The menstrual cycle is a complex process involving several distinct phases, each crucial to your reproductive health. Your cycle lasts from the first day of your period to the day before your next period. The length of time can vary from person to person, but on average, it’s between 25-30 days, with a median cycle length of 28 days. There are three phases of a menstrual cycle:
- The Follicular or Proliferative Phase
- Ovulation
- The Luteal or Secretory Phase
During this time, your hormones tend to fluctuate. These hormonal shifts not only control and regulate your menstrual cycle, but they also influence your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking to manage hormone-related symptoms, plan for pregnancy, or simply understand your body better, this exploration of menstrual hormones will provide valuable knowledge and empower you to navigate your cycle with greater awareness.
What Happens During The Menstrual Cycle
The main goal of your menstrual cycle is to prepare your body for a possible pregnancy. During this 25-30-day cycle, your body is working around the clock to create an environment that’s hospitable for a fertilized egg. While everybody’s cycle is different–it can be shorter or longer, or some people may experience more emotional changes–the process is the same for everyone.
The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase is the first and longest phase of your menstrual cycle. It starts on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation, around 14-21 days. A part of the brain called the pituitary gland releases two hormones that trigger this phase:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH stimulates the growth of eggs in the follicles, which are tiny, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that store unfertilized eggs–these follicles produce hormones called estrogens, which are vital to healthy reproductive health
- Luteinizing hormone (LSH): Once the eggs are fully mature in the follicle, an increase of LSH kickstarts your ovary to release a mature egg
Ovulation
Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days after the start of your menstrual cycle. As the presence of Progesterone, a hormone vital to support the early stages of pregnancy, and LSH increases, the level of estrogen temporarily decreases. Contrary to popular belief, ovulation has a very short window–once the follicles release the egg into the fallopian tube, it’s only there for about 12-24 hours. That doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant outside of that time, as sperm can live in the fallopian tubes for up to FIVE days after sex.
The Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle
Whether you get pregnant or not, your body still prepares for a fertilized egg during the Luteal phase, the second half of your menstrual cycle. Once the egg is released, the empty follicles form a cyst-like structure called a corpus luteum, which revs up the production of more Progesterone. Progesterone helps thicken the uterine lining in the event that a fertilized egg shows up.
If you do not get pregnant during this cycle, you’ll have your period, which is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining. During this time, both estrogen and progesterone levels start to drop off again. Over the course of 3-7 days, menstrual blood, a mix of blood and tissue, flows from your cervix and vagina. The process then starts again.
Understanding Your Hormones Throughout Your Menstrual Cycle
You may have noticed that hormones play a significant role in your menstrual cycle. That’s because they are critical to your reproductive health. During the month, your brain and reproductive organs produce hormones that tell your body what to do and when to do it. Fluctuating hormone levels can also cause changes to your physical and emotional health. In the days and weeks leading up to your period, you may experience a range of symptoms, such as:
- Breast soreness or tenderness
- Headaches
- Mild body soreness
- Increase in vaginal discharge
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Upset stomach
Hormones and Premenstrual Syndrome
The days right before their menstrual cycle can be challenging for some women, and that could be due to the hormonal changes we just discussed. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and mental symptoms that as many as 90% of childbearing-age women get one to two weeks before their period. Some symptoms include bloating, migraines, constipation, cramping, irritability, sleep problems, etc. While we are not 100% sure, researchers think changing estrogen and progesterone levels is a driving force behind PMS.
Talk to your Healthcare Provider About any Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal health is critical to reproductive and overall health. If you have irregular periods, trouble conceiving, or severe PMS, that could be a sign that something is off with your hormones. Make an appointment with your Genesis OB/GYN to discuss any problems you may have during your menstrual cycle. We’ll recommend and provide personalized, compassionate healthcare services for you. Contact us to request an appointment today.
