What are the different menstrual cycle phases?

It seems easy enough for us to all know what the menstrual cycle is since we live with it.  However, have you ever really looked deeper into each phase? Have you learned how each phase plays a different role in our lives, from nutrition, energy, mood, and much more?  As an Endometriosis Coach, learning what are the different menstrual cycle phases was important to me.

Your cycle starts on the 1st day of your period or bleed and ends the day before your next period or bleed.  A cycle can vary for each woman, the average is 28 days.  A normal range can be anywhere from 23 days to 35 days.

Your menstrual cycle is just not your period.  It is a cycle of different events in your brain, ovaries, and uterus linked to your hormones.

As a Long Island Endometriosis Coach, it is important for me to understand the different phases of the menstrual cycle.  Over the years I have learned how it can affect things like hair, skin, digestion, energy levels, headaches, sex, cravings, moods, sleep, and much more.

Knowledge is power!  Give yourself the tools you need to live your best life.

What are the different menstrual cycle phases?

Menstruation Phase: This is the beginning of the new cycle, it is the shedding phase.  Your body has the amazing ability to shed the lining of its uterus.  During this phase, the estrogen and progesterone levels are usually their lowest levels. This phase can last an average of 3 to 7 days.

Follicular Phase:  This phase begins right after the bleeding. It usually takes place between days 6 to 14.  During this phase the estrogen levels begin to rise, causing the uterus lining to thicken. The hormone, FSH, causes follicles to grow in the ovaries.

Ovulation Phase: The ovulation phase occurs roughly between days 14 to 28.  This is when your body has an increase in the hormone LH.  This increase causes your ovary to release the egg.

Luteal Phase:  The egg leaves the ovaries and travels through your fallopian tubes. There is an increase in progesterone levels to help prepare the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy. This phase happens between days 15 to 28.  If there is no pregnancy then estrogen and progesterone drop causing the uterine lining to begin shedding.

The cycle starts all over again!

The human body is an amazing thing.  It is a gift to be able to learn more about how the body and how to best support it.

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Health & Happiness! 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle

https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/the-menstrual-cycle-more-than-just-the-period

https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle