Health Tips for March 24

Health Tip: Tracking Ovulation

Women who are trying to get pregnant need to understand their menstrual cycles, especially when they are ovulating.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg that occurs once during each menstrual cycle, in which the egg is ready to be fertilized.

Here is information to help you understand your monthly ovulation cycle, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* A menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next menstrual period.
* A menstrual cycle typically lasts between 28-32 days, but it can be shorter or longer.
* Determine the date of ovulation by calculating the middle of your menstrual cycle -- ovulation typically occurs between day 11 and day 21 of a cycle.
* Ovulation can also be calculated by counting 12 to 16 days before the first day of your next period.

Health Tip: Signs of an Unhealthy Menstrual Cycle

A regular, healthy menstrual cycle is a good indicator of a woman's reproductive health. If you have problems with your period, see your doctor.

Here's a list of warning signs that something may be wrong, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* If you have no menstrual cycle by age 15, or within three years of breast development.
* If you have no period for more than 90 days.
* If you suddenly have irregular periods after having had regular periods consistently.
* If you have periods very often (21 days or less since the prior one) or very infrequently (45 days or more since the prior one).
* If you have periods that last longer than seven days.
* If you have abnormally heavy bleeding, or bleed or spot between periods.
* If you have severe pain, sickness or fever during your period or after using tampons.