Every woman experiences the stages of the menstrual cycle from puberty to menopause each month. Unless you are pregnant, a woman’s body goes through a series of hormone-driven events a.k.a menstrual cycle.
In a nutshell, an egg is released from the ovaries for possible pregnancy, in case pregnancy doesn’t happen, the uterine lining sheds during a menstrual period, and the cycle starts again.
A woman’s menstrual cycle has four phases:
- menstrual phase
- follicular phase
- ovulation phase
- luteal phase
1. Menstrual Phase
The Menstrual phase begins with the onset of your period. When an egg from the previous cycle isn’t fertilized, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop. When you are not pregnant, the thickened lining of your uterus is no longer needed, so it sheds through your vagina. You might experience period symptoms like:
- cramps
- bloating
- irritability
- tiredness
- low back pain
On average, a healthy woman will have the menstrual phase for 3 to 7 days.
2. Follicular Phase
The follicular phase starts on the first day when you get your period and ends when you start ovulating. The Follicle Stimulating hormone stimulates your ovaries to produce around 5 to 20 follicles which contains immature egg. However, only the healthiest egg matures. The rest of the follicles gets reabsorbed into your body. This increases estrogen and causes the thickening of your uterus lining. The follicular phase lasts for an average of 16 days.
3. Ovulation Phase
The high estrogen levels trigger your pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which starts the process of ovulation. Ovulation is when your ovary releases a mature egg through the fallopian tube toward the uterus to be fertilized by sperm. The ovulation phase is the only time when you can get pregnant. Here are some symptoms that you are ovulating:
- a slight rise in basal body temperature
- thicker discharge
Ovulation happens at around day 14 if you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. It typically lasts for 24 hours and the egg will die or dissolve if not fertilized.
4. Luteal Phase
After the follicle releases its egg, your body releases progesterone and estrogen to keep your uterine lining thick. If you do not get pregnant, the corpus luteum will shrink away and be resorbed into the body. This decreases estrogen and progesterone, which causes the onset of your menstrual phase.
During this phase, you may experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) like:
- bloating
- breast tenderness
- mood changes
- headache
- weight gain
- food cravings
The luteal phase lasts for 11 to 17 days which varies from woman to woman. These are the four stages of your menstrual cycle that every woman should know!
FAQ’s
2. What happens during the follicular phase?
The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. During this phase, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to produce 5 to 20 follicles, each containing an immature egg. Only the healthiest egg matures, and the rest are reabsorbed. This process increases estrogen levels, leading to the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
3. What is ovulation, and when does it occur?
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube, making it available for fertilization. This phase is the only time during the menstrual cycle when pregnancy can occur. Ovulation typically happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle and lasts for about 24 hours. Common signs include a slight rise in basal body temperature and thicker cervical discharge.
4. What is the luteal phase?
The luteal phase follows ovulation and lasts between 11 to 17 days. After releasing the egg, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and estrogen to maintain the thickened uterine lining. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum shrinks, leading to a decrease in these hormones and the onset of menstruation. Symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches, weight gain, and food cravings are common during this phase.
5. How long does each menstrual cycle phase last?
The duration of each phase varies among individuals:
Menstrual Phase: Typically lasts 3–7 days.
Follicular Phase: Averages around 16 days.
Ovulation Phase: Occurs around day 14 in a 28-day cycle, lasting about 24 hours.
Luteal Phase: Ranges from 11 to 17 days.
These durations can vary based on individual cycle lengths and hormonal fluctuations.
6. What hormonal changes occur during the menstrual cycle?
Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate to regulate the process:
Menstrual Phase: Estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation.
Follicular Phase: FSH stimulates follicle growth, increasing estrogen production.
Ovulation: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation.
Luteal Phase: The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogen to maintain the uterine lining.
These hormonal changes are essential for reproductive health and fertility.
7. Can stress affect the menstrual cycle?
Yes, stress can impact the menstrual cycle by increasing cortisol levels, which may interfere with hormone production and regulation. This disruption can lead to irregular periods, delayed ovulation, or missed cycles. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle.
8. What are common symptoms during each menstrual phase?
Each phase of the menstrual cycle is associated with specific symptoms:
Menstrual Phase: Cramps, fatigue, bloating, irritability, and low back pain.
Follicular Phase: Increased energy, improved mood, and clearer skin.
Ovulation Phase: Heightened libido, increased energy, and possible mild pelvic discomfort.
Luteal Phase: PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, and food cravings.
Understanding these symptoms can help in managing and anticipating changes during the cycle.
9. How can I track my menstrual cycle?
Tracking your menstrual cycle can help in understanding its patterns and identifying any irregularities:
Calendar Method: Mark the start and end dates of your period each month.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Measure your temperature daily to detect ovulation.
Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Observe changes in cervical mucus consistency throughout the cycle.
Cycle Tracking Apps: Use apps to log symptoms, moods, and other cycle-related data.
These methods can assist in fertility planning and identifying potential health issues.
10. When should I consult a healthcare provider regarding my menstrual cycle?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
Periods that are consistently irregular or absent.
Heavy bleeding or spotting between periods.
Severe pain or discomfort during any phase.
Early consultation can help in diagnosing underlying conditions and receiving appropriate treatment.