What is a two-phase cycle? Description of each day of the menstrual cycle! Very interesting

The woman’s body is a mystery of nature; it can be studied endlessly.

The menstrual cycle has a great influence on well-being and emotional background. It is the duty of every woman to know about it and be able to feel her body.

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1. What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is usually called a period of time, the beginning of which is considered, and the end is the day before the appearance of the next menstrual flow.

This process is repeated in all healthy women every month, with the exception of pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Every month nature prepares a woman for a potential pregnancy and does everything to ensure that the fetus finds itself in comfortable and favorable conditions in which it can grow and develop harmoniously.

When a girl is born, there are about 2 million eggs in her ovaries, but by the time of puberty there are no more than 400 thousand of them. During 1 cycle, as a rule, 1 egg is consumed.

It is impossible to imagine a regular menstrual cycle without the participation of brain structures and hormones.

The sequence of events that occur during a normal cycle is determined by the close relationship between the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, the ovaries and the endometrium.

On average, its duration is 28 days. But a cycle that lasts from 21 to 35 days is also considered normal.

If the cycle does not fit within these time periods, this is not the norm. In this case, you should contact a gynecologist and undergo a comprehensive examination under his guidance.

Figure 1 - Scheme of the phases of the menstrual cycle

2. Cycle phases

The menstrual cycle consists of several phases. The phases of changes in the ovaries and endometrium differ (see diagram in Figure 1 and table). Each of them has its own characteristics and characteristics.

	Endometrial phase	Peculiarities	Signs

Ovulation (1-2 days)	---
Luteal (14 days +/- 2)	Secretory

Table 1 - Phases of the menstrual cycle

2.1. Follicular

The very first phase of the menstrual cycle is called follicular. It begins on the 1st day of menstruation, and its end occurs on the day when ovulation occurs.

During menstruation, the surface layer of the uterine mucosa is shed and bleeding begins.

On days 1-3 of the cycle, the uterus looks like a wound surface and is large these days. By day 5, the thickness of the endometrium begins to increase.

During the first phase, follicles mature in the ovaries under the influence of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

Initially, there may be several of them, but only one will complete the maturation process, becoming dominant (main).

During this period, active growth (proliferation) of the endometrium occurs in the uterus under the influence of a high concentration of estrogens (mainly estradiol).

Thus, the follicular phase correlates in time with menstruation and the endometrial proliferation phase, that is, it covers days 1-14.

2.2. Ovulation

It begins after a sharp surge of LH (luteinizing hormone). After the dominant follicle bursts, an egg is released and begins its movement along the fallopian tube.

If at this moment the egg and sperm meet, an embryo is formed and the woman can become pregnant.

If this meeting does not occur, the egg will die in about a day. Ovulation can be calculated and determined by the signs listed below:

1 A woman begins to experience strong sexual desire.
2 Basal temperature rises.
3, they become mucous, viscous, but remain light and are accompanied by other symptoms.
4 Moderate, nagging pain may occur in the lower back.

2.3. Luteal

The second phase is characterized by the formation and growth of the corpus luteum at the site of the ruptured follicle. On average it lasts 12-16 days. The corpus luteum prepares the body for pregnancy and produces progesterone.

The maximum concentration of progesterone is observed 6-8 days after the formation of the corpus luteum (approximately day 22 of the cycle).

During this period, the endometrium thickens even more, only due to the formation of secretion by the uterine glands and an increase in cell size (the third phase of secretion). Its thickness at the end of the luteal phase can reach 12-14 mm.

If conception does not occur, then the level of hormones (estrogens, progesterone, FSH, LH) gradually begins to decrease. Their minimum triggers the onset of menstruation, and a new cycle begins.

This process is influenced by stress, bad habits and past illnesses.

3. Causes of menstrual irregularities

What causes the cycle to break?	Conditions and diseases




	Hyperprolactinemia
	Cushing's disease
	Thyroid pathologies
Decreased endometrial quality
Effect on the ovaries

Impact on multiple links

4. What should you pay attention to?

Women should be attentive to their bodies. The ability to feel the changes occurring in it, to hear its signals, will help you avoid many difficult situations.

What is not the norm, and what warning signs should you pay attention to?

1 If more than once every 21 days, or less than once every 35 days, you should consult a doctor.
2 Heavy bleeding, when 1 pad or 1 tampon is not enough for 2 hours.
3 Bleeding also occurs.
4 Menstruation lasts more than 7 days.
5 During menstruation or during ovulation, symptoms arise that interfere with full work, study and daily activities.
6 are pronounced and reduce the quality of life.

5. Why do you need a period diary?

Now there is no need to start a special notebook for this. You can install an app on your phone and enter data regularly. Such a diary is needed to know the average time of one cycle.

What does the menstrual calendar look like?

If its duration changes sharply, the diary will help to find out the nature of the violations.

The diary will also help determine the date of expected ovulation. This is especially important for those who have problems conceiving.

Electronic applications offer to enter the start and end date of your period each month. Based on this data, they will automatically calculate the length of the cycle, the time of ovulation, unfavorable days for planning a child and the start time of the next menstruation.

Some applications are not limited to this data; they can record how you feel on certain days (amount of blood released, symptoms, changes).

All this data, if necessary, will make the doctor’s work easier and help identify the causes of violations.

Phase of the ovarian cycle and its duration

Endometrial phase

Peculiarities

Signs

Follicular (average 14 days, range from 7 to 22 days)

Menstrual + proliferative

FSH stimulates the formation of follicles.

An increase in estrogen concentration from days 3-5, the growth of a renewed endometrium.

It begins at the same time as menstruation.

Bloody discharge appears.

In the first days, the woman feels bad, she is bothered by pain in the lower abdomen, lower back tension, and her mood is low.

After the end of menstruation, the discharge is moderate or scanty, the skin condition gradually normalizes.

Ovulation (1-2 days)

---

A sharp surge in LH stimulates the release of the egg from the follicle.

Movement of the egg through the fallopian tube.

Increased sexual desire, moderate pain in the lumbar region, lower abdomen.

The amount of light-colored discharge increases, it becomes mucous, viscous or liquid.

The skin under the influence of estrogen is clean, smooth, and radiant.

Increase in basal temperature.

Luteal (14 days +/- 2)

Secretory

The follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, and progesterone production begins.

Its peak concentration occurs 6-8 days after the formation of the corpus luteum.

In the middle of the phase, against the background of hormonal changes, some people experience premenstrual syndrome.

Its symptoms include swelling of the mammary glands, decreased mood, tearfulness or aggression, increased appetite, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, weight gain, swelling, headaches, less often constipation, flatulence.

What causes the cycle to break?	Conditions and diseases
Anovulation (no normal ovulation)	PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), ovarian failure
	Hypothalamic syndrome, tumors and other diseases of the pituitary gland
	Excessive training and exercise
	Eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia
	Hyperprolactinemia
	Cushing's disease
	Thyroid pathologies
Decreased endometrial quality	Cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, endometritis, polyps, endometriosis (adenomyosis)
Effect on the ovaries	Cysts, tumors, adnexitis, cancer
Changes in the levels of hormone regulators	Incorrect use and selection of oral contraceptives, intrauterine systems, early menopause, taking tamoxifen, progesterone drugs
Impact on multiple links	Inflammatory diseases of the cervix and vagina, including STDs (chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea)
	Taking medications (such as anticoagulants)
	General somatic diseases: kidney, liver, adrenal glands, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel diseases, hemophilia and other diseases of the blood coagulation system, oncology, etc.

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the readiness of the uterus to accept a fertilized egg. Its deficiency leads to the inability to become pregnant and bear a child.

Main features of the second phase of the menstrual cycle

A woman’s menstrual cycle is one of the most important indicators of her reproductive health, and not only reproductive health - cycle disturbances can occur due to various diseases not directly related to the reproductive system. Normally, the cycle lasts 23–35 days and is divided into two phases. The first phase (follicular) lasts from one to three weeks. The second phase of the menstrual cycle usually lasts two weeks. Ovulation occurs between the two phases.

The second phase is also called the luteal phase, since it is at this time that the corpus luteum begins to form, the purpose of which is to support 12-14 days of pregnancy. But first things first.

As you know, the first half of the cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation. At this time, a follicle matures in the woman’s ovaries, from which the egg will be released, and the body as a whole prepares for a future pregnancy.

After the follicle matures, its walls burst and an egg emerges, heading towards the ampulla of the fallopian tube, where fertilization should occur. This moment is called ovulation. After it, the second phase of the cycle begins.

What happens during the second phase

It usually lasts about 12–16 days, regardless of the length of the cycle. After the release of the egg, the so-called corpus luteum is formed in its place in the follicle. The process is stimulated by luteinizing hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland. The main purpose of the corpus luteum is to produce progesterone and, to a lesser extent, estrogen.

These female sex hormones are necessary to maintain pregnancy during the first weeks. Progesterone is especially important, the most significant functions of which for pregnancy include:

increasing the sensitivity of the endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg;
relaxation of the uterine muscles;
stimulation of uterine growth;
decreased immunity;
deposition of subcutaneous fat;
cessation of menstruation.

If pregnancy has occurred, the necessary hormones are subsequently produced by the woman’s body and the placenta, and the corpus luteum is gradually destroyed. However, it is destroyed in any case approximately 14 days after ovulation. If there is no pregnancy, then this is a signal to “reboot the system.” That is, menstruation begins (detachment of the old endometrial layer) and everything repeats.

Disorders of the second phase of the cycle

As mentioned above, this half of the cycle lasts approximately 2 weeks and is characterized by high levels of progesterone in the woman’s body. However, with a number of disorders, progesterone levels may be reduced or, conversely, increased. In the first case they talk about a short second phase, in the second – about a long one. If we talk about the desired conception, both violations are critical. And for pregnancy, a more serious problem is the short second phase of the cycle.

Short luteal phase

The second name for this disorder is (NLF), and it is caused by the fact that the corpus luteum formed in the follicle produces an insufficient amount of progesterone.

How long can the luteal phase last with this disorder? Doctors diagnose NLF when the second part of the cycle decreases to 10 days or less.

The reasons for this pathology can be different:

disturbances in the functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or ovaries;
decreased sensitivity of the endometrium to progesterone;
metabolic disorders;
malnutrition;
circulatory disorders;
genetic, immune factors.

This disorder is manifested, first of all, by habitual miscarriage or long-term infertility. The diagnosis is confirmed after studying hormonal status, ultrasound, and endometrial biopsy.

Infertility and miscarriage occur due to the fact that with insufficient levels of progesterone, the endometrium in the uterus is less loose than required for successful implantation of the fertilized egg. A miscarriage occurs because the muscles of the uterus become toned, the immune system does not decrease, so the fertilized egg may be rejected as a foreign body.

Treatment should be comprehensive, aimed at restoring body functions. Hormone replacement therapy alone may not give the expected result.

Long luteal phase

How long can the second half of the cycle last with such a violation? The numbers vary, but if it lasts much more than two weeks, we can talk about pathology.

The long second phase is characterized by increased levels of progesterone. In this case, the manifestations of the disorder are similar to the signs of pregnancy - amenorrhea occurs or the cycle becomes too long, body weight increases, and is also increased.

There may be disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, frequent headaches, sweating, increased skin greasiness, irritability and other symptoms characteristic of pregnancy, but the woman is not pregnant, as confirmed by tests and ultrasound.

Reasons include:

malfunction of the adrenal glands;
bleeding in the uterus of various etiologies;
renal failure;
Corpus luteum cyst.

Of course, the long second phase of the menstrual cycle requires treatment, and not independent, but professional. To be successful, it is necessary to find out the cause of the problem and direct therapy to eliminate it. There are many different methods, and each specific case has its own treatment regimen.

Prevention of violations

Yes, in some cases, if we are not talking about congenital pathologies, such cycle disruptions can be prevented. The methods are very simple and accessible to every woman. First of all, you need a good diet, including vegetable fats, moderate physical activity, and, in general, a healthy lifestyle.

Attentive attitude to women's health (prevention of infectious, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs), taking contraceptives only on the recommendation of a doctor, timely contact with specialists for various diseases - these are all things that will help to avoid problems with the menstrual cycle. Accordingly, with conception and pregnancy too.

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Menstruation is the consequence of cyclical changes in the hormonal background and physiology of a woman. In order for her to conceive a child, carry it to term and give birth, the body has a complex system of transformations regulated by hormones. The phases of the menstrual cycle normally follow one after another, ensuring the development of the egg and preparing the body for conception and pregnancy.

In medicine, a cycle is considered to be the period from the first day of regular bleeding until the start of the next one.

How many phases are there in the menstrual cycle? Depending on what changes the uterus undergoes, three phases of the cycle are distinguished. The ovaries also work cyclically, and each cycle is divided into

ovulatory

First phase of the menstrual cycle

The menstrual phase begins on the first day of menstruation and is externally manifested in the form of bleeding. This period brings the greatest inconvenience to the woman, as dying endometrial tissue is rejected and must be removed from the uterine cavity as soon as possible. Since they are rich in blood vessels, the process is accompanied by heavy bleeding and nagging pain due to contractions of smooth muscles.

The inconvenience lasts on average from 3 to 6 days. As such, blood in the discharge contains no more than 30%, the rest is dead tissue of the internal lining layer, as well as the mucous secretion of the cervix and vagina. Regular blood loss is so small that it does not significantly affect hemoglobin levels.

At this time, changes occur in the ovaries. During the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the brain starts the process of producing hormones that regulate the functioning of the ovaries. Several primary follicles begin to develop in them at once, normally from 5 to 15 pieces.

Within seven days, they increase in size by about 10 times and are covered with a multilayer cell membrane. Normally, at this moment the most viable single follicle is determined, which continues to develop. The rest stop growing and atrophy. This behavior of the follicles is due to the minimal content of FSH and LH, however, if the balance is shifted for some reason, then the follicle will either not develop at all, or there will be several of them.

Second phase of the menstrual cycle

In the second phase of the normal menstrual cycle, the body actively prepares the egg. The uterus has been cleared of dead endometrium, the inner layer has been prepared and its blood supply has been restored. New processes in the uterus are active cell division, which leads to tissue growth, which in medicine is called proliferation. The formation of the endometrium is associated with the action of hormones produced by the ovaries.

At this time, the first phase in the ovary is completed, the dominant follicle has already been determined. Hormones begin to be produced in the tissues of its shell. The production of these hormones is extremely high; they play a decisive role in the process of conception, gestation, childbirth and feeding. The system for producing these hormones is commonly called the follicular apparatus. During this period, the egg finally matures and prepares for release into the abdominal cavity.

The proliferative phase ends with the rupture of the follicular membrane. From the moment menstruation begins, it can take from 7 to 20 days; the process of follicle maturation is very individual, and for each woman it can vary from cycle to cycle. This is influenced by general health, stress and lifestyle. The body is designed in such a way that it tries to choose the most favorable moment for conception. There are cycles in which it seems to cancel the maturation process, and the follicles simply do not develop, and therefore ovulation does not occur. This is also considered normal.

Third phase of the menstrual cycle

At the beginning of the last, third phase of the cycle, ovulation occurs. By the time it was released, the egg had increased in size almost 20 times. The follicle shell is already fully formed, now it is a full-fledged organ of the endocrine system. After the release of the formed egg and its capture by the hairs of the fallopian tube, the follicle shell turns into an independent organ and begins to actively produce estrogens - hormones that prepare the body for pregnancy.

During this phase of the normal menstrual cycle, a woman experiences a slight weight gain and may experience an increase in breast size due to increased blood supply. The body is preparing for conception, and the uterus can already receive a fertilized egg. The corpus luteum produces hormones that maintain the integrity of the endometrium - progesterone and estrogen.

If pregnancy occurs, they will start the process of forming the placenta. If conception does not occur, after a short time it dies, the production of hormones stops and the uterus rejects the endometrium, that is, menstruation comes. The lifespan of the corpus luteum is approximately the same for all women and is about 10 - 13 days.

Surely, you know quite a lot about your menstrual cycle, for example, about the frequency and intensity of menstruation. Here we take a closer look at the female menstrual cycle, ovulation and periods. Of course, no website can replace a full consultation with a medical professional, however, we will help you get a general idea of how this happens.

Understanding your menstrual cycle

The length of a woman's cycle is not the same. The most common cycle length is 23 to 35 days. The difference in the length of the menstrual cycle usually concerns the period before ovulation (the so-called follicular or follicular phase). For most women, 12 to 16 days pass from ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary) to the start of menstruation (the so-called luteal phase).

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Menstruation (periods)

The first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation (day 1). Menstruation then lasts from 3 to 7 days. Surely, you know that if you have menstrual pain, you experience the most severe pain in the first few days of your period. This happens because your hormones actively promote the shedding of the uterine lining that has grown during the previous menstrual cycle.

Preparing for ovulation

At the beginning of your cycle, the pituitary gland, a gland located at the base of the brain, produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This is the main hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature egg. FSH promotes the maturation of a certain number of follicles and the production of the hormone estrogen. On the first day of menstruation, estrogen levels are at their lowest. It then begins to increase along with the maturation of the follicles.

As follicles develop, usually one of them becomes “dominant,” and the egg matures in that larger follicle. At the same time, the growing level of estrogen in the body is responsible for saturating the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity with nutrients and blood. This is to ensure that in the event of pregnancy, the fertilized egg has all the nutrients and support it needs to grow. High levels of estrogen also promote the production of mucus, a “sperm-friendly” environment (or technically known as fertile-phase cervical mucus). You may have noticed a thin, sticky discharge that may have a cloudy whitish tint. Sperm move through this mucus more easily and survive for several days.

Your body produces hormones that control your menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, an important hormone is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). An increase in FSH promotes the maturation of follicles in the ovaries (fluid-filled sacs containing one immature egg each) and the beginning of the production of a second hormone, estrogen.

Understanding the Ovulation Cycle

Ovulation

The level of estrogen in the body steadily increases, and at some point it leads to a sharp increase in the level of luteinizing hormone (ovulatory LH surge). The surge of LH leads to the rupture of the dominant follicle and the release of a mature egg, which then enters the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation.

Many women believe that ovulation occurs on day 14, but 14 days is average and most women tend to ovulate on a different day in their menstrual cycle. The day of ovulation differs from cycle to cycle. Some women claim to experience a painful cramp during ovulation, but most women feel nothing and ovulate without any symptoms.

The level of estrogen in the body is still rising and at some point it leads to a sharp increase in LH - an LH surge. This LH surge initiates ovulation, the moment when an egg is released from the ovary. Although many women think that ovulation occurs on day 14, the actual day of ovulation depends on the length of your cycle. Some women experience cramping during ovulation.

After ovulation

Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. Its life cycle is up to 24 hours. The life cycle of a sperm is more variable, however, and usually ranges from 3 to 5 days. Thus, the days immediately preceding ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are the most fertile - that's when you have the greatest chance of getting pregnant. Immediately after ovulation, the follicle begins to produce another hormone - progesterone.

Progesterone contributes to the subsequent preparation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity to receive a fertilized egg. Meanwhile, the empty follicle in the ovary begins to shrink, but continues to produce progesterone and begins to produce estrogen. During this time, you may experience premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS), such as breast tenderness, bloating, drowsiness, depression, and irritability.

Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. The egg lives from 12 to 24 hours, but due to the fact that sperm lives for several days, the greatest fertility and the highest chance of getting pregnant is present when having unprotected sex on the day of ovulation and the day before. Immediately after ovulation, the destroyed follicle begins to produce another hormone called progesterone.

Preparing for your next period

When the empty follicle shrinks due to an unfertilized egg, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. In the absence of a high level of hormones to maintain the necessary environment, the increased mass of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity begins to peel off, and the body gets rid of it. This represents the beginning of menstruation and the beginning of the next cycle.

When the empty follicle shrinks, your progesterone levels decrease if the fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus. The uterus no longer needs to maintain the environment to support the baby, so the body needs to reset and prepare for the next cycle. Symptoms of premenstrual tension (PMT) will begin to subside. Without high levels of hormones to maintain the necessary environment, the formed uterine lining begins to break down and the body begins to eliminate it. This is the start of your period and the next cycle.

If the egg is fertilized and implanted in the uterus, the empty follicle is maintained by an increased level of the pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin). The production of estrogen and progesterone continues for a long time until the placenta is strong enough to support the developing embryo.

The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterine cavity. As a rule, this occurs a week after fertilization.

Once the egg is implanted, your body begins to produce the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which will keep the empty follicle active. It will continue to produce estrogen and progesterone to prevent the lining of the uterus from being shed until the placenta, which contains all the nutrients the embryo needs, has formed to support the pregnancy.

Every girl sooner or later encounters the concept of “menstrual cycle”. What is menstruation? What are the phases of the menstrual cycle, what duration is considered normal and how to calculate it correctly?

What does the concept of “menstrual cycle” mean? This is a short calendar period of time that begins on the first day of menstruation and ends on the last. Menstruation is a natural process that occurs in every physically and psychologically healthy woman every month, not counting expectant mothers and women during lactation. This is how nature works: after an equal period of time, the body adjusts to a possible conception and prepares all the conditions for the most comfortable pregnancy.

Menstruation is a natural process for a woman

The process starts from birth: when a girl is born, her ovaries already contain about 2 million eggs, which die over time, leaving about 400 thousand. Their number decreases towards puberty, when active puberty begins. cycle, only 1 egg remains active. A regular, healthy menstrual cycle is impossible without the active participation of the cerebral hemispheres and normal hormonal levels.

What is the scheme for starting the menstrual cycle and how does it work using an example? The correct and standard sequence of all actions characteristic of a normal cycle occurs thanks to the smooth functioning of the appendages (ovaries), the pituitary gland (namely the anterior lobe) and the hypothalamus.

The average cycle length is 28 days, but the female body is quite capricious and this process is individual for each. There may also be indicators from 21 to 35 days, which is also considered common. If the indicators go beyond the above limits, you should think about your health by consulting a doctor.

External manifestations of the menstrual cycle

What symptoms are typical for menstruation?

There are other characteristic signs, but they are absolutely individual and are not considered the norm for everyone. A normal and timely period of menstruation is the key to a woman’s health and readiness to bear and give birth to a child. If you have problems with menstruation, their duration or abundance, gynecologists recommend not putting the problem off for later and seeking medical help in a timely manner.

Duration of the menstrual cycle

With a normal menstrual cycle in a healthy woman, the duration of menstruation varies from 3 to 7 days. The time frame of the cycle is determined only by the girl’s state of health and the course of natural internal physiological processes.

Pain during the menstrual cycle

According to statistics, only 25% of all girls and women endure menstruation calmly and painlessly, without taking painkillers and doing their usual things. The remaining 75% actively apply cold heating pads, swallow pills and wince from the unpleasant sensations.

Doctors even introduced a new term that gives a medical designation to this phenomenon - “algodismenorrhea.” The main criterion indicating the normal course of the process is that there is pain, but it is tolerable, without sharp and acute painful symptoms. If you can safely do your usual activities during your period, there is no need to worry.

A heating pad with cool water will help relieve pain during menstruation.

Main phases of the cycle

Every month, all year round, the female body is rebuilt - three important processes take place in it in turn: the phases of the menstrual cycle. Nature has wisely decreed that a girl should not worry about creating favorable conditions for conception, she just has to calculate the time of the onset of a favorable phase. All three periods are logical, and each fulfills its own biological role. Three phases:

the first is follicular;
second – ovulation;
the third is luteal.

All three processes are completely controlled by hormonal balance. Also, both the beginning and the end of the entire cycle are under the control of hormones. The first phase - follicular, is the most important - it gives rise to the formation and maturation of the egg.

There are three phases of the menstrual cycle

The first phase is follicular or menstrual

The first day of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the appearance of bloody discharge - menstrual fluid that is excreted from the genital tract. This is accompanied by minor (or vice versa) painful sensations, nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Why is this happening? During the previous cycle, a layer of mucus has grown on the walls of the uterus, which begins to be rejected by the body during the onset of menstruation.

Next, the pituitary gland, a gland located inside the brain, comes into operation. Its main goal is to force the ovaries to produce new eggs by producing follicle-stimulating hormone. During this process, follicles (small vesicles containing an immature egg) are actively maturing inside the ovaries. Estrogen (hormone) begins to be produced after most of these balls have matured. Hormonal levels correspond to accelerated maturation of follicles.

Only one vesicle - the follicle - becomes the main, leading one, and, as a result, the shell for the maturation of the egg. In parallel with the increase in estrogen levels, it diligently drives blood to the lining of the uterus, and “clogs” beneficial substances inside the mucous membrane.

This happens so that in the event of fertilization, the embryo can receive all the necessary elements for further development. In addition, the membrane is gradually covered with mucus, which promotes the active movement of sperm along the canal to the egg.

The follicular phase usually begins with menstruation

The second phase is ovulatory

There is such a thing as a “graphic vesicle” - this is the name given to a mature follicle that is ready for ovulation. At this time, the dominant follicle continues to actively develop and synthesize the hormone estradiol. The ovulation phase lasts 3 days, during which the hormone lute is released several times, which significantly increases in the woman’s blood.

The development of the dominant “vesicle” is completed when the hormone begins to be released into the blood. Luteinizing hormone promotes the production of other enzymes and hormones, which subsequently break the mucosal wall. Ovulation is essentially 5 - 10 ml of fluid from the follicle, which contains the released mature egg.

About a woman’s well-being during this period

The second phase of the cycle is accompanied by completely different symptoms:

mood improves significantly;
libido level increases - sexual desire increases;
there is a desire to work.

What happens to the mature egg during this phase?

First of all, the follicular wall is destroyed - it begins to move inside the fallopian tube using epithelial villi. Fertilization occurs - the egg meets the sperm. If it does not occur, the egg dies without fertilization within a day after release, subsequently simply dissolving in the mucous membrane of the walls of the uterus.

Ovulation is the best time to conceive

Signs of ovulation:

the shade and consistency of vaginal discharge changes: it becomes liquid and whitish. Sometimes they may contain streaks of bloody discharge;
mammary glands have become enlarged and swollen;
became taller;
frequent headaches;
aching pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
sexual desire increases.

There are quite a few methods for determining the beginning and end of ovulation at home. A similar period is very well diagnosed by ultrasound, checking the size of the ovaries and their current condition. The endometrium reaches a thickness of up to 2 cm. The average duration is two weeks. In place of the egg that left the vesicle, a corpus luteum appears - a formation that actively produces estrogens, progesterone (pregnancy hormone) and androgen.

The physiology of the endometrium changes, it changes structure, becomes loose and ready to accept the fertilized egg. Whether a woman is pregnant or not can be judged during the last phase - the luteal phase.

The third phase is luteal or secretory

This period is the most important for everyone who is planning a pregnancy. The sperm lives for 5 days in the fallopian tube, which increases the risk of it “getting” onto a living mature egg. The basal temperature increases to 38 degrees, and the onset of menstruation after conception will no longer occur.

Two proven options to help determine pregnancy are a test that can be purchased at any pharmacy or an intravenous blood test for hCG levels. All the primary and well-known signs of pregnancy (nausea, dizziness) lie ahead.

An examination by a gynecologist can help determine the presence of pregnancy, but not in the early stages

Signs and symptoms of the luteal phase

A characteristic feature of the luteal phase is the excellent health of the girl, both pregnant and not “pregnant”. It is impossible to visually distinguish this condition, especially at an early stage. There is one small point that can help determine whether conception has occurred - a small drop of blood (or several) - this is implantation discharge, which occurs a few days after intimate contact.

Progesterone causes swelling of the mammary glands and causes poor health. Abdominal bloating often occurs.

If pregnancy does not occur, PMS, familiar to many women, appears - nervousness, irritability, poor health. This may also be accompanied by breast enlargement and slight pain in the lower abdomen.

How long do the cycle phases last?

If we talk about the duration of the menstrual cycle in terms of time frame, we can draw a certain conclusion: the entire period varies from 21 to 35 days, the second half is exactly 2 weeks, according to research. It may become larger or smaller, depending on the occurrence of problematic situations or hormonal imbalances. If disturbances occur in the woman’s reproductive system, the timing may change. To avoid this, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist regularly.

You need to track the duration of your cycle to be sure of the health of your reproductive system.

Cycle phases by day

All three phases are characterized by different bleeding: for some it is heavy, for others it is not. Each of them occurs individually, with different pain sensations. But for different women, the phases have approximately the same duration by day:

The follicular phase lasts about 14 days, the first four or five days of which are menstruation.
The ovulatory phase begins on days 14-15 of the entire cycle and lasts only about three days.
The luteal phase also lasts about two weeks.

The duration of the first phase is different for each woman - this is a scientifically proven fact. It is worth considering in more detail how long this phase lasts. You can put the information “on the shelves” thanks to the general picture of the feelings girls experience with the onset of the menstrual cycle:

the usual way of life is disrupted: you don’t want to do anything, loss of strength, drowsiness, lethargy and pain in the lower abdomen;
3 – 5 days: health improves, condition becomes more stabilized;
week: positive emotions attack. A depressed state gives way to joy, smiles and an increased desire to work and intimacy;
two weeks: the body prepares for ovulation;

The second phase, as stated above, lasts exactly 14 days. What is characteristic of days 15–23? If conception occurs, the condition changes slightly, and a few drops of blood may appear - there is no need to panic, the phenomenon is safe and expected.

Causes of menstrual irregularities

It may happen that the menstrual cycle goes wrong and there may be several reasons for this:

Normal indicators

The most important problem and deviation from the norm is the difference in the number of days of the average cycle length. For example, if this month it is 30 days, and next month it is 21, you need to seek help from a gynecologist. The permissible norm of deviations, which can be up to 3 days. If the discharge lasts more than a week, this is not the norm, especially if it is heavy. Most likely, there is a pathology that only a doctor can determine.

There are certain indicators that are considered to be a normal deviation from the norm:

puberty. A teenager’s body is unpredictable and it’s impossible to determine anything for sure. Failures are always possible, because reproductive function is just getting better. 13 – 15 years is the normal age for the established cycle of a teenage girl. But we must not forget about individuality!;
stress, neuroses;
excessively strict diets or fasting;
Menopause is the end of the reproductive system.

What should you pay attention to?

At any age, it is very important to pay attention to the signals that your body gives in order to avoid serious complications. There are a number of reasons that indicate changes in a negative direction:

Blood test for hormone levels during menstruation

If a hormonal imbalance occurs, it is recommended to undergo urgent tests to determine their quantity. Why is this necessary? To find out in the early stages about the occurrence of various pathologies that are dangerous to a woman’s health. Clinical indicators are checked when the appropriate days of the cycle arrive:

LH – 2 – 5 days of the cycle;
FSH – 3 – 5 days;
6 – 10 – testosterone level;
from day 20 - progesterone and sometimes estradiol.

What rules should you follow before taking tests:

you cannot eat before delivery; your last meal should be no earlier than 8 hours ago;
a doctor must give a referral for tests;
do not have intimacy 24 hours before the test;
do not take any medications (consult a doctor);
don't be nervous, don't get overtired.

The analysis is taken for certain hormones, strictly as prescribed.

Tests can detect the disease in its early stages

Why do you need a period diary?

In the modern world of gadgets and devices, there are many convenient menstrual calendars. Gynecologists strongly recommend that all young girls use such electronic (or not) diaries: it is convenient, simple and very useful, you don’t have to worry about the onset of the next period - the calendar will notify you about the onset of all three phases or a delay.

The diary will help you learn about all deviations from the norm and disorders that have occurred in the body. You can calculate the end of your period. This is a real find for girls planning a pregnancy.

All you need to do is enter the data into the electronic application, and it will then automatically calculate all the necessary dates and make important notes. You can highlight the amount of bleeding, profuseness, well-being, unfavorable moments for conception and vice versa.

Conclusion

Every girl who wants and plans to become a mother in the future must take her women's health seriously and responsibly. Particular attention should be paid to the menstrual cycle - its duration, color, smell and abundance of discharge. If there are any deviations from the norm, you should not solve this problem yourself, by self-medication.