Women’s Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is the monthly hormonal cycle a woman’s body goes through in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the body sheds the uterine lining through menstrual bleeding (a period).

A complete cycle usually lasts between 21 to 35 days, with an average of 28 days.

The 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Phase 1: Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

What happens:

The uterus sheds its lining (blood and tissue) because pregnancy did not occur.

Symptoms:

Bleeding, cramps, fatigue, mood changes.

Self-care:

Rest, use a warm compress, stay hydrated, and eat iron-rich foods.

Phase 2: Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)

What happens:

The brain signals the ovaries to grow follicles (one of which will become an egg).

Hormones:

Estrogen levels rise.

Signs:

Increased energy, clearer skin, sharper focus.

Self-care:

Exercise, plan important tasks, eat protein and leafy greens.

Phase 3: Ovulation Phase (Day 14 in a 28-day cycle)

What happens:

A mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

Fertility:

This is the most fertile period. If sperm is present, pregnancy can occur.

Symptoms:

Slight rise in body temperature, clear stretchy discharge (like egg white), higher sexual desire.

Self-care:

Best time for intimacy, setting goals, and social activities.

Phase 4: Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

What happens:

If fertilization doesn’t occur, hormone levels drop, and the body prepares to shed the uterine lining again.

Symptoms:

PMS (bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness), low energy.

Self-care:

Eat magnesium-rich foods, rest more, and avoid stress and processed sugar.

Mastering Your Cycle: Body Awareness Tips

Track Your Cycle

Use apps like Clue, Flo, or My Calendar to track your period, symptoms, and ovulation.

Track body signs such as:

Energy levels, mood, cravings, discharge, and body temperature.

Understand Your Fertility Window

Ovulation occurs about 14 days before your next period.

You are fertile for about 5–6 days (the egg lives 12–24 hours, and sperm can live up to 5 days).

Recognize Hormonal Patterns

Estrogen boosts mood and energy (first half of cycle).

Progesterone calms the body (second half).

Understanding these helps plan work, rest, exercise, and intimacy better.

Listen to Your Body

Your cycle affects everything your mind, skin, energy, and focus.

Adjust your lifestyle: eat differently, rest more, or be more productive depending on your phase.

Tips for Cycle Mastery

Cycle Syncing: Match your exercise, diet, and workload to your cycle phase.

Period Positivity: Menstruation is not dirty or shameful — it’s a sign of good health.

Know What’s Normal: Severe pain, heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles may require medical attention.

How to Calculate Your Cycle

1. Identify Day 1:

The first day of menstrual bleeding is Day 1 of your cycle.

2. Track Subsequent Periods:

Note the first day of each following period.

3. Calculate Cycle Length:

Count the days between the first day of one period and the first day of the next.

4. Find the Average:

Track several months, add up all cycle lengths, and divide by the number of cycles.

5. Estimate Ovulation:

Ovulation usually occurs 12–14 days before your next period.

Your fertile window includes the 5 days leading up to ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after.

6. Use Apps or Calculators:

Period tracking apps or online calculators can help you predict your next period and estimate your fertile days.

Causes of Missed or Stopped Periods (Amenorrhea)

Menopause: Naturally occurs after age 45.

Breastfeeding: Menstruation may pause while nursing.

Anemia or chronic illness: Such as kidney or liver disease.

Severe weakness, malnutrition, or prolonged fasting.

Blood deficiency from hemorrhoids or enlarged spleen.

Injury or trauma to the uterus, excessive cold or dryness.

Obesity or uterine swelling.

Thickened blood or excessive physical exertion.

If you experience gynecological issues such as:

* Missed periods

* Difficulty conceiving

* Changes in feminine health or vaginal tightness

* Anemia

* Male issues such as early ejaculation or timing problems

By: Article Writing Master