Ladies, menstruation, or your period is when you bleed once every month. At the time of menstruation, your body discards the buildup of the lining of the uterus. This blood and tissue flow from the uterus, through the cervix, and out of the body via the vagina. This complete process of the uterus lining building up and then degrading is controlled by changing hormones and is completed over 28-35 days, the normal duration of the menstrual cycle.
The basic purpose of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the body for pregnancy. Your hormones change throughout the cycle and cause menstrual symptoms. The female body changes as the cycle progresses. The gynecologist in Lahore shared the stages of a menstrual cycle for better understanding along with the changes the body goes along with it. Let’s have a look
Phases Of The Menstrual Cycle
This cycle consists of four distinct phases, namely the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. The length of each phase can vary and change over time. Your energy and comfort level change through each phase.
Menstrual phase
This is the first phase of the menstrual cycle and is also commonly known as your period. This phase starts on the day you get your period and ends when the bleeding stops. It lasts from five to seven days and varies from woman to woman.
What happens to initiate bleeding is the level of estrogen and progesterone hormones drop when the egg from the previous cycle did not get fertilized. The thickened lining of the uterus is not needed and therefore, it sheds.
During this time, you are more likely to feel less productive and sluggish. Energy levels may drop. Cramping and abdominal pain are frequent and the pain intensity level is different for all. You may have tender breasts, bloating, headaches, and lower back pain.
To maximize your time during this phase – Prioritize yourself and rest as much as you can. Reschedule appointments and sleep if your body needs it. It is essential to listen to your body and practice self-care.
Follicular phase
The start of this phase overlaps with the menstrual phase as this starts on the day you start bleeding. In this, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released by the pituitary gland which triggers the ovaries to produce follicles that contain immature eggs. Only the healthiest egg matures and the rest are reabsorbed by the body.
As this phase progresses, estrogen peaks and the uterus lining thickens. This is to prepare the body for possible pregnancy. Progesterone levels are usually low which is why this time you feel greater strength, power, and energy. The average follicular phase lasts up to 16 days.
To maximize your time during this phase – This is the time to complete your to-do lists and focus on your complex projects. Rising estrogen will give you all the energy you need to increase your productivity levels. Ramp up your exercise routine and socialize.
Ovulation phase
Of a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs on the 14th day usually. In the days leading up to ovulation, there is a rise in the luteinizing hormone (LH). This gives the go-ahead to the ovary to release the egg. The ovulation process may last up to 24 hours, but the hormone surges last for three to four days.
Estrogen and testosterone levels peak during this time, making you more sociable and people-friendly. You may feel more energetic, lively, and confident around this time.
Cervical mucus is a prominent symptom of the ovulation process. The discharge may be clear, stretchy, and slippery like raw egg whites.
To maximize your time during the phase – if you are trying to conceive, this is the best time for you to get pregnant. The more confident you feel, the more challenging conversations you can carry out at this time of the month.
Luteal phase
The time between ovulation and your next period is the luteal phase and most commonly occurs from the fifteenth to the twenty-eighth day of your cycle. During this time, the follicle that had released the egg changes into a structure called the corpus luteum. This releases progesterone and estrogen which maintains the thickened lining of the uterus.
If you do get pregnant, the body will release the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone to support the corpus luteum. Progesterone will also continue to rise in this case. But, if pregnancy fails to happen, progesterone and estrogen levels will drop, preparing your body for the next menstrual phase. The corpus luteum will dissolve. The endometrium is ready to be shed, marking the end of the luteal phase.
The rapid decline in progesterone levels will make you feel sluggish. You will be more inclined to curl up on the couch rather than move around. You may feel cravings to eat junk food.
To maximize your time during this phase – Focus on mundane tasks and do not over-exert yourself if you do not want to. You may read a book or binge-watch movies. It is okay to treat yourself and satisfy your food cravings.
Final Thoughts
Your menstrual cycle is not just a period. It is a series of events that shape your body and life routine. You should track your phases and the behavioral changes during this time to know when to achieve maximum productivity. It is good to listen to your body.