What are the 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?
There are 4 phases of the menstrual that have different physical characteristics, hormone levels, and symptoms. Understanding what each phase is and what happens during it can help you understand your body more.
Here are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle:
1. Menstrual
The menstrual phase is the first of the 4 phase of the menstrual cycle. This phase occurs from day 0-7. In this phase you are eliminating an unfertilized egg and the endometrial lining, which is your period. It is important to monitor the consistency, color, and volume of your period blood because this can help you know if you have an abnormally heavy period or a light period. Some symptoms to note are cramps, brain fog, constipation, bloating, mood swings, headaches, and more. These symptoms can relate to varying hormone levels and can help indicate any imbalances. During menstruation, estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, because your body knows it doesn’t need to prepare for pregnancy so the hormone levels drop. The developing and maturation of follicles begins.
Source: NIH
2. Follicular
The follicular phase is the second of the 4 phase of the menstrual cycle. This phase is usually days 8-13. During this phase, you should not be releasing any blood. Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, and it promotes the development of ovarian follicles which will increase estrogen levels. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is released from the anterior pituitary gland and will stimulate ovulation to occur by developing the corpus luteum which results in progesterone increase. From the increase in hormone levels, you can experience higher energy levels.
Source: NIH
3. Ovulation
Ovulation is the third of the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. This occurs on day 14 and is the halfway point in your cycle, though it is the shortest the phase of the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle, the specific day of ovulation can vary person to person. Ovulation occurs when the ovarian follicle releases an egg that will travel down the fallopian tube to prepare for fertilization. Hormones are at their peak at this phase to increase the probability of pregnancy, specifically, there is an LH surge allowing for the egg to break free from the follicle. Your cervical mucus in the cervix will increase in volume and become more watery. Additionally, your base body temperature will increase due to progesterone increase.
Source: NIH
4. Luteal
The luteal phase is the last of the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. In this phase, your body is preparing to receive a fertilized embryo by increasing progesterone production, maturation of uterine glands, and thickening the walls of the endometrium. Progesterone and estrogen both peak again in this phase. If there is no embryo received, then these hormone levels quickly decline and prepare to shed the endometrial lining. During this phase is when premenstrual syndrome or PMS occurs. Common symptoms are cramps, emotional sensitivity, headaches, and breast tenderness.
Source: NIH
