Menstrual Cycle Phases Explained: From Periods to Ovulation

This is the first phase of the menstrual cycle, beginning when the egg from the previous cycle is not fertilized and estrogen and progesterone levels drop, signaling the body to shed the blood lining.

The result is menstrual bleeding, period blood also contains mucus and tissue from the uterus. During this phase, many women experience common symptoms such as:

• Abdominal cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Lower back pain

​Read more – (Menarche (First Period))

The follicular phase begins on the first day of your period, overlapping with the menstrual phase, and continues until ovulation. It starts when the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce 5 to 20 small sacs called follicles, each containing an immature egg.

Out of these, the healthiest follicle matures into a fully developed egg, while the others are absorbed by the body itself . The mature follicle releases estrogen, which helps thicken the uterine lining to create a nutrient-rich environment in case of pregnancy.

The follicular phase typically lasts around 16 days, but it can range from 11 to 27 days, depending on the individual.

As estrogen levels rise during the follicular phase, the pituitary gland is triggered to release luteinizing hormone (LH) , which causes ovulation. During this phase, the ovary releases a mature egg that travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus, where it may be fertilized by sperm. This is the most fertile stage of the cycle. Signs of ovulation may include:

• Changes in body temperature
• Thick, white cervical discharge

If your cycle is 28 days long, ovulation typically occurs around day 14 and lasts about 24 hours. If the egg is not fertilized within this window, it ends . However, sperm can survive in the female body for up to 5 days, meaning you can still conceive even if intercourse occurs several days before ovulation.

Read more – (Light periods)

After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and a small amount of estrogen also . These hormones maintain the thickened uterine lining to support a possible pregnancy.

If fertilization occurs, the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) , the hormone detected by pregnancy tests which helps sustain the corpus luteum and uterine lining.

If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, leading to a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. This hormonal decline triggers menstruation, and the uterine lining is shed. The luteal phase lasts about 11 to 17 days. If pregnancy does not happen, you may experience PMS symptoms, such as:

• Bloating
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Changes in libido
• Appetite changes
• Trouble sleeping

Every menstrual cycle is different. Some women have their period at the same time every month. Some women bleed more heavily or for longer days than other women. One way to find out the problem with your menstrual cycle is to track your periods every month . 

Read more - (2 periods in one month)