released by the brain to trigger the uterus to thicken its walls and increase blood flow. An egg is released from one of the ovaries and begins to make its way to the uterus. If a sperm fertilizes the egg, it attaches to the uterine wall and develops into a baby. When fertilization doesn't occur then menstruation begins which is signified by the shedding of the cushiony uterine lining that was meant to support the developing baby.

Menstruation is a monthly ritual marked by the release of the unfertilized egg, blood and extra layers of the lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle will occur monthly, except during pregnancy, and will continue until menopause decades later.

During menstruation young girls and women may experience cramping pains in their pelvis. Cramps, doctors believe, are caused by prostaglandins which are chemicals that help the muscles of the uterus to contract and shed the lining. Exercise, over-the-counter drugs (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen) or heating pads can be used to minimize the intensity and discomfort associated with cramps.

Acne breakouts which are due to the many hormones during menstruation may become problematic for some adolescents. Fortunately, skin breakouts triggered by menstruation is usually no longer a problem for most adults. The hormonal peaks and dips affect women in many ways which leads me to PMS. Headaches, bloating (due to water retention), mood swings and tender breasts are some of the symptoms attributed to PMS. Knowing when to expect your menstrual cycle helps raise awareness about these signs which may make people around you uneasy and hesitant to interact with you. Exercising, eating right, getting enough sleep and being aware that you're probably upset, angry or depressed because of what's going on with your hormones is a step toward gaining more control over premenstrual syndrome.

So, there you have it, the lowdown on the menstrual cycle. From why women menstruate every month to demystifying why women experience a roller coaster of emotions. Understanding what's going on is a step toward better control over the symptomatic aspects of menses.

Learn more about this author, JL Francis.
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