The menstrual cycle is a series of changes your body goes through each month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Each cycle is measured from the first day of your period (day one of your cycle) to the day before your next period. The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, but each person’s cycle is different and can also change overtime across different times in your life.
The four phases of the menstrual cycle are:
Menstruation is the time of month when a uterus sheds its lining (endometrium), causing menstrual fluid to flow from the body through the vagina. Menstrual fluid contains blood, cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrial cells) and mucus. Menstruation periods usually last about 3 to 7 days, but every body is different. Levels of estrogen and progesterone are low.
The follicular phase is the time between the first day of menstrual period and ends with ovulation. Prompted by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and levels of estrogen rises. FSH tells the ovaries to prepare an egg for ovulation.
The release of the egg from the ovary, mid-cycle. Estrogen peaks just beforehand, and then drops shortly afterwards.
The time between ovulation and before the start of menstruation, when the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Progesterone is produced, peaks, and then drops.
