Most people only think about their menstrual cycle during the time that people get their periods, but in actuality, there are 4 stages of the menstrual cycle. The more you know, the better you flow, so let’s dive in!
The Four Stages of the Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation
The most well-known stage of the menstrual cycle is called Menstruation. This first stage of the cycle begins when someone gets their period – when the thickened lining of a uterus, which would support a pregnancy, is no longer needed, so it sheds through the vagina.
Menstruation typically lasts 3-7 days but varies from person to person.
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation, creating an overlap of phases. The follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the ovary to produce around five to 20 follicles (tiny nodules or cysts), which bead on the surface.
Each follicle houses an immature egg; most often, only one follicle will mature into an egg while the others die.
Ovulation
Typically occurring between days 11 and 21 of the menstrual cycle, the ovulation stage is when someone is most likely to get pregnant.
Can you get pregnant when you’re not ovulating?
Ovulation begins when a mature egg is funneled into the fallopian tube and toward the uterus by waves of tiny, hair-like projections. The life span of the typical egg is only around 24 hours. Unless it meets a sperm during this time, it will die.
Luteal Phase
Once ovulation occurs, the follicle that contains the egg transforms into something called a corpus luteum and produces progesterone and estrogen. The luteal phase often involves hormonal changes such as mood changes, headaches, acne, bloating, and breast tenderness.
If an egg is fertilized, progesterone supports the early pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum will break down between 9 and 11 days after ovulation. This results in a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, bringing us ALL the way back to the first stage of menstruation if no pregnancy has occurred.
How much did you already know? How much surprised you?
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Sources: Better Health Channel and Healthline
