Menstrual Cycle 101

Your period is just the beginning (literally). 

 

Most often, when we’re taught about the menstrual cycle, we learn only the most basic information: you’re either on your period or you’re not. But, this is a major oversimplification! Our bodies are actually balancing two simultaneous cycles that interact with each other: the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle, each containing three stages.

When we break down what’s really happening during our menstrual cycle, many of the unpredictable changes we experience every month (in our hair, skin, mood, sex drive, migraines, chronic illness symptoms, stomach, etc.) suddenly become a lot more predictable. In this post, we’re going to talk about the ovarian cycle—the stages, when they happen, what they mean, and how you might feel during them.

Remember!

On average, the normal menstrual cycle lasts 21 to 35 days, with most people’s cycles lasting an average of 28-29 days. It begins on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next period starts! Remember, though, if you’re close to menarche (your first period) or menopause (your last period), your cycle length can vary much more.

The Ovarian Cycle:

The Follicular Stage:

When:
The follicular stage is generally day 0-14 of your cycle. It can be between 10 and 22 days long. It starts on the day your period starts and ends on the day you ovulate.

What:
During the follicular stage, a hormone called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) causes ten to twenty follicles to develop. These are fluid sacs that contain eggs. Around day 10, the fastest-growing follicle is crowned the dominant follicle. As it develops, this follicle starts to release more estrogen, leading to the next stage, ovulation. 

NOTE: About the first half of the follicular stage occurs while you are on your period. Your period (menstruation) is part of the uterine cycle.

How you feel:
Generally, once you’re past your period, the rest of the follicular stage is the most energized, sociable, and happy because of the extra estrogen in your body. Serotonin (your happy neurotransmitter) usually increases with estrogen! Leading up to ovulation, studies show you might have a higher pain tolerance, a higher sex drive, and even an increased ability to read people’s emotions. 

Ovulation:

When:
Ovulation generally happens around day 14. It is most accurately measured as 14-16 days before your next period, so its timing depends on the length of your follicular stage, which can change throughout your life. (NOTE: On hormonal birth control, ovulation does not occur.)

What:
Ovulation is the shortest of the ovarian cycle phases, lasting generally around 24 hours. It occurs when the estrogen produced from the dominant follicle causes a surge of LH (Luteinizing Hormone). LH causes the release of the egg from the follicle to travel down your fallopian tube.

How you feel:
Ovulation can have many related symptoms like tender breasts, minor abdominal pain, increased sex drive, some light bleeding, bloating, mood changes, appetite changes, or even enhanced senses such as better smell, taste, or sight.

 

The Luteal Phase:

When:
The luteal phase begins right after ovulation, or day 14 of the average cycle. It lasts until the day before menstruation, which is generally day 28.
What:
After releasing its egg, the follicle turns into a corpus luteum, which produces progesterone for a potential pregnancy. After around ten days, if you are not pregnant, the corpus luteum breaks down, causing a drop in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which leads to your period.
How you feel:
Though the initial increase in progesterone may lead to better sleep and some lowered anxiety, it can also be paired with fluid-retention, constipation, cravings, and fatigue. 
When your progesterone and estrogen levels drop, you develop the more classic PMS symptoms like cramps, bloating, mood changes, acne, etc. You might be more in touch with your own emotional field during this time, perhaps feeling more sensitive than in prior weeks.