The menstrual cycle is a natural and healthy process that every woman goes through during their reproductive years.

However, despite this being such a fundamental aspect of female health, many women do not fully understand their menstrual cycle and how it affects their body. In this article, we will dive deeper into what happens during the menstrual cycle and provide tips on how to understand and track it.

What is the Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle refers to the regular physiological changes that occur in a woman’s body over a period of approximately 28 days, although cycle length can vary from woman to woman and even from month to month.

The cycle is regulated by hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. The main purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, with menstruation occurring when fertilization does not take place.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle can be divided into four different phases, each with its own set of hormonal changes and physical symptoms.

1. Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase is the phase that most people associate with the menstrual cycle. This typically lasts between three to seven days and involves the shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in vaginal bleeding.

During this time, hormone levels are low.

2. Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle and lasts until ovulation.

During this phase, the body produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the ovaries to produce follicles containing immature eggs. As estrogen levels rise, the uterine lining begins to thicken in preparation for potential fertilization.

3. Ovulatory Phase

Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle and is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone. The mature follicle containing the egg ruptures, allowing the egg to be released into the fallopian tube for potential fertilization.

This is the most fertile time in a woman’s menstrual cycle.

4. Luteal Phase

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual cycle.

During this phase, the ruptured follicle forms the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to thicken the uterine lining further and support a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum disintegrates, hormone levels drop, and menstruation begins again.

Related Article Are you aware of your most fertile days?

Why is it Important to Understand Your Menstrual Cycle?

Understanding your menstrual cycle is essential for many reasons.

Firstly, being aware of the typical length of your cycle and the symptoms you experience can help you recognize any changes or irregularities that may indicate an underlying health issue.

Additionally, tracking your menstrual cycle can help you predict your period’s timing and fertile window, allowing you to plan accordingly and potentially increase your chances of conception if you are trying to conceive.

How to Track Your Menstrual Cycle

Thankfully, tracking your menstrual cycle has never been easier thanks to a host of apps and tools available to download and use. However, it is important to understand the potential methods available to you when tracking your menstrual cycle.

1. Calendar Method

The calendar method involves tracking your period’s start and end dates and plotting this data on a calendar to work out when your next period is likely to begin.

This method is relatively simple, but is not always accurate, as not all women have a predictable cycle length or ovulate at the same time every month.

2. Basal Body Temperature Method

The basal body temperature method involves taking your temperature first thing in the morning before getting out of bed and recording this data daily.

Your basal body temperature rises around ovulation and stays elevated until the start of your next period. This method requires consistent tracking and can be influenced by factors such as illness or lack of sleep.

3. Ovulation Predictor Kits

Ovulation predictor kits measure the levels of luteinizing hormone in your urine and indicate when ovulation is likely to occur. They are easy to use and can be highly precise, but can be expensive over time compared to other methods.

4. Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps

Tracking apps such as Flo, Clue, and Ovia offer a convenient and user-friendly option for tracking your menstrual cycle.

You can enter data on your period start and end dates, physical symptoms, and other relevant information to predict when your next period will begin and when ovulation is likely to occur. These apps also offer features such as cycle insights and health tips to help you better understand your menstrual cycle.

Conclusion

Understanding your menstrual cycle is vital for maintaining good reproductive health and managing your menstrual cycle in an effective way.

With plenty of options available for tracking your menstrual cycle, it is easier than ever to understand how your cycle affects your body and what you can do to make the most of it.