Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Causes and What to Expect

Question
Dear Edward Joseph Ramirez,

I'm 29 years old, and would like to ask 2 questions to you in regards to women's health.  
1.  When I reached puberty, my menstruation cycle was around the 28 days, and it used to last 5-6 days, and I would classify my menstruation as quite a normal average flow going to light in the last days.  In the last year, I noticed that my cycle is going around 24-25 days every time, and the flow satys the same altough it lasts for 4 days and no more.  Is there anything wrong with that.  I mean, I'm healthy like I've never been, take no medications whatsoever, and my weight is stable.
2.  My second question is, what determines the gender of a baby?  Is it the man that dominates the gender of the baby-to-come?...Since a man has both the X and Y chromosomes, while a woman has two X chromosomes.  I heard that it is the man, but I'm curious to know from an expert like you.

I thank you for your time and attention to my 2 questions.

Kind regards,
Racheal.


Answer
Dear Racheal,

Thank you for your question.  Yes, your current menstruation cycle is normal and not worrisome.  A woman's cycle length can change from time to time and will change based on many things, like stress, exercise, being around another women, hormonal fluctuations.

In answer to your second question, the sperm determines the gender of the baby.  Despite having two X chromosomes, the woman only contributes one X to the baby.  The other, either X or Y, comes from the sperm.

Please let me know where you are writing from.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D.
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com