The Menstrual Cycle: A Guide to Understanding Your Body

The menstrual cycle which lasts between 21 and 35 days, has been a part of every woman’s life. It’s like a monthly visitor that often brings a feeling of discomfort, a mix of emotions, and other symptoms.

Understanding the phase of the menstrual cycle and the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle helps you manage your period cycle. Check out our article and talk to gynaecologists online to understand your body.

What Is the Menstrual Cycle?

The reproductive cycle in females is a natural process that involves hormonal and psychological changes in the body. Women of reproductive age experience these changes every month. The events of the menstrual cycle prepare your body for pregnancy.

Menstruation starts in girls between the ages of 10 and 15. Women aged between 45 and 55 usually experience menopause. Taking good care of the body after menopause is also necessary to cope with the natural transition.  

What Are Menstrual Cycle Stages?

The healthy menstrual cycle involves four different phases - menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Here we are going to explain these 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and what happens during these stages.

Stage1 - Menstrual Phase (Day 1 to 7)

The stages of the menstrual cycle begin with this. Also known as the inner winter season, this first phase starts on the first day of your period. It happens when your uterus sheds its lining and causes bleeding. During this stage, women feel exhausted because of the release of female hormones - Oestrogen and Progesterone. However, with adequate sleep, rest and period care plans, it is possible to relieve stress.

Stage 2 - Menstrual Cycle Follicular Phase (Day 8 to 13)

The second phase is called Follicular Phase or the inner spring season and it starts with the end of the first phase. At this stage, progesterone remains low while oestrogen begins to peak to stimulate follicle growth in your ovaries. It’s when the uterus prepares you for another pregnancy. To predict and track the record of menstrual cycle days, use a period cycle calculator.

Stage 3 - Menstrual Cycle Ovulation Phase (Day 14 to 21)

One of the most important menstrual cycle phases is the ovulatory phase when the follicle releases a mature egg. Known as the inner summer season, this is the most fertile stage in the female cycle. During this third phase, menstrual cycle hormones, like Oestrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) start peaking to help the release of a mature egg. You feel energetic and have a high libido during this stage. This is when pregnancy can happen.  

Stage 4 - Menstrual Cycle Luteal Phase (Day 22 to 28)

When your period cycle is normal, you experience Progesterone rise at this fourth stage. This hormone prepares the uterus to protect the fertilised embryo. In case, pregnancy doesn’t happen, oestrogen and progesterone drop. The womb lining starts shedding and another period cycle begins.

What Affects the Menstrual Cycle?

Now that you have an idea about menstrual cycle types and the stages of menstrual cycle, let’s dig deeper to know how the menstrual cycle is affected by different factors, like:

• Changes in hormone levels
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal birth control
• Premenopause and Perimenopause
• Stress
• Underweight
• Health conditions, like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc.

Tips on How to Prevent Period Problems

To prevent period problems and achieve a healthy female reproductive cycle, consider these tips:

• Practice yoga regularly with a coach
• Maintain menstrual hygiene
• Stick to holistic diet plans
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Build and maintain good sleep habits
• Reduce stress if required take psychological counselling sessions
• Consult a gynaecologist to manage irregular period symptoms  

You can also join the Newmi Period Care Plan which will take care of all the above-mentioned things. 

FAQs on the Menstrual Cycle

1. Is The Menstrual Cycle Exactly 28 Days?

The length varies from woman to woman. However, the regular female cycle usually lasts between 21 and 35 days.

2. How Many Days After Your Period Can You Get Pregnant?

Your best chance to get pregnant is during the ovulation phase which is between 10 and 14 days.

3. How Is the Menstruation Cycle Calculated?

The easiest way to calculate the reproductive cycle in females is to use a period cycle calculator. However, you can count the cycle from the first day of your one period to the first day of the next one.

Whether you are a teenager or a woman, understanding your body, period cycle, psychological changes, etc. is important. It helps you manage your fertility and overall health properly. Feel free to consult gynaecologists, if you need professional help.