The menstrual cycle: period and ovulation cycle
Understanding the menstrual cycle is necessary for women. Let us help you understand the period and ovulation cycle if you have never understood it properly. Get educated and smart because it is necessary for everyone to know what is the normal biology of our body.
Menstruation is the term we often hear, but what exactly happens, and what is the ovulation cycle? Let us learn in this blog.
Menstruation
The cyclic, orderly sloughing of the uterine lining is menstruation. It happens in response to the interaction of hormones produced by the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries. The menstrual cycle is basically divided into two phases:
- Follicular or proliferative phase: It begins from the first days of menses until ovulation. Lower temperatures on a basal body temperature chart and, importantly, the development of ovarian follicles, characterise this phase.
- The luteal or secretory phase: After ovulation, the remaining granulosa cells that are not released with the oocyte continue to enlarge and become vacuolated in appearance, and begin to accumulate a yellow pigment called lutein.
The luteal phase is relatively constant in all women, with a duration of 14 days. The variability of cycle length is usually derived from varying lengths of the follicular phase, which can range from 10 to 16 days.
If you are experiencing irregular periods, then you must consider visiting a “GP women’s health near me”.
Periods and Ovulation Cycle
The period and ovulation cycle are interconnected phases of the monthly menstrual cycle, where your period begins on Day 1, followed by the follicular phase, leading to ovulation, then the luteal phase. Understand better here:
| Phases | Explained |
| Menstruation (Period) (Days 1-5/7) | Starts on the first day of your period, which is Day 1 of the cycle. The uterus sheds its lining (blood and tissue) because a fertilised egg didn’t implant. |
| Follicular Phase (Days 1-13) | FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) promotes follicle growth in the ovary. Estrogen rises, thickening the uterine lining (endometrium). |
| Ovulation (Around Day 14) | A surge in LH (Luteinizing Hormone) triggers a mature egg to be released from an ovary.This is the “fertile window,” where pregnancy is most likely if sperm fertilises the egg. |
| Luteal Phase (Days 15-28) | The empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum, producing progesterone. Progesterone further prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If no pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone drop, causing the lining to shed, and the cycle restarts. |
FAQs: Ovulation Cycle
Q1. What is the menstrual cycle?
It is a monthly, hormone-driven process. It prepares a woman’s body for potential pregnancy, which involves the thickening of the uterine lining, ovulation, release of an egg, and, if pregnancy does not occur, shedding the lining through menstruation.
Q2. Is the ovulation cycle and period different?
Yes, the ovulation cycle and period are different parts of the overall menstrual cycle. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurring around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, marking the highest fertility. The period is the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation) that happens roughly 12-16 days later if the egg is not fertilised.
Q3. What are the different phases of the menstrual cycle?
There are four phases of the menstrual cycle, including menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. The cycle begins with uterine bleeding (menstruation), followed by follicle maturation, egg release, and uterine lining preparation. If you feel uncomfortable during your cycle or if it is causing irregularities, it is better to consult with your general practitioner.
Q4. Why do periods become irregular?
Stress, significant weight changes, excessive exercise, or lifestyle factors like poor diet can trigger irregular periods, but the main reason is hormonal imbalance. Some common underlying causes include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, and natural life transitions such as puberty or perimenopause.
Q5. How do irregular periods affect the menstrual cycle?
Frequency, duration, and flow can be disrupted because of irregular periods. Irregular periods are often the result of a hormonal imbalance. Cycles become shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. Unpredictable, heavy, or light bleeding, as well as missed periods, can be experienced during this time. It does impact fertility. The leading causes can be hormonal imbalances, stress, and thyroid issues.
Final Thoughts
It does happen often that a woman experiences irregular periods, but it is also essential that you consult with your GP. Visit CSMC for regular menstruation. Here, our specialists understand the body’s needs and prepare you for the treatment plan. Your treatment plan will be personalised, and you can achieve quality living. Consult with CSMC specialists today!