Phases of The Menstrual Cycle

This phase begins on the first day of menstruation, marking the start of a new cycle. On average, it lasts between 3 to 5 days.

• Physical Changes: The uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding. 
• Hormonal Changes: Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are low during this phase, which can cause lethargy and brain fog.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms may include cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings.

This phase overlaps with the menstrual phase; it starts on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation. During this time, estrogen rises, which causes the lining of the uterus to grow and thicken. Another hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), begins to cause follicles in your ovaries to grow. During days 10 to 14, one of the developing follicles will form a fully mature egg.

• Hormonal Changes: The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating the ovaries to develop follicles. One follicle will mature into an egg.
• Physical Changes: As the follicles mature, estrogen levels rise, leading to the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy. 
• Mental Changes: Women may feel the most energetic and productive during this phase.

Ovulation is the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, typically occurring around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. A sudden increase in another hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), causes the ovary to release its egg. This event is ovulation.

• Hormonal Changes: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary.
• Physical Changes: Some may experience a slight increase in basal body temperature, changes in cervical mucus (which becomes clearer and more slippery), possible mild abdominal pain, and an increase in appetite. Women may also experience heightened senses in feel, taste, or sight.
• Mental Changes: Women might experience an increased sex drive and vivid dreams. 

Following ovulation, the luteal phase lasts until the start of the next menstrual cycle. The egg leaves the ovary and begins to travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Progesterone rises to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. If the egg becomes fertilized by sperm and attaches itself to your uterine wall (implantation), then a pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop and the thick lining of your uterus sheds during menstruation.

• Hormonal Changes: The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels drop.
• Symptoms: Many experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, acne, bloating, and fatigue as progesterone levels rise and then fall. Women also experience discharge changes, such as increased thickness and stickiness.