The length of menstrual cycle differs in all women some taking longer or shorter than others.

The menstrual cycle is actually a process of body changes that take place in women' bodies. The length of menstrual cycle is normally 28 days but this varies depending on other factors. The length of the menstrual cycle can be anywhere between 20 and 40 days. However, when they go beyond 6 weeks, they are termed unusual. The length of the menstrual cycle may change with age during adolescents and as women approach menopause. Weight change, emotional distress, traveling, excess physical activity are also some factors that can make the cycle irregular.

The day the woman menstruates is normally the first day of the cycle. The length of menstrual cycle usually occurs in phases; the follicular, ovulation, luteal and the menstruation.

The follicle-stimulating hormone is released from the pituitary gland on the first day of menstruation. 10-20 follicles develop in the ovary. The follicles then produce oestrogen which causes thickening of the uterus in preparation for the embedding of a fertilized egg. One of these follicles matures and becomes the ovum. The length of this phase will vary depending on the ovulation.

The increase in oestrogen levels in the follicular phase makes the gonadotropin hormone to be produced and hence, the pituitary glands will produce the LH and FSH hormones. Ovulation is the release of the ovum from either one of the ovaries. Through the fallopian tube, the egg gets to the uterus. It waits here to be fertilized by a sperm, if this does not happen within 6-24 hours, it disintegrates.

At luteal, the remnants of the follicle from where the egg was formed develops into the corpus luteum. This produces the progesterone hormones and oestrogen which cause the uterus to thicken further. When fertilization fails to happen, the progesterone levels go down as the corpus luteum declines causing disintegration of the uterus' lining. At this stage women may experience tender breasts, bloating, fluid retention, mood swings, feelings of anxiety, and sadness among other symptoms that are not common to all women.

Menstruation then occurs when the lining breaks down. This comes out through the vagina as blood. The menstrual flow normally lasts for; 3 to 7 days.

Girls normally get their first menstrual flow between the ages of 11 and 14 years. During this period of adolescents the girls usually undergo other physical changes together with the menstruation.

For most women however, menstruation comes as a relief since they are confident that their bodies are functioning normally.