The menstrual cycle is complex and controlled by many different glands and the hormones that these glands produce.

Thefour phases of the menstrual cycle are menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.

Commonmenstrual problems include heavy or painful periods and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Knowing when in the menstrual cycle a woman is most likely to conceive can increase the chance of pregnanc