The menstrual cycle is an intricate dance of hormonal shifts and physiological changes that occur in the female body, usually lasting around 28 days on average. It is divided into four distinct phases: Menstruation, Follicular, Ovulation, and Luteal. Each phase plays a crucial role in preparing the body for potential pregnancy and shedding the uterine lining if conception does not occur. In this article, we will delve into each phase and provide insights into whats occur in your body during that phase.

The diagram below shows the phases over a typical cycle which consists of a 28 day cycle and a 5 day period.

The menstrual cycle kicks off with the menstrual phase, which typically lasts around 3 to 7 days. During this time, the uterine lining (endometrium) that has built up in anticipation of pregnancy is shed if conception didn't occur in the previous cycle. This shedding leads to the familiar bleeding that is often accompanied by cramps, fatigue, and mood swings. Hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest during this phase.

The follicular phase follows menstruation. It is characterised by the development of follicles within the ovaries, each housing an immature egg. As these follicles grow, they release estrogen, which stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy. As the follicular phase progresses, one dominant follicle emerges, and it's this follicle that will release the mature egg during ovulation.

Around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs. The dominant follicle releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube, making it available for fertilization by sperm. Ovulation is a pivotal phase and usually occurs mid-cycle. Estrogen levels surge just before ovulation, peaking as the egg is released. Some women may experience mild discomfort or a twinge in the lower abdomen during this time.

Following ovulation, the luteal phase begins and lasts approximately 10-16 days. During this phase, the remnants of the dominant follicle transform into the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure that produces progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining and creates an environment conducive to a potential pregnancy. If fertilisation does not occur, hormone levels drop, leading to the breakdown of the corpus luteum and a subsequent decline in progesterone levels.