Know your uterus, know your body
Caring for yourself begins with awareness
We’re here to help you get to know your u (uterus), understand your symptoms and find the care that’s best for you. Knowing your body is the foundation for more impactful conversations with your healthcare provider.
Advocating for your health begins with ‘u’
Learn about your body. Understand your symptoms. Lead the conversation.
Take charge of your health. Your annual well-woman visit is an essential part of staying healthy and allows you to speak with your doctor about your health. In addition to an assessment of family history and health risks, well-woman visits can include:
- breast exams
- pelvic exams (cervical and uterine health)
- sexual health discussions and testing
These visits are more than just an item on your to-do list; they are an opportunity to ask questions and address concerns so you can walk away feeling informed and empowered. Familiarize yourself with the information on this page to prepare for your next visit.
Better starts with you.
Uterine Health 101
Get to know your uterus
The uterus plays a key role in your reproductive and overall health.
Knowing how the uterus works can help you feel more in tune with your body and empower you to make informed decisions about your health. Below is an overview of the uterus, its anatomy and functions.
Meet your uterus
The uterus is an upside-down pear-shaped organ located in the pelvis and is essential to the female reproductive system.
A. Ovary – Small, oval-shaped organs that produce eggs (ova) and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
B. Fallopian tube – Two thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus and allow the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus during ovulation.
C. Vagina – Muscular, flexible canal connected to the uterus by the cervix that serves as the passageway for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.
D. Endometrium – Inner lining of the uterus that thickens each month during the menstrual cycle to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium sheds–this is your period!
E. Myometrium – Muscular middle layer that contracts during childbirth (to help deliver the baby) and menstruation (to help expel the uterine lining), often times causing cramping. During pregnancy it expands significantly to accommodate a growing fetus.
F. Perimetrium – Outermost layer that protects the uterus and connects it to surrounding structures.
Fundus
Top rounded area that connects to the fallopian tubes.
Corpus
Main body where a fertilized egg implants and grows during pregnancy, also known as the womb.
Isthmus
Area where the uterus starts to narrow, facilitating the transport of eggs, sperm and early embryos.
Cervix
Lower, narrow portion that connects the uterus to the vagina and dilates during childbirth.
Period Health 101
Get to know your menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is the sequence of events that occurs in your body as it prepares for the possibility of pregnancy.
Every person’s cycle is slightly different, but the process is the same and consists of four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days.1
Phases of a 28-Day Menstrual Cycle1
Menstrual Phase
Around days 1-7
The uterine lining sheds. This phase begins on the first day of your period and marks the start of a new cycle.
Follicular Phase
Around days 1-13
Ovarian follicles develop, and estrogen levels rise. The uterine lining thickens in preparation for ovulation.
Ovulation Phase
Around day 14
A mature egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube for fertilization.
Luteal Phase
Around days 15-28
Hormones prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, triggering the menstrual phase.
Get to know your period
A period (or menstruation) is just one phase of the menstrual cycle.
During the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining (endometrium) thickens to create a supportive environment for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the body sheds this lining through the cervix and vagina, resulting in a period. Menstruation usually starts around age 12 (but can range from ages 8-16) and ends with menopause, typically around age 51.1
Indicators of a ‘Normal’ Period
Frequency
The number of days from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, usually occurring every 21 to 35 days.1
Regularity
The difference between the shortest and longest cycle length, usually 7 days or less. Slight variations in cycle lengths are normal.2
Duration
The length of bleeding during a period. The average is between 3-7 days and should be less than 8 days.3
Volume
The amount of blood loss during a period. The average is about 60 mL and should be less than 80 mL per cycle.4
Take charge of your period
Periods can fluctuate due to stress, diet, exercise, hormonal changes, or health conditions.
Symptoms like mild cramping, bloating, or mood changes are normal, but they shouldn’t significantly impact your life. If your period deviates significantly from what’s indicated above or interferes with your daily activities, it could be time to seek action. What are your symptoms telling you?
What is period health?
Your menstrual cycle and period are key indicators of your overall health.
Period health refers to the overall well-being of your menstrual cycle and how it reflects the health of your reproductive system and your body as a whole.
What your period can tell you about your health.
Good period health isn’t only about having a “normal” cycle; it’s about understanding your body and seeking care when something feels off. A healthy menstrual cycle is typically a sign that your reproductive system is functioning properly. It also plays a role in your overall physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Irregularities or changes in your period, such as missed periods, heavy bleeding, extreme pain, or unusual spotting, may signal underlying health conditions.
Indicators of Period Health
Cycle frequency
Cycle regularity
Bleeding duration
Bleeding amount
Symptoms
Life impact
Know when to ask your doctor for help
Being mindful of your period can help you catch potential issues early and take charge of your health.
Track your cycle with a period tracker app or calendar to monitor your cycle length, flow, and symptoms. Monitoring your period allows you to record inconsistencies, changes, and trends. A departure from what’s been normal for you may be a reason to talk to your healthcare provider.
Common Uterine Conditions
Join our community
Women are often told pain and heavy bleeding are a normal part of their cycle. We know that’s not the case. Advocating for your health starts with knowing your body. We’re here to help you to take your first steps toward better.
Get to #KnowYourU (uterus) and find care that’s best for you!
References
- Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle. Accessed June 2025. ↩︎
- Physiology, menstrual cycle. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/.Accessed June 2025 ↩︎
- Menstrual cycle: What’s normal, what’s not. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186. Accessed June 2025. ↩︎
- Overview: Heavy periods. Nih.gov; Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279294. Accessed June 2025. ↩︎
- ACOG Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heavy-menstrual-bleeding. Accessed June 2025. ↩︎
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/uterine-fibroids. Accessed June 2025. ↩︎