The menstrual cycle

THE FOLLICULAR PHASE

The follicular phase starts on the first day of the Menstrual cycle (the first day of heavy period) and it lasts until ovulation. It is the longest phase of the menstrual cycle, lasting approximately 2 weeks.

When the corpus luteum from the previous cycle breaks down, the estrogen, progesterone and inhibin A levels decrease. These changes result in a positive feedback to the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is released into circulation and stimulates the granulosa cells of the ovaries to recruite the follicles from each ovary. In this phase, your body is preparing for ovulation; six to eight follicles in your ovaries mature.

Developing follicles produce estradiol, the HAPPY hormone.

In the follicular phase, it is common to feel happy, optimistic and motivated.

OVULATION

During Ovulation, the dominant follicle ruptures and releases the matured egg into the journey to the fallopian tubes. If sperm is present, the egg can be fertilized.

Ovulation lasts for one day and generally occurs on day 14. You can calculate your ovulation day by subtracting 14 days from the first day of your next period.

"Up to 40% of WOMEN know they are ovulating because they experience

mild lower pelvis pain and noticed changes in vaginal discharge"

(Ross, Moffat and Smith, 2023)

THE LUTEAL PHASE
The luteal phase consists of the 10 to 16 days between ovulation and the next period. The empty follicle turns itself into a progesterone-secreting gland (the corpus luteum). The corpus luteum produces progesterone and it can be affected by inflammation and hormonal dysfunctions. Progesterone reduces inflammation, builds muscles, promotes sleep, protects against heart disease and calms the nervous system. Your level of progesterone increases to then decreases as the next period approaches.

As the level of progesterone decreases approaching your next period,

you could experience symptoms such as

bloating, breast tenderness, irritability and anxiety.

MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

As the luteal phase ends, the corpus luteum shrinks and the progesterone level drops. Your uterus contracts, sheds its lining. There it starts your period again and a new cycle.

"Your period is not just your period.

It is an expression of your underlying health."

(Briden and Prior, 2018)

Period abnormalities and changes through a woman lifespan will be discussed later in this blog.

REFERENCES

Briden, L. and Prior, J.C. (2018). Period repair manual : natural treatment for better hormones and better periods. Greenpeak Publishing.

Monis, C.N. and Tetrokalashvili, M. (2019). Menstrual Cycle Proliferative And Follicular Phase. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542229/.

Ross, E., Moffat, B. and Smith, B. (2023). The Female Body Bible. Random House.

What do you really know about the menstrual cycle?