Why is the uterus enlarged before menstruation?

Even in adolescence, girls begin their first periods; it is from this age that the general condition of the uterus should be monitored. If the organ begins to increase in size, then the reason lies not only in the imminent period, but also in pregnancy or the presence of illness. It is recommended to undergo an examination by a gynecologist once every six months, since an increase in the size of the uterus may indicate the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, cancer and much more. If you ignore such symptoms, the consequences can be very dire.

In the female body, many vital signs are directly dependent on the level of hormones, often affecting the uterus in the run-up to menstruation. If we talk about hormones, then when menstruation approaches, only three of them can have an effect. First of all, this is, of course, progesterone; during menstruation, its level increases significantly. High levels of the hormone promote fluid retention and accumulation of nutrients in the uterus. Blood accordingly begins to be retained due to fluid accumulation. Secondly, estrogen and serotonin, on the contrary, decrease during this period, which leads to an increased craving for sweets and a constant feeling of hunger. It is these three hormones that lead to an increase in the size of the uterus.

What contributes to changes in organ size

The onset of a certain phase of the menstrual cycle occurs under the influence of hormones. During the premenstrual period, the concentration of the hormone progesterone increases in a woman’s blood. At the same time, there is a decrease in the production of estrogen and serotonin.

The effect of progesterone on the state of the organ

In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of progesterone in the blood of women increases. This hormone prepares the female organ to receive a fertilized egg. During this period, fluid retention occurs in the body tissues, and most of the nutrients enter the uterus. This factor is explained by the fact that at first, until the placenta is formed, the fertilized egg receives nutrition from it.

That is why, before critical days, the organ begins to enlarge. Thanks to progesterone, the endometrial layer becomes thicker and more loose. A woman may notice an enlarged abdomen, which is associated with fluid retention, which accumulates mainly in its lower part. Fluid is necessary to retain blood from the reproductive organ.

Before menstruation, women may have increased cravings for sweets and starchy foods. The desire to eat another candy or cake is explained by the fact that during this period the production of estrogen and serotonin decreases, which can also affect changes in the size of the uterus.

If the egg is not fertilized and pregnancy does not occur, menstruation occurs, during which the organ gets rid of the endometrium and other “cargo” that becomes a burden for it.

However, the uterus may enlarge as a result of other reasons;

• Pregnancy. In this case, the reasons for its increase are the same as before menstruation. Only in this case, it does not get rid of excess “cargo” by rejecting the endometrium and releasing it out along with menstrual flow, but nourishes the fertilized egg.
• Gynecological diseases. These include various benign neoplasms, for example, fibroids, as well as endometriosis. Therefore, if the uterus has not returned to its normal size after the end of menstruation, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

It should be noted that nulliparous women have a smaller uterus than those who have given birth.

What changes occur in the cervix during the cycle?

Along with menstrual bleeding, the endometrium comes out of the woman’s uterine cavity. Afterwards it is replaced by a new layer, and the egg matures in the ovaries. A woman’s menstrual cycle is divided into 2 periods due to ovulation, during which a corpus luteum is formed in the ruptured follicle. The corpus luteum is a special gland that produces progesterone, the motherhood hormone. If conception does not occur during the ovulation period, the process of preparation for a new cycle begins.

You can feel the cervix by inserting your middle finger into the vaginal canal. At its end there is a tubercle - up to 3 cm in diameter; in its center there is the cervical canal, or, more precisely, its external pharynx. The organ ensures the removal of blood, sperm and other fluids. The secret prevents the development of infectious and inflammatory processes.

What happens before menstruation

How many days does it take for the uterus to enlarge before menstruation? The average woman's menstrual cycle lasts from 28 to 35 days. It increases in the ovulatory phase, when the organ is preparing to receive an egg, that is, approximately on the 14th day of the cycle. An enlarged uterus before menstruation is normal and should not cause alarm.

The approach of critical days is indicated by the softened neck of the organ, which during this period opens slightly. However, this factor can only be noticed in women who have carried and given birth to a baby. Therefore, when examining a patient, the doctor can easily determine whether she has given birth or not. When menstruation ends, the cervix closes, but in women who have experienced the joy of motherhood, it may not close completely.

Some women use a self-diagnosis method to determine or exclude the presence of pregnancy. To do this, the middle finger is inserted into the vagina, which easily rests on the cervix. Before menstruation, the cervix straightens and drops slightly into the vagina. At the same time, there is a noticeable depression in it, which is the entrance to the cervical canal.

If before the critical days the cervix is ​​hard and remains difficult to reach for self-diagnosis, this may indicate pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, the uterus remains firm, allowing it to hold the fetus. It acquires a loose structure only just before childbirth.

What a woman should always pay attention to

Not everyone experiences toxicosis in the first months of pregnancy, and one pregnancy can be very different from another. However, in some cases, women note the appearance of irritating odors, a feeling of rejection of specific products, or, conversely, strange taste preferences. which had not been observed before. Any of these signs may indicate pregnancy.

It is already clear that the symptoms of menstruation and pregnancy are extremely similar. However, if you feel unusual pain in the lower abdomen, you should consult a specialist for advice.

A slight increase in temperature can tell a woman about the onset of pregnancy or the appearance of a sluggish inflammatory process.

Scanty flow: if you have not previously noticed the appearance of light periods, and during your cycle you had unprotected sexual intercourse, then you should consult a gynecologist, since scanty bleeding can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Pain in the mammary glands, increase in volume and swelling may indicate both menstruation and pregnancy. The appearance of colostrum secreted from the nipples will tilt the diagnosis in favor of the latter. However, breast pain in a specific area, combined with discharge from the nipples, against the background of excluding pregnancy, is a reason for an urgent visit to a mammologist, since such symptoms may indicate oncology.

All of the above has one big amendment: each organism has its own individuality. If you cannot determine exactly what signs are bothering you, buy a pharmacy test. If your schedule is delayed and you suspect you are pregnant, you can contact a gynecologist who will examine you and prescribe the appropriate tests. However, in most cases, a woman intuitively determines the presence of pregnancy better than any tests or analyses.

What happens during menstruation

How long it takes for an organ to enlarge before the onset of menstruation depends on many factors. However, in any healthy woman, before her menstrual period, the uterus not only increases, but also decreases.

Just as in the ovulatory phase, the cervical canal of the organ’s neck expands, opening the pharynx slightly. This is characterized by the need to clear the passage for the free release of menstrual fluid containing endometrial particles and blood clots.

In young women who have not yet had to bear a child, there is a physiological feature that consists in the bending of the cervix towards the sacrum. If a woman has already given birth, her reproductive organ does not have this feature, and therefore such ladies endure menstrual periods much easier, since contractions of the uterus, which gets rid of the “load,” do not cause them severe pain.

Endometriosis and fibroids

Another reason that the uterus increases in size excessively before menstruation may be endometriosis. Most often, this pathology is observed in women who have given birth and have hormonal problems. With endometriosis, endometrial particles can be found in neighboring tissues and organs, which should not normally be the case, and this is due to the penetration of menstrual blood into the pelvic cavity.

The cause of a strong increase may be fibroids, which is a benign formation in the uterine cavity. Myoma is removed surgically, especially if it is large.

We looked at why the uterus enlarges before menstruation.

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What happens after menstruation

After the endometrium that is not needed is completely rejected and brought out, menstrual flow stops and the cervix closes. At this time, hormonal changes occur again in the female body, during which preparations for the subsequent reception of the egg occur.

At this phase of the menstrual cycle, the uterus rises again, and its inner walls are gradually overgrown with a layer of endometrium. During this period, it takes on normal sizes, and its increase may indicate pregnancy and various pathologies.

Measures to prevent gynecological diseases

During the period of menstrual flow, the uterus becomes most vulnerable to the development of infectious diseases. This is facilitated by the openness of her cervix and microflora. Therefore, on critical days, the following rules should be observed with particular care:

• refuse sexual intercourse, in particular unprotected;
• wash after each act of defecation and when changing pads;
• do not perform vaginal douching procedures;
• stop using intimate chemicals, including gels and creams;
• refuse to visit the bathhouse, swimming pool and other public places that require water procedures.

Failure to comply with these rules can lead to the development of serious pathologies requiring medical intervention.

Shortly before the start of menstruation, many women notice that the stomach has become larger, and pressure and heaviness are felt in its lower part. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is a change in the size of the uterus. This is a natural process that does not require correction, but it can also be caused by pathological reasons. Knowing what happens in the body during menstruation, it will be easier to understand why the uterus enlarges before menstruation.

Uterus before and during menstruation

The meaning of the menstrual cycle is preparation for conceiving a child. One of the most important roles in this matter belongs to the uterus - a special female organ designed to bear a baby. Throughout the entire cycle, changes occur in it due to the influence of hormones.

In gynecological practice, the beginning of the cycle is considered to be the first day of menstrual bleeding. During menstruation, the uterus is freed from fragments of dead endometrium, blood, small vessels and excess fluid.

After the discharge is complete, preparations for conception begin anew.

Under the influence of hormones, several important processes occur simultaneously - the egg matures in the ovaries, and the uterine cavity prepares to receive the embryo. To do this, the inner surface of the organ “grows” the endometrium - a special layer designed to secure and nourish the embryo. In the second half of the cycle, it becomes soft and loose - this is provided by nature to facilitate the attachment of a fertilized egg.

The placenta begins to form only after implantation of the embryo, and it will need nutrition from the first days. Therefore, every month in the female reproductive organ, blood circulation is activated and nutrients (glycogen) accumulate. They are necessary to provide the embryo with energy during the first time after conception. This is why the uterus enlarges before the onset of menstruation. Another reason is the accumulation of fluid in the body under the influence of progesterone (in the second half of the cycle).

If fertilization does not occur, then a few days before menstruation, the inner lining layer begins to gradually die off. During menstruation, the endometrium will be completely shed and expelled in the form of bloody discharge, mucus and clots. After this, the organ will return to its normal size and a new cycle will begin.

These are natural reasons why the uterus is enlarged before menstruation. Also, a change in size can be caused by pregnancy or a gynecological disease.

How many days does it take for the uterus to enlarge before menstruation?

If the increase occurs for natural physiological reasons, then it becomes noticeable by the time the egg is released - during this period conception is possible. This happens around the middle of the menstrual cycle. Since the hormonal background of each woman is individual, it is not possible to name a specific day. Enlargement of the uterus can be noticeable 1-2 weeks before the start of menstruation.

During this period of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of progesterone in the blood increases, under its influence the body retains more fluid. Due to the accumulation of water in the tissues, the uterus can continue to grow after ovulation.

Uterus before menstruation - dimensions

A smooth and dense cervix before the start of a new cycle indicates the absence of pathologies - this is the norm. During the period of ovulation, it has a looser structure and increased softness so that sperm can easily penetrate through the cervical canal.

Uterus size parameters include anterior size, length and width. The cervix and endometrial thickness are measured separately and this is done through ultrasound. Measurements of the body of the uterus are made in the sagittal plane, and its width in the transverse position. The accuracy of the sizes depends on how the ultrasound is performed - with the transabdominal method, the indicators may be slightly increased.

It is important to know how many weeks the uterus enlarges before menstruation.

Changes in the organ can be noticeable 1–2 weeks before the start of menstruation.

What contributes to changes in organ size

During the natural course of the menstrual cycle, the uterus enlarges before menstruation under the influence of hormones - estrogen and progesterone. The first is responsible for the formation of the endometrium in the first half of the cycle, the second is responsible for the accumulation of fluid.

When menstruation occurs, the uterus returns to its normal size. If the organ continues to enlarge during this period, a possible pregnancy cannot be ruled out.

Effect of progesterone

Progesterone, the so-called pregnancy hormone, plays an important role in the menstrual cycle. Its concentration in the blood increases at the time of ovulation, during the same period the production of estrogen decreases.

The importance of progesterone is enormous - this hormone prepares the female organ for conceiving a child:

1. Affects the condition of the endometrium. It becomes softer and looser to facilitate the implantation of a fertilized egg.
2. Increases blood supply to the organ, nutrients accumulate in its tissues, and blood vessels are filled.
3. Activates fat accumulation.
4. Responsible for enlargement of the uterus.
5. Promotes fluid retention in the body (which leads to increased pressure and filling of new blood vessels).

All these are the reasons why the abdomen and uterus enlarge before menstruation. The process is completely natural and does not require correction.

Other causes of uterine enlargement

There are other reasons why the uterus may be enlarged before menstruation. The size of the organ changes noticeably during pregnancy. The symptoms of this condition are very similar to regular PMS:

• the breasts swell and become painful;
• urination becomes more frequent;
• pain appears in the lower abdomen;
• eating behavior changes;
• irritability and tearfulness, psychological discomfort appear.

In addition, the onset of pregnancy is sometimes accompanied by bleeding on the days of the expected menstruation, although in smaller quantities. Therefore, you should not ignore a delay in menstruation; it is better to do a test without delay.

Another possible reason for the increase is various diseases of the reproductive system. Most often it is fibroma, myoma or endometriosis. In this case, the cervix is ​​hard and raised up, while in the normal state, shortly before menstruation, it is soft, loose and slightly “lowered” down.

In general terms, such differences can be determined by palpation at home. However, it is not recommended to do this on your own; it is safer and more reliable to consult a gynecologist.

Features of changes in the uterus before menstruation

Women experience menstruation every month. The physiological process provokes a number of changes in the body. The uterus changes size before menstruation and this is not a deviation. This provokes an increase in the size of the abdomen and the appearance of heaviness. If there are any alarming signs, the woman will be advised to have an external examination of the cervix.

Before menstruation, it goes down and softens. The channel opens slightly. The risk of infection increases. That is why any sexual intercourse during menstruation should take place with contraception. During menstruation, the upper mucous layer, the endometrium, peels off.

Before menstruation, you may experience heaviness in the abdomen

How an organ changes before the onset of critical days

Before menstruation, the appearance of the uterus changes. This is a physiological process, not a deviation. The female body needs the menstrual cycle to prepare for possible conception.

Throughout the menstrual cycle, the uterus undergoes various changes. The first day of the cycle is considered to be the beginning of menstruation. At this time, the top layer, the endometrium, peels off. This is likely due to hormonal fluctuations.

It is under the influence of hormones in the middle of the cycle that an egg ready for fertilization is released from the ovary. It is in preparation for conception that the endometrium rapidly increases in the organ. This layer is necessary for the attachment of the fertilized egg.

The top layer becomes softer before menstruation. The structure becomes looser. This is a natural change that does not require treatment. The thickness of the endometrium changes throughout the cycle. The cervix droops before menstruation. The edges of the organ also become looser. The channel opens slightly.

The uterus enlarges during this period

The female body prepares for endometrial rejection if conception is not successful. The cervix opens slightly to allow the successful release of all secretions, which consist of remnants of the mucous membrane, blood and a small amount of mucus.

The organ increases in size. Due to the growth of the uterus, a woman's abdomen noticeably enlarges. There is a discomfort in the lower abdomen. The stool may be disrupted and diarrhea may occur.

To diagnose the condition, doctors determine the size of the uterus and turn to a special table for help, which indicates the norms for each period of the menstrual cycle. If there are deviations, additional examinations are recommended.

In women who have given birth, the uterus enlarges more clearly before menstruation. The opening of the cervix is ​​pronounced.

Before critical days, the organ becomes more moist. The pharynx expands. For this reason, it is not recommended to visit swimming pools or standing bodies of water at this time.

Swimming in the pool during menstruation is not recommended

Before the critical days, the uterus begins to pulsate slightly. The organ is in good shape. The symptom does not cause discomfort and often does not require treatment. This symptom is dangerous only for pregnant women.

How many days before the critical days does the organ enlarge?

Organ growth occurs for natural reasons. Enlargement of the uterus becomes apparent after the egg has left the ovary. It is at this time that fertilization is likely if unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred.

Each girl's body is individual. It is impossible to name a specific date for the organ enlargement. This usually happens 7-14 days before the onset of menstruation. It is at this time that progesterone levels rapidly increase.

Under the influence of progesterone, excessive amounts of excess fluid accumulate in the body. The uterus continues to grow after the end of the ovulation period.

Why does an organ grow?

The enlargement of the organ occurs under the influence of hormones - progesterone and estrogen. The first substance is responsible for the accumulation of fluid, and the second for the growth of the endometrial layer. After the arrival of menstruation, the parameters become the same.

The endometrium sloughs off under the influence of hormones

Progesterone is necessary for normal conception. This hormone:

• affects the condition of the endometrium;
• increases blood flow in the internal organ;
• activates fat accumulation;
• promotes uterine enlargement;
• retains fluid in the body.

How the state of an organ changes during pregnancy

Changes in the uterus shortly before menstruation may be the result of successful fertilization. Signs of pregnancy are very similar to PMS. A woman experiences the following symptoms:

• increased sensitivity of the mammary gland;
• breast swelling;
• frequent urination;
• slight discomfort in the lower abdominal cavity;
• changes in eating behavior;
• nausea;
• weakness in the morning;
• intolerance to certain smells and foods;
• excessive tearfulness;
• frequent mood changes;
• irritability;

One of the signs of pregnancy is nausea and vomiting

• decreased performance;
• disturbance of stool and sleep.

Similar symptoms are present in premenstrual syndrome. It is almost impossible to suspect pregnancy before a delay occurs.

During pregnancy, even before the delay occurs, the uterus rises as high as possible. During palpation, the organ can only be felt with a fingertip. It's more solid.

The opening of the organ looks like a small slit. The length of the cervix during menstruation increases to 3 cm. When this figure decreases, spontaneous miscarriage is likely.

Why do you need to examine the cervix?

The cervix should be examined regularly. This can only be done in the absence of menstruation and various inflammatory processes. The main objectives of such a study are presented in the table.

Monitoring the condition is necessary for timely detection of pathological processes and initiation of their treatment. Diagnosis is also important for women planning pregnancy. It is the condition of the uterus that helps determine favorable days for the desired conception.

It is very important to have regular cervical examinations.

Is it possible to examine the uterus yourself?

Self-examination of the uterus by palpation can be carried out. In this case, you need to act carefully so as not to damage the organ. Diagnosis is not carried out during menstruation and in the presence of inflammatory processes.

It is not recommended to conduct an examination several days before the expected menstruation. It is during this period that the risk of infection or injury to the organ is increased. Palpation is carried out only using sterile gloves.

Palpation is carried out while squatting. Any changes require contacting a doctor.

When there is tingling in the uterus

Shortly before menstruation, there may be a tingling sensation in the uterine area. This is an alarming sign. The symptom may indicate the course of endometriosis. In this case, the girl also complains of nausea, vomiting, severe pain in the head, decreased performance, and drowsiness.

In this video, watch about the features of changes in the body during menstruation:

Tingling in the uterus before the critical days may also indicate the course of the inflammatory process. There is a high risk of intense bleeding. Only the attending doctor can determine the true cause of a pathological sign after a comprehensive diagnosis.

Source: https://mesyachnie.com/informacija/matka.html

Self-examination and possible consequences

If after menstruation there remains a feeling that the organ is enlarged, this is a reason to be wary. This condition is not normal. In this case, you need to contact a specialist.

You can first perform a self-diagnosis of the uterus, but this process requires great caution. There is a risk of injuring the delicate mucous membrane or causing infection in the reproductive organs. This procedure is strictly prohibited during menstruation; during this period the body is especially vulnerable.

To palpate the cervix yourself, you must perform the following steps:

• cut your fingernails short;
• wash your hands and external genitalia thoroughly;
• put on sterile medical gloves (sold in pharmacies, always individually packaged);
• sit comfortably - either squat down or put one leg higher;
• insert the index and middle fingers into the vagina, trying to feel the cervix.

It is necessary to carry out the procedure slowly, without making sudden movements, otherwise there is a high risk of injuring the mucous membrane. If you can easily feel your cervix and it is soft, it means that menstruation will begin soon. If it is difficult to reach, it is raised and hard to the touch, you can assume pregnancy or ovulation.

Self-diagnosis is not a reliable or reliable way to make sure everything is fine. There is also a high risk of infection or injury. An examination by a qualified gynecologist is a more informative and safe procedure.

If unusual sensations occur, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor. The cause of discomfort can be not only pregnancy, but also a serious illness. Timely diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of severe consequences for a woman’s reproductive health.

The female reproductive system has a rather complex physiological component, which has a direct impact on the emotional and psychological sphere of the body. Therefore, it is quite natural that before menstruation, most beautiful ladies experience premenstrual syndrome, which affects both their physical and emotional state. Women become hot-tempered, irritable, they often experience mood swings, and at the physiological level there is a feeling of a bloated abdomen, which occurs when the uterus enlarges. Why does the genital organ enlarge, what is the reason? Is this a natural process or manifestations of pathological changes in the body? Let's sort it out in order.

Why do changes in the size of the uterus occur before menstruation?

Menstruation is one of the phases of the menstrual cycle, which is regulated by certain hormones, so everything that happens in the body during this period is under their control. Immediately before critical days, the production of progesterone increases and the production of estrogen and serotonin decreases. This is the period of the menstrual cycle during which, thanks to the hormone, the uterus is prepared for the implantation of a fertilized egg in it, namely, the retention of fluid in the body, from which most of the nutrients enter the reproductive organ. The physiological explanation for this process is quite reasonable: until the placenta is formed, the fertilized egg will be fed from the created reserves.

This is one of the main and natural reasons why the uterus enlarges before menstruation. In addition, you should know that in addition to the accumulation of fluid, progesterone also contributes to an increase in the thickness and friability of the endometrium. Therefore, ladies a few days before menstruation notice an increase in abdominal volume.

But the lack of serotonin and estrogen, in addition to affecting the size of the reproductive organ, causes many ladies to have an irrepressible desire to eat something sweet, especially during this period, there is a great craving for chocolate.

But then the moment comes when the egg has matured and is released to “meet” the sperm, but fertilization for certain reasons has not occurred, therefore, the body no longer needs to accumulate nutrients and thicken the endometrium, so there is a natural elimination of everything unnecessary that appears in the form of blood discharge from the vagina, during which the biological substance is removed.

In addition, the reproductive organ can be enlarged before menstruation in the event of pregnancy. This is also a completely natural process. Only in this case, menstruation does not occur, and the enlargement of the organ occurs as a result of the accumulation in it of the necessary microelements for the fertilized egg, which over time will be fixed in it and begin to develop, naturally increasing in size.

These are natural reasons why the uterus becomes enlarged

In addition, changes in the size of the reproductive organ before menstruation also occur when a woman has gynecological diseases, some of which she may not even be aware of. Among them are a number of benign neoplasms, most often diagnosed by doctors as fibroids or fibroids, as well as endometriosis. Therefore, if a woman feels an increase in the reproductive organ not only before menstruation, but also after it, then she needs to undergo an examination by a gynecologist. After all, a disease detected at an early stage is much more treatable.

Diagnosis of an enlarged uterus, how to determine that the uterus is enlarged in size?

A competent specialist can determine the size of the uterus and its deviation from the norm based on a vaginal examination, but the reason that provoked this condition can only be found out after conducting various clinical studies. These include:

1. X-ray examination;
2. laboratory blood test to determine various indicators;
3. biopsy - removal of a tissue fragment for further histological examination.

These diagnostic methods make it possible to identify the disease at an early stage, which guarantees its successful treatment using traditional methods, without resorting to the help of a surgeon.

How many days before menstruation does the uterus change in size?

Natural changes in the reproductive organ occur during the ovulatory phase, at a time when this organ is ready to receive a fertilized egg. For each representative of the fairer sex, this period is individual and it depends on what kind of menstrual cycle she has. It can be from twenty-five to thirty-five days and this is considered the norm. But medical research has proven that ovulation occurs on average on the fourteenth to sixteenth day of the cycle. It is during this period that an increase in the reproductive organ is observed. And many factors influence this. However, it should be understood that before the onset of menstruation, in every healthy and fertile woman, not only a change in the size of the uterus occurs, but also its prolapse and this is considered normal.

Starting from puberty until the onset of menopause, a woman’s body undergoes monthly cyclic changes. A special period is the time before menstruation, when an increase in the size of the uterus can be noticed.

Why does the organ get bigger?

The female organs begin preparing for the possible conception of a child; this happens during the period of ovulation, especially in adolescence, since the body is still young. The restoration of the uterus is observed, against the background of which the development of dominant follicles occurs. In the middle of the cycle, about two weeks after the onset of menstruation, the egg is warm and ready to conceive a baby. Due to an increase in progesterone levels, an accumulation of nutrients necessary for the nutrition of the fetus is observed in the uterus. All these actions are necessary to nourish and strengthen the egg. Provided that pregnancy does not occur, then the excess accumulation is thrown out.

Unfortunately, not only natural factors can cause the uterus to increase in size; this phenomenon often occurs as a result of a number of diseases.

If a woman is no longer of childbearing age, but has an increase in the size of the uterus, this may indicate the presence of a disease. Enlargement of the uterus before the onset of menstruation may indicate processes that disrupt the menstrual cycle - delayed menstruation.

If intrauterine contraception is used for a long time, an increase in the size of this organ may be detected upon examination by a gynecologist. After the birth of a baby, especially in adolescence, the size of the uterus remains enlarged throughout the year. Formations of a benign and malignant nature can cause an enlargement of the uterus after and before menstruation. With any diseases of this organ, there is a possibility of a delay in menstruation, so it is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. You need to be wary if the volume of menstruation is more than usual. It is especially important to regularly monitor the stability of menstruation during adolescence. This phenomenon may indicate not only pregnancy, but also other more serious problems.

If everything is fine with the uterus, then after menstruation it recovers. The cervix returns to its usual size, the walls become hard again, the uterus rises, and dryness is observed in the vagina. Conception and fetal development become possible with the production of endometrium. Already in the middle of the menstrual cycle, an increase in the size of the uterus is observed, it becomes soft again. The uterus actively contracts, the amount of discharge increases.

During this period it should be of normal shape. If its size is larger than normal, then this indicates illness or pregnancy. In some cases, menstruation occurs even if you are pregnant; the main thing is not to worry, but to get all the relevant tests. This phenomenon occurs mainly in adolescents, since the uterus has not yet fully formed and is not ready to bear a child. By the way, pregnancy can occur even during menstruation.

How does the woman feel?

The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located inside the pelvis. Its size depends on age, history of pregnancy and the phase of the menstrual cycle. Average indicators: 6-8 cm in length and about 5 cm in width.

The size and degree of enlargement can only be determined by a doctor during examination or ultrasound examination. In gynecology, it is customary to measure the condition of the genital organs not in centimeters, but in weeks, by analogy with pregnancy.

However, many women, when describing their condition before or during menstruation, refer to the feeling of an enlarged uterus. This occurs due to a change in the position of the organ and lowering of the cervix closer to the opening of the vagina to improve the outflow of menstrual flow.

Another cause of such sensations may be premenstrual syndrome (PMS), accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
• migraine;
• dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea);
• increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, their engorgement;
• swelling, bloating;
• blood pressure surges;
• psycho-emotional disorders (depression, irritability and others).

Manifestations of PMS disappear with the onset of menstruation or after the end of the discharge. According to statistics, they are rare in girls under 30, and with age the number of people with this problem reaches 50%.

The uterus can be enlarged upon conception: in the early stages it is the same size as a few days before the onset of menstruation. Patients who want to get pregnant are interested in how many days before the start of menstruation they can notice changes in size, so that in the absence of discharge they can be confident in the result.

Many of our readers actively use a new method based on natural ingredients, which was discovered by Natalia Shukshina, to TREAT UTERINE FIBROIDS. It contains only natural ingredients, herbs and extracts - no hormones or chemicals. To get rid of uterine fibroids you need to eat every morning on an empty stomach.

There is a self-diagnosis technique by inserting the middle and ring finger into the vagina. Before the examination, put on a rubber glove and squat down, placing one leg on a hill. If the middle finger easily reaches a small tubercle - the cervix - the period before menstruation begins.

Unfortunately, this method is ineffective; the time frame is individual and varies from 2 to 14 days. An experienced doctor who notices an increase and decrease in the cervix, shortly before the expected period, will ask you to come in for an appointment in 2 weeks to clarify the diagnosis.

Connection with the menstrual cycle

The characteristics of the female body are determined by her ability to bear children. All processes in the reproductive system are aimed at successful conception and preservation of future offspring.

In the uterine cavity, the fertilized egg develops and the unborn child is born. Under the influence of fluctuations in female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), its size changes during one cycle, this is due to a normal physiological process.

There are the following phases of the menstrual cycle:

1. I or follicular - begins on the first day of menstruation. At this time, the level of progesterone drops and the amount of estrogen gradually increases, the uterine cavity is cleansed, it contracts, and a new follicle with an egg matures in the ovaries.
2. Ovulation - the formation of a mature egg, occurs on days 10-18, depending on the continuation of the entire cycle. The inner lining of the uterus or endometrium prepares to receive a fertilized egg and becomes loose for its better penetration into the tissue.
3. Phase II - luteal, characterized by increased production of progesterone, lasts 10-14 days before the onset of menstruation. The endometrium begins to grow and soften, and the uterine glands produce nutrients for the development of the embryo.

It is the increase in progesterone levels in phase II and the achievement of its maximum concentration before menstruation that provokes an increase in the uterus in size due to the growth of the endometrium. Fluid is retained in the tissues, and the volume of circulating blood increases.

Thus, the uterus enlarges before menstruation in order to prepare for the implantation of a fertilized egg in its cavity and further nutrition of the embryo until the placenta is formed. If conception does not occur, unclaimed endometrial cells come out in the form of bloody discharge. The menstrual cycle begins again.

What other reasons could there be if the uterus increases in size before menstruation?

With the arrival of her first period, every girl should visit a gynecologist at least once a year for a preventive examination, this will allow her to promptly notice various pathological changes in the pelvic organs and carry out a course of treatment that will preserve reproductive function.

An increase in the size of the uterus in some cases is a consequence of serious diseases, for example:

1. Endometriosis is a pathological growth of the glandular tissue of the uterus outside of it.
2. Endometritis is an inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the uterus.
3. Myometritis is an inflammation of the muscular layer of the uterus, provoked by the entry of various pathogenic microorganisms into its cavity.
4. Fibroids are benign hormone-dependent tumors in the wall or cervix.
5. Polyposis is a pathological proliferation of epithelial cells, leading to the appearance of many benign neoplasms.
6. Malignant tumors in the body of the uterus.

You should pay attention to any changes in the duration of the menstrual cycle and the nature of the discharge. In addition, a dangerous sign is pain in the lower abdomen, spotting bleeding in the middle of the cycle and a sudden increase in body weight, which may be a consequence of hormonal imbalance.

Any of the above symptoms should be a reason for an immediate visit to a gynecologist and the necessary diagnostic tests, for example:

1. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Most specialists are inclined to support the need for a transvaginal examination;
2. hysteroscopy - examination of the uterine cavity using a special optical system;
3. laboratory testing of blood and gynecological smears;
4. biopsy - taking a piece of tissue from the inner surface of the uterus.

These studies make it possible to diagnose the disease in the early stages, which will allow it to be dealt with as quickly as possible.