What is the phase after menstruation? Menstrual cycle and its phases

Each representative of the fair sex has to deal with the phases of her menstrual cycle every month, with their own characteristics and characteristic symptoms. These phases are significant stages that are responsible for the reproductive function of the female body. The duration and nature of the menstrual phases are largely individual, but the basics and order of their occurrence remain unchanged and have their corresponding names. This entire significant process is cyclical, and begins with the onset of menstrual bleeding, which is considered to be the first of the three phases of the menstrual cycle.

Any girl or woman in the age range from puberty to menopause must understand the work of her body and understand the purpose of all three phases of the menstrual cycle. With the help of this knowledge, you can easily calculate the favorable period for conceiving a child or, on the contrary, protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and some health problems.

Main phases of the cycle

Every month, with regular cyclicity, three alternating phases of the menstrual cycle occur in a woman’s body. They are characterized by a logical sequence and serve one big purpose - creating favorable conditions for fertilization of the egg and procreation. The menstrual cycle is divided into three main phases:

Follicular (first phase);
Ovulation (second phase);
Luteal (third phase).

These stages perform the functions based on their name. These phases are based on hormonal regulation, which promotes the process and controls its outcome. The beginning of the menstrual cycle is the beginning of the very first phase - the follicular one, which is what gives rise to such an important process as education and.

The first is the follicular phase

The initial phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by intensive growth of follicles and the formation of eggs in them. The first day of menstruation marks the start of a new follicular phase of the cycle and intensive production of follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen begins. During this period, follicles are growing, which a little later will become a container and a place for maturation of the egg.

Estrogen provides support to the follicles and this continues for about 7 days, until one of the follicular vesicles reaches the necessary parameters for the maturation of the egg in it. Further growth is focused only on the egg, and the “extra” follicles stop functioning. A high concentration of estrogen gives a signal for the start of the production of luteinizing hormone, which, in turn, prepares for future ovulation. The duration of the first phase is individual for each woman, but it should not exceed 20 days.

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The second phase is ovulation

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is quite short, but at the same time very significant. Ovulation is the achievement for which the menstrual cycle actually exists. It is intended for the possibility of fertilization and the realization of the main purpose of a woman - procreation. The ability and possibility of fertilization is possible within just 48 hours, and sometimes less. During this short period of 2 days, the woman’s reproductive system faces a responsible task, and if fertilization does not occur, the egg dies.

An increased concentration of luteinizing hormone promotes enhanced maturation and subsequent release of the egg from the follicle. Under its influence, important processes occur that ensure the preparation of the endometrial walls. When the egg reaches full maturity and is ready for fertilization, the follicular vesicle ruptures and the full egg is released into the fallopian tube to fuse with the sperm. In the cavity of the ruptured follicle, intensive growth of the corpus luteum begins, which, in turn, intensively produces progesterone and provides favorable conditions for successful fertilization and implantation of the fertilized egg into the wall of the uterus. The next cycle can have 2 outcomes, depending on whether fertilization occurred or not.

The third phase is the luteal phase

The development of the third phase of the menstrual cycle can occur in two scenarios: with a fertilized egg or if fertilization has not occurred. This time, special attention is paid to the resulting yellow body. In case of successful conception, it actively produces luteal hormone, which supports and nourishes the fertilized egg until the placenta is formed. Due to the importance of the purpose of this hormone, the third phase has its characteristic name - luteal. Together with the luteal hormone, active production of progesterone continues during this period, which also takes an active part in supporting the fertilized egg. Ultimately, the harmonious and mutually beneficial production of female hormones ensures complete preparation for fertilization, fusion, and subsequent nutrition and protection of the already fertilized egg.

If fertilization still does not occur, the corpus luteum stops its development and atrophies. The prepared, loosened mucous membrane of the uterus and the dead egg are rejected and come out in the form of menstrual bleeding, which, in turn, already means the beginning of a new, first phase and the entire described process is repeated anew.

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Cycle phases by day

The phases of the menstrual cycle by day are conventionally divided into 3 intervals. The first and third phases are considered the longest. It is interesting that the follicular and ovulation phases have an individual and unfixed duration, and the luteal phase always corresponds in duration - 2 weeks or 14 days. As many people know, the entire menstrual cycle can last from 20 to 35 days, and this will be considered the norm. Menstrual bleeding is also individual in nature, but it is mandatory for every lady.

To understand what happens and when during these +/- 28 days, it is necessary to consider the duration of each specific phase.

The follicular phase is the period from the beginning of menstruation until the egg is fully ready for release from the follicle (ovulation). Depending on the characteristics of the body, it can last from 7 to 20 days. At the beginning of this phase, the woman experiences malaise and discomfort in the lumbar region and lower abdomen. Later, strength is restored and unpleasant symptoms recede.
– it’s time for the egg to be ready for fertilization. This phase is the shortest and most important. The ability of an egg to fuse with a sperm and fertilize lasts from 20 to 48 hours, which is also highly individual and depends on many factors. Some women feel ovulation and even notice characteristic discharge on their underwear.
. Regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not, this phase continues for the last 14 days. If pregnancy does not occur, then its end and, therefore, the beginning of a new cycle will be monthly bleeding. During this period, many ladies suffer from premenstrual syndrome () and experience not the most pleasant physical and psychological symptoms and sensations in their body. If, after all, the menstrual cycle has fulfilled its intended purpose, and fertilization has occurred, then pregnancy occurs and the further actions of female hormones will focus on the growth, nutrition and development of the fetus.

What can affect the cycle shift

The considered phases of menstruation are a very clear and fragile mechanism that can be disrupted due to many factors. The main supporters of these phases are hormones, which mutually replace each other to achieve a single goal - conception and birth of a child. A disruption in the production of any of the hormones will lead to a break in the sequential chain and affect the final outcome and duration of the cycle.

The menstrual cycle has a clear division into phases. They are regulated according to a hierarchy, the initial link of which is the brain. Phases replace each other in turn, and the onset of the next one is impossible without the previous one. In the first, the follicle matures, which is why it is called follicular. The luteal phase of the cycle is its continuation, and with successful fertilization it turns into pregnancy.

Features of the functioning of the corpus luteum

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the dominant follicle matures. During this period, estrogens and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play a decisive role. The latter, together with luteinizing hormone (LH), is secreted by the adenohypophysis. Without FSH, the effects of LH cannot be realized. Follicle-stimulating hormone provokes the formation of luteinizing hormone receptors on the surface of granulosa cells in the follicle. Without them, LH will not be able to have an effect on.

The biological effects of LH are as follows:

stimulation of androgen synthesis as estrogen precursors;
activation of prostaglandins and proteolytic enzymes, which lead to follicle rupture;
luteinization of granulosa cells, which form the corpus luteum;
stimulation of progesterone synthesis from luteinized cells; prolactin works in synergy with LH.

The time when the luteal phase begins is considered to be the end. A standard menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days, but the average is 28 days. The duration of each phase of the cycle is variable, but on average, 12-14 days pass from the first day of menstruation to ovulation. The duration of the luteal phase itself is also 12-14 days. After it ends, the cycle repeats again.

Follicle rupture occurs at the peak of luteinizing hormone secretion. The egg is released into the abdominal cavity and, under the vibration of the fimbriae on the terminal part of the appendages, penetrates the fallopian tubes. Fertilization should occur there within 12-24 hours. The viability of the egg is no longer maintained beyond this time.

In the burst follicle, the process of luteinization occurs. The cells of the granular membrane continue to multiply and grow, and a specific enzyme, lutein, accumulates in them, which gives them a characteristic yellow color. This is how a temporary endocrine gland is formed - the corpus luteum. The duration of its existence depends on the presence of pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, then after 12-14 days the corpus luteum regresses.

The lifespan of the gland increases with pregnancy. The embryo forms various types of cells, one of which is the trophoblast layer. It is formed 4-5 days after fertilization. Trophoblast cells begin to secrete the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which maintains the corpus luteum and stimulates the production of progesterone. This process lasts until the placenta is formed, after which it takes on the function of the corpus luteum, and the gland gradually resolves.

Calculation of the period of the menstrual cycle

The normal duration of the luteal phase is 12-14 days. For women planning a pregnancy, the day of ovulation and the condition after it are important. Violation of the duration of this period can indicate various pathologies that prevent pregnancy. Lengthening and shortening the period of existence of the corpus luteum has equally unpleasant consequences.

Four reliable methods are used that help both calculate the luteal phase and determine the general state of the menstrual cycle.

Basal temperature measurement

Body temperature is a variable value and can fluctuate throughout the day. Basal temperature reflects the temperature of the body's core and is relatively constant. It is influenced by hormonal levels. From the beginning of the menstrual cycle it is relatively low, less than 37°C. On average, this figure is 36-36.6°C. This continues until ovulation. On the day of follicle maturation, there is a sharp jump in temperature to 37°C and above. The temperature of 37.1-37.3°C persists for another three days after ovulation.

During the second phase it fluctuates around 37-37.5°C. And with the onset of menstruation, it begins to gradually decrease to the norm of the first period.

Read more about basal temperature during ovulation.

Calendar method

You can determine the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle using a calendar. But this method is only suitable for women with a clear duration of the entire cycle. If it lasts the classic 28 days, then you need to count 14 days from the first day of your last period and take this date as ovulation. The next day the luteal period begins.

You can also notice how the discharge changes. On the day of ovulation and the day before, they looked thick, plentiful and slimy. After the formation of the corpus luteum, they may decrease, and vaginal dryness appears.

Instrumental method

You can determine what day of your cycle it is now using an ultrasound. Modern equipment allows you to see the follicle, the corpus luteum and determine their size. These parameters are strictly dependent on the day after ovulation.

The average follicle size is 12-15 mm. After the rupture of its shell in the initial stage, the size of the corpus luteum is several millimeters smaller. After a week it reaches 18-22 mm. This indicates the body's readiness for pregnancy. If fertilization has occurred, then stimulation of the corpus luteum with chorionic gonadotropin begins; it can increase to 30 mm. A size of more than 30 mm indicates a formed corpus luteum cyst, and not a progressive pregnancy.

Laboratory diagnostics

The onset of the luteal phase can be determined by analyzing it. To do this, you need to know the day of the cycle in order. Before ovulation, the progesterone norm is 0.97-4.73 nmol/l. On the 15th day of the cycle, it begins to increase slightly and fluctuates between 2.39-9.55 nmol/l. On the 21st day of the cycle, or on the 7th day after ovulation, a peak of progesterone is observed, it reaches 16.2-85.9 nmol/l.

But during the study, individual cycle duration should be taken into account. If a woman ovulates not on the 14th day, but later, then the peak of progesterone will occur at a later date: to the day of ovulation, in order, you need to add 7 and get the date of the peak of the hormone.

Further progression of the increase in progesterone occurs during pregnancy and until the moment before childbirth. But the large size of the corpus luteum (more than 30 mm) and high progesterone in the absence of a fertilized egg will speak in favor of a corpus luteum cyst.

Luteal phase changes

The period of luteinization can vary in terms of increasing and decreasing duration. Both options do not bring anything good and interfere with reproductive function.

The maximum length of the luteal phase is 16 days. If menstruation does not occur on time, progesterone remains high or is initially elevated, this may manifest itself as a lack of menstruation.

The behavior of hormones in different phases of the menstrual cycle

The short luteal phase ranges from 2 to 10 days. This duration is a sign of insufficiency of the second period. This is usually due to low levels of progesterone, which is not produced in the corpus luteum. Low progesterone in the luteal phase is not able to properly prepare the endometrium for. Soon after fertilization, a biochemical pregnancy will occur, which can be registered using blood tests for hormones.

If the embryo manages to attach, then signs of a threat of termination of pregnancy may appear. In this case, the woman will feel nagging pain in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of those before menstruation, and dark red discharge will appear from the genital tract. If urgent measures are not taken, the pregnancy will be terminated in a short period of time.

Symptoms of luteal phase deficiency may appear in the following cases:

hormone imbalance, which changes the ratio of LH and FSH;
inflammatory pathologies of the genital organs;
endometriosis;
systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypothalamic tumors);
psychogenic factor.

A long luteal phase and increased progesterone lead to nonspecific symptoms:

deterioration of skin condition, increased greasiness and the appearance of acne;
unwanted hair growth;
weight gain;
engorgement and tenderness of the mammary glands;
general fatigue, tendency to bad mood, depression;
changes in blood pressure;
headaches;
spotting bloody discharge.

At the same time, a high concentration of progesterone has a contraceptive effect, a woman cannot become pregnant, and disruptions in the menstrual cycle occur.

How to reduce progesterone levels without harm to health? About this.

A short luteal phase in most cases is a pathology of the corpus luteum. The lengthening of this period is associated with the pathological course of the follicular part of the cycle. In this case, changes are observed not only in the concentration of progesterone, but also in other hormones. Estradiol in the luteal phase will increase with persistence of the follicle. In this condition, the dominant follicle does not rupture in the ovaries, which means there is no ovulation. As a result, the corpus luteum does not form, and luteinization is also absent. An increase in the concentration of estradiol also occurs with an endometrioid ovarian cyst or its tumors. A decreased hormone is observed when:

testicular feminization;
sudden weight loss;

But for the second period of the ovarian cycle, other hormones are also important. During diagnosis, the concentrations of the following substances are also examined:

prolactin;
testosterone.

In some cases, the study is supplemented with cortisol and thyroid hormones.

Correction of hormonal levels

Is it possible to get pregnant during the luteal phase?

This depends on the previous, follicular phase and the state of hormonal levels in the future.

Progesterone preparations

Insufficiency is a consequence of reduced function of the corpus luteum, in such cases support of the luteal phase is required. It is carried out using progesterone drugs Duphaston and Utrozhestan. Most often they are prescribed from the 14th day of the cycle to the 25th. The use of hormones does not affect fertilization. Correcting hormone levels only allows you to change the condition of the endometrium and ensure implantation of the fertilized egg if conception has occurred.

But there are certain difficulties with prescribing the drug:

Dose selection. It must be prescribed individually. Each woman's progesterone level is at a certain level, and it is impossible to say for sure that the same dose of the hormone will be required with the same blood test results.
Withdrawal bleeding. After the end of taking progesterone, bleeding appears, which corresponds in timing to menstrual bleeding. But if a woman did not use protection during treatment, then there may be an embryo in the uterine cavity. Bleeding will lead to detachment of the ovum and miscarriage. Pregnancy tests during this period are not yet effective. Therefore, those undergoing treatment need.

But if corpus luteum deficiency is observed already during a diagnosed pregnancy, with existing signs of a threatened miscarriage, then prescribing Duphaston or Utrozhestan makes sense to preserve it. In this case, hormones are taken until the placenta is formed, and in severe cases even until 21 weeks of gestation.

Insufficiency of the second period of the menstrual cycle can be observed periodically in completely healthy women. Therefore, observation and diagnosis of only one month is not as important as two or three month studies. For example, you need to measure your basal temperature yourself and draw up a chart for it.

In the absence of ovulation, one cannot speak of luteal phase deficiency; in this case, the follicle does not mature, so cyclical changes do not appear. Such forms of hormonal disorders require searching for the cause and eliminating it, rather than blindly prescribing hormones.

The menstrual cycle is a complex periodic process consisting of phases, each of which has its own characteristics. As a rule, its duration is 28 days, but this parameter is individual and normally can be 21-35 days.

What phases does the menstrual cycle consist of?

The entire cycle consists of 3 phases:

follicular;
ovulatory;
luteal phase, each of which has its own characteristics.

Let's look at the phases of the menstrual cycle by day.

So, the first phase is follicular, and lasts on average 14 days. It begins with menstruation, i.e. In the first 4-5 days of this phase, bleeding is observed. After this, the body begins to gradually prepare for a possible pregnancy. At the same time, the production of estrogen increases, which promotes the growth of follicles and also has a direct effect on the maturation of the egg. It is in this phase that the growth of new epithelium begins, and the uterus gradually prepares for implantation.

If we talk about what day of the cycle the ovulatory phase begins, then this is 14-15 days from the beginning of menstruation. Despite its short duration (about 3 days), this phase is very important for the formation of new life. Directly at this time, a mature egg, ready for fertilization, is released into the abdominal cavity, i.e. .

Speaking about what day of the cycle the luteal phase begins, it should be noted that this period of time lasts from ovulation to the onset of a new pregnancy. It occurs approximately 15-17 days after the start of menstruation. Its duration, on average, is 14 days.

At this time, the uterus is actively preparing to receive an egg. If fertilization occurs, after some time it becomes fixed in the uterine cavity. In the opposite case, a gradual rejection of the outer layer of the endometrium occurs, and then a new cycle begins.

What else do you need to know about the menstrual cycle?

Having examined all the phases of the female menstrual cycle by day, it should be noted that in fact, one or another phase does not always begin exactly at the specified time. After all, each organism is individual. Moreover, the menstrual cycle itself is a rather delicate and complex process, the normal course of which depends on many factors, and it directly affects women’s reproductive health and well-being in general.

Articles on the topic

Usually it falls on the mother’s shoulders to tell her daughter about the physiological characteristics of the female sex and explain what menstruation is and how it proceeds. Next, we’ll talk about when girls should get their first periods and what it depends on.

A woman should know everything about her health, because her future life may even depend on it. Why should a girl be aware that there are phases of the menstrual cycle? How might this affect her?

About physiology

It is worth noting that the main thing that distinguishes a woman from a man is the ability to bear children and procreate. But also to understand when you should be on guard, and when you can calmly have sexual intercourse with a partner without fear of an unwanted pregnancy? Knowing the phases of the menstrual cycle, protecting yourself is quite easy!

About menstruation

People who do not yet fully understand this concept may think that the menstrual cycle is the time when a woman menstruates, i.e., bloody discharge from the vagina. But this is not true at all. The cycle itself is divided into 4 phases. Ideally it lasts 28 days. But we must remember that each organism is individual, the duration of the cycle can fluctuate, deviating in one direction or the other.

It is necessary to start counting your own cycle from the first day of menstruation, since the first phase is the menstrual phase. It is worth noting that it is the most painful and brings maximum inconvenience to a woman during the entire period of the cycle. The menstrual phase lasts on average from 3 to 6 days, accompanied by varying degrees of bloody discharge from the vagina. What happens to the body? During this period, the uterus rejects the egg, ready for fertilization, but still empty, and it is released along with the blood. Phase 1 of the menstrual cycle ends approximately on the last day of menstruation.

The second phase is the follicular phase, which begins even before the woman’s bleeding has finished. Processes begin to occur in the brain that want to ensure the woman has offspring, and preparation for ovulation begins. At this time, the follicle begins to mature in the ovaries, which will soon release a full-fledged egg ready for fertilization. The second phase of the menstrual cycle is also characterized by the fact that an environment hostile to sperm is formed in the cervix, which, however, soon calms down. The woman enters the ovulation phase. As for the timing, it is extremely difficult to highlight them here, on average 14 days, but these limits may be somewhat different - 7-22 days. It all depends on the physical condition and the woman, because even stress affects the fact that a woman simply cannot move into the ovulation stage.

So, two phases of the menstrual cycle have ended, the third phase comes into force - the ovulation phase, i.e. the ovulation phase. What happens to a woman’s body during this period? It is worth noting that a hormonal explosion occurs in the body, which finally calms the environment of the cervix, which is hostile to sperm. Also at this time, the follicle bursts and releases a ready-made one, which settles in the fallopian tube and waits for the desired sperm. It is worth noting that the egg does not live long, about 12-48 hours, so you should plan your sexual intercourse wisely if you want to conceive a baby.

Three phases of the menstrual cycle have already ended, and the fourth, luteal, begins. At this time, the uterine lining continues to form, which is released along with the egg during menstruation, and the hormone progesterone comes to its aid, making it denser. It is produced in the follicle, which released the egg and turned into the so-called corpus luteum. During this period, the body “quiets” and awaits conception. If this does not happen, everything unnecessary that was not involved in conception - the egg, follicle, uterine lining - comes out with menstruation. A new menstrual cycle begins.

During the menstrual cycle, the reproductive system is reconstructed, which affects the well-being and psycho-emotional state of a woman. Cyclic changes are necessary to prepare the body for conception. Every woman knows what critical days are, but only a few have any idea about the duration and phases of the cycle.

Sometimes ignorance leads to the development of serious pathologies, because a woman is not able to recognize a deviation from the norm and consult a specialist in a timely manner. To avoid this, you should become familiar with the characteristics of the female body by studying the phases of the menstrual period and the manifestations of possible pathologies.

Menstrual cycle - what is it?

The menstrual cycle is a period that begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with the arrival of the next menstruation. Since each woman experiences it differently, the concept of its “normality” is quite vague. To characterize the menstrual cycle, experts use the following concepts:

How long does the cycle last? The time interval between the beginning of two subsequent menstruation: 1 day of menstruation is the beginning of the next cycle and the end of the previous one. Many women mark the beginning of their critical days in a special calendar and, by counting the number of days between menstruation, know the duration of their cycle. Keeping a calendar allows you to control the stability of the cycle and clearly demonstrates any failures. If the menstrual cycle lasts from 25 to 35 days, this is normal. For 60% of women, the cycle length is 28 days.
Duration of menstruation. Menstruation lasts from 3 days to a week. Only 25% of women have periods that last more than 7 days.
Amount of blood loss during menstruation. Normal values include values from 40 to 150 ml. If a woman uses more than 4 sanitary pads every day, this is normal. Menstrual flow should not contain a large amount of mucus or clots. If your periods are normal, the amount of discharge gradually decreases. Heavy bleeding rarely lasts more than 3 days. On such days, a woman may feel a nagging pain in the uterine area.

In 30% of women who do not have gynecological pathologies, the menstrual period occurs according to individual “standards”, without affecting the reproductive functions of the body. This feature is noted from the first menstruation and continues until the onset of menopause.

Phases of the cycle: what happens in the body?

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Developing under the influence of hormones, cyclical changes affect a woman’s physiology and her emotional state. The phases of the menstrual period are structural and hormonal changes of a cyclic nature that occur in the female body, ensuring the implementation of reproductive function. Influencing the sexual sphere and the functioning of the entire body, the hormonal function of the ovaries plays a key role in the foundation of the cycle.
The central part of the nervous system (pituitary gland, hypothalamus) is involved in the formation of the menstrual period. At each stage, hormonal changes occur in the ovaries, leading to changes in the structure of the endometrium.
The pituitary gland produces hormones that affect the functioning of the ovaries: FSH (to stimulate the follicle), LH, prolactin. According to the phases of the cycle, the hypothalamus removes releasing hormones that enter the pituitary gland during the cycle. Pituitary hormones stimulate the maturation of the egg, ensuring the implementation of reproductive function.
Conventionally, phases 1 and 2 of the female period have the same duration, but different structural and hormonal changes. Almost always, each of them lasts about 14 days. Since ovulation occurs between phases, it is considered to occur in the middle of the cycle.

First phase
The follicular phase begins with the next menstruation and ends with a short period of ovulation. At this time, the egg begins to grow and develop. Of the many liquid bubbles located in the female ovaries, those that will increase this month are outlined.
The development of the follicle is supported by estrogen, the production of which gradually increases. On the 7th day of the cycle, one follicle grows larger than the others and continues to produce an egg. The remaining bubbles stop growing. Gradually, the level of estrogen reaches its maximum, the diameter of the follicle grows to 20–25 mm, and the hormone LH is released, which is a harbinger of ovulation.
Second phase
If conception does not occur during ovulation, a day later the egg dies and the luteal phase begins, which ends with the beginning of the next critical days. From the fragments of the burst follicle, a cell begins to grow, transforming into a temporary yellow gland that produces progesterone.
Under the influence of the pregnancy hormone, the endometrium becomes softer, “breathable” and thick enough for the fertilized egg to reliably penetrate the wall of the reproductive organ. If conception occurs during ovulation, the second phase is responsible for the onset and development of pregnancy until the placenta is formed. If fertilization does not occur, the temporary gland will disappear by the beginning of the next cycle.

When do the phases occur and how long do they last?
Numerous studies have proven that the duration of the second phase is 14 days. Any deviation from the norm indicates the presence of a pathological malfunction in the female reproductive system. The magnitude of the first phase is individual for each woman. With a 28-day cycle length, the first phase lasts and develops as follows:
the first two days of menstruation - pulling pains appear in the lower abdomen, spotting, mood worsens, performance decreases, irritability increases;
from days 3 to 6, the emotional state normalizes, well-being improves;
from 7 to 12 days a woman has a good mood, increased ability to work and sexual desire;
From days 13 to 14, the body prepares for ovulation.

If the first phase has a different duration, the development pattern falls between 7 – 21 days. Then the second phase gradually begins, the duration of which is always 14 days:
From 15 to 22 days, a stable psycho-emotional and physical state is noted. If conception occurs during the period of ovulation, on days 20–22, when the embryo is attached to the uterine wall, scanty bleeding and mild abdominal pain may appear.
If fertilization does not occur, from days 23 to 28 the woman begins to show signs of premenstrual syndrome: sudden changes in mood, irritability, depression, swelling of the mammary glands.

Possible pathologies: when to see a doctor?
The menstrual cycle should be stable, and any discrepancies in its duration should not be more than 72 hours. If the regular duration of both phases is 25 days, and in some month it increases to 32 days, this indicates a malfunction in the body and requires consultation with a specialist.
It happens that menstrual cycle disorders are triggered by the formation of functional cysts. As a rule, these types of neoplasms go away on their own. If this phenomenon is regular, it is necessary to donate blood to determine hormone levels.
Over the course of several periods, the nature of the discharge during the ovulation period remains almost unchanged. If intermenstrual bleeding occurs, you should consult a gynecologist, since this symptom may indicate the following pathologies:
polyps;
myoma;
hormonal imbalances;
polycystic disease;
hyperplasia of the inner layer of the uterus;
vaginal trauma;
long-term use of oral contraceptives.

During ovulation, the cervix becomes softer and opens. Since the discharge contains remnants of the rejected endometrium and blood after menstrual periods, they have a brownish tint. If this happens infrequently, and the discharge is spotty and short-lived, there is no reason to panic. In severe liver diseases, fragility of blood vessels, and vaginal infections, dark discharge appears in the middle of the cycle.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, candidiasis are accompanied by yellow discharge. Added to this symptom are a repulsive odor, vaginal itching, swelling, redness of the labia, and pain during sex.
If the discharge changes color, viscosity, smell and is profuse, the woman should consult a doctor. Medical attention is required if the following symptoms occur:
increase in temperature;
itching in the vagina;
pain in the abdomen and lower back.

If the discharge has a dirty red tint and an unpleasant odor, this may indicate a neoplasm in the female genital area. This symptom is a good reason to visit a gynecologist and undergo subsequent examination.