The menstrual cycle is the set of stages that one’s body undergoes to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy every month. This cycle begins on the first stay that a female’s period begins and goes until the first day of her next period, where it restarts. The average span of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, however, each woman experiences it slightly differently, meaning that the time frame can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days. This also applies to the length of period bleeding itself, which can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
There are four phases of a complete menstrual cycle:
The Menses Phase
This is most commonly known as the actual occurrence of a woman’s period. The loss of blood experienced is due to the shedding of the uterine lining.
The body’s levels of estrogen are lowest on the first day of one’s period, which can cause dips in a woman’s energy. Typical other symptoms of this phase are cramps, bloating, and headaches.
Cramps in particular are due to the contraction of the uterus’s muscular wall. As this happens, receptors within the uterus secrete prostaglandins which squeeze the blood vessels that line the womb, cutting off oxygen supply in the process and triggering the sensation of cramps.
The Follicular Phase
This phase also begins on the first day of someone’s period and ends when a female starts ovulation. Thus, it overlaps with the menses phase and finishes once ovulation begins. During the follicular phase, the body’s level of the hormone estrogen rises, triggering the thickening of the uterine lining. An additional hormone called the follicle-stimulating hormone generates the growth of follicles in the ovaries. After approximately 10 to 14 days, one of these follicles will become a mature egg.
After one’s period ends, estrogen levels increase once again which can also affect mood. Women may experience a burst of energy or feel happier overall.
Ovulation
Out of an average 28-day menstruation cycle, ovulation begins around the 14th day. During ovulation, the luteinizing hormone level increases, triggering the release of an egg.
Around 1 in 5 women experience pain during ovulation which can feel like both a sharp or dull cramp on the side of the body, where the ovary is actively releasing an egg. Additionally, estrogen levels peak the day before ovulation which can also correlate with a sudden burst in mood or energy.
The Luteal Phase
The luteal phase begins around day 15 and lasts until day 28. During this time, the matured egg leaves the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. To help prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy, a female’s body will begin producing a higher amount of the hormone progesterone. However, if pregnancy does not occur, both the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop, causing the uterus to shed its lining. This lining is what is secreted from the body during one’s period.
Since both estrogen and progesterone levels decrease during this period, women may begin experiencing the start of mood swings or changes. Other pre-period symptoms such as sore breasts and bloating may also occur.
Sources
“The Phases of Menstrual Cycle and How You Feel.” Hummingway, ourhummingway.com/article/what-do-the-phases-of-your-cycle-actually-feel-like. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Mar. 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle.
Sheth, Hina. “Period 101 Part 2: The Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle.” Rebalance Physical Therapy and Wellness, 11 Feb. 2025, rebalancept.com/womens-health/period101-part-2/.
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