Did you know that the menstrual cycle starts on the first day of the period and ends when your periods are back the next month? Until then, your body goes through an entire cycle of changes that can be divided into 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. Contrary to popular belief, your cycle lasts more than just your periods. Periods are just the beginning of your cycle. Knowing the phase of your or your partner’s cycle can help you know when a woman is most likely to conceive or about pains and changes in hormones during those phases.
Roughly divided there are four main phases to the cycle:
1. Menstruation: The Periods
Menstruation is the process of the body eliminating blood, which is the thick lining of the uterus. The body undergoes hormonal changes that can trigger uterine muscle contractions resulting in pain, inflammation and even cramping. The cycle can last from three days to a week. The cycle usually lasts between 22-28 days. Cycles or flow that increases more than the usual is due to changes in lifestyle and behavior and should be consulted with a doctor.
2.The Follicular Phase: Before Ovulation Phase
Before ovulation, the body prepares itself for pregnancy. This phase starts from the beginning of your period until the day of your ovulation. The body produces follicles, of which, one matures into an egg and prepares the stomach lining for pregnancy.
3. Ovulation: the time a woman is most likely to conceive
Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the month. During this time, the level of oestrogen in a women’s body is the highest. The egg is funneled into the Fallopian tube and prepares itself for conception. Even though ovulation lasts a day, the fertile window of the women’s body lasts longer than that and is a peak time for a woman to get pregnant.
4. The Luteal Phase: After Ovulation Phase
If the fertilized egg is implanted, the uterus will produce hormones that are necessary to maintain the fertilized egg. If not, it will cause the lining of the uterus to shed, and then, the entire cycle repeats itself. PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) usually happens during this period; most women have reported symptoms such as bloating, pain, headaches and moodiness.
Tracking the phases of your cycle might be difficult, which is why getting a mobile application to track your changes can be very helpful. Our body goes through a lot of changes during the entire menstrual cycle, that’s why it is important to take good care of your body by eating nutritious food and getting some exercise.