Tshwane Women Clinic

Normal Menstrual Cycle After Surgical Abortion | Tshwane women's clinic - Tel. 0127723033/0724877066

The menstrual cycle is the regular and natural changes of the uterus and ovaries in order to prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 + – 3 days. However, menstrual cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days. It can take several months for women to have their normal menstrual cycle after surgical abortion.

 

 

First Period After Surgical Abortion

 

Menstruations are woman’s regular monthly bleeding. Every woman has menstruations from puberty until menopause. The first menstruations usually begin between 12 and 15 years old, while menopause occurs between 45 – 55 years old. The menstrual blood flows from the uterus, through the cervix into the vagina and outside of the human body. Usually menstrual periods last from 3 – 7 days. After surgical abortion, menstrual cycle can range.

 

 

Hormonal Changes After Surgical Abortion

 

Changes that occur during the menstrual cycle are regulated by hormones. The menstrual cycle has three phases:

 

Follicular phase

Ovulation

Luteal phase

 

The follicular phase is also called the proliferative phase. During the follicular phase, the follicles inside of the ovaries mature and get ready to release an egg. This phase is influenced by the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). One of the many follicles that are maturing in the ovaries will continue to maturity. The follicle that has reaches maturity is known as tertiary follicle. This tertiary follicle contains the ovum, which is later released during ovulation.

 

 

First Ovulation After Abortion

 

Ovulation is the second phase of the ovarian cycle in which a mature egg is released into the oviduct. Levels of estrogen get really high a few days before ovulation. This effect is reversed and estrogen stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) in large amounts. The high levels of LH start around the 12th day of the menstrual cycle and may last up to 48 hours. High levels of LH mature the egg, weakens the wall of the follicle and finally the egg gets released. The mature ovum has a diameter of about 0.2 mm. After being released from the ovaries, the egg will travel through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, the egg will disintegrate or dissolve in the fallopian tubes. If the egg is fertilized by spermatozoa it will travel and get implanted into the uterus. Usually it will take about three days for the embryo to reach the uterus and about another three days to implant into the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium).

 

 

Progesterone Level and Blood Loss Amount

 

The last phase of the ovarian cycles is the luteal phase. It is also known as the secretory phase. With the help of FSH and LH hormones, the remaining parts of the dominant follicle will transform into corpus luteum. Corpus luteum produces progesterone. The hormones produced by the corpus luteum also suppress production of the FSH and LH that the corpus luteum needs to maintain itself. When the levels of FSH and LF drop quickly, the corpus luteum atrophies. Falling levels of progesterone will trigger menstruation, as well after surgical abortion. The follicular phase varies among women, while the luteal phase is consistent. Normal amount of blood loss during menstruation is 35 millilitres with. It can vary from 10 to 80 ml after surgical abortion.

 

 

Menstruation Signs and Symptoms

 

Signs and symptoms of menstruation after surgical abortion include:

 

abdominal cramping

pain in the lower pelvis

back pain

headaches

breast tenderness

dizziness

tiredness