Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle has four distinct phases driven by hormonal changes:
- Menstruation (Days 1–5): The uterine lining sheds. This is the start of your cycle.
- Follicular Phase (Days 1–13): Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes eggs to mature in the ovaries.
- Ovulation (Day 14): The mature egg is released from the ovary. This is the most fertile time.
- Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): The uterine lining thickens to prepare for possible implantation.
Why Tracking Your Cycle Matters
- For conception: Identify your fertile window to maximize chances of pregnancy.
- For health: Irregular cycles may indicate underlying health conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues.
- For planning: Predict when your period will start to manage symptoms and plan ahead.
💡 Clinical Insight: The average cycle length is 28 days, but cycles of 21–35 days are considered normal. Variations of up to 7 days between cycles are common.
References
- ACOG. (2023). Menstrual Cycle: Basic Biology.
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Menstrual Cycle: What's Normal, What's Not.
- NIH. (2023). Ovulation and the Menstrual Cycle.