What is the phase after menstruation. The menstrual cycle and its phases

Each representative of the fair sex has to deal monthly with the phases of her menstrual cycle, 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 more individual, but the basics and sequence of their flow remain unchanged and have their respective names. This whole significant process is cyclical, and begins with the advent 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.

The main phases of the cycle

Every month, with a regular cycle in the body of a woman, three successive phases of the menstrual cycle occur. They are characterized by a logical sequence and serve one big goal - creating favorable conditions for the 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 according to 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, it is she who starts such an important process as the formation 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 an egg in them. The first day of menstruation kicks off a new follicular phase of the cycle and begins intensive production of follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen. During this period, there is a growth of follicles, which a little later will become a receptacle and a place for the maturation of the egg.

Estrogen provides support to the follicles and this lasts about 7 days, until one of the follicular vesicles reaches the necessary parameters for the maturation of an egg in it. Further, the focus of growth is only on the egg, and the "extra" follicles stop functioning. A high concentration of estrogen gives a signal to start 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 in just 48 hours, and sometimes less. During this short period of 2 days, the woman's reproductive system is faced with a responsible task, and if fertilization does not occur, the egg dies.

An increased concentration of luteinizing hormone contributes to increased maturation and subsequent release of the egg from the follicle. Under its action, important processes occur that ensure the preparation of the walls of the endometrium. When the egg reaches full maturity and is ready for fertilization, the follicular vesicle ruptures and a full-fledged egg enters the fallopian tube to merge with the sperm. In the cavity of the ruptured follicle, an intensive growth of the corpus luteum begins, which, in turn, leads to an intensive production of progesterone and provides favorable conditions for successful fertilization and implantation of a fertilized ovum into the uterine wall. The next cycle can have 2 outcomes, depending on whether fertilization has occurred or not.

Third phase - luteal

The development of the third phase of the menstrual cycle can take place in two scenarios: with a fertilized egg or if fertilization has not occurred. This time, special attention is paid to the formed corpus luteum. It, in case of successful conception, leads to the active production of 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, during this period, the active production of progesterone, which is also actively involved in supporting the fetal egg, continues. Ultimately, the harmonious and mutually beneficial production of female hormones provides a complete preparation for fertilization, fusion, and subsequent nutrition and protection of the already fertilized fetal egg.

If fertilization still does not occur, the corpus luteum stops its development and atrophies. The prepared loosened uterine mucosa 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 conditionally divided into 3 intervals. The first and third phases are considered the longest. At the same time, 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 necessary for every lady.

To understand what and when happens 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 to the full readiness for the release of the egg 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, a woman experiences malaise and discomfort in the lumbar region and lower abdomen. Later, strength is restored and unpleasant symptoms recede.
- the time when the egg is ready for fertilization. This phase is the shortest and most important. The ability of the egg to merge with the sperm and fertilize lasts from 20 to 48 hours, which is also purely individual and depends on many factors. Some women feel ovulation and even observe characteristic discharge on their underwear.
. Regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not, this phase continues for the last 14 days. If pregnancy has not occurred, 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, nevertheless, the menstrual cycle has fulfilled its intended purpose, and fertilization has taken place, then pregnancy occurs and further actions of female hormones will focus on the growth, nutrition and development of the fetus.

What can affect the shift of the cycle

The considered phases of menstruation are a very clear and fragile mechanism that can be broken due to many factors. The main promoters of these phases are hormones that mutually benefit each other to achieve a common goal - the conception and birth of a child. Violation of the production of any of the hormones will lead to a break in the sequential chain and will affect the final outcome and the duration of the cycle.

The menstrual cycle has a clear division into phases. They are regulated by a hierarchy, the initial link of which is the brain. The phases replace each other in turn, and the next one cannot occur without the previous one. The first is the maturation of the follicle, so 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

In 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 (LH), is secreted by the adenohypophysis. Without FSH, it is impossible to realize the effects of LH. Follicle-stimulating hormone provokes the formation of luteinizing receptors on the surface of granulosa cells in the follicle. Without them, LG 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 that lead to rupture of the follicle;
luteinization of granulosa cells that 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. The 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 enters the abdominal cavity and, under the vibration of the fimbriae on the final part of the appendages, penetrates into the fallopian tubes. Fertilization should occur there within 12-24 hours. More than this time, the viability of the egg is not preserved.

In the bursting follicle, the process of luteinization occurs. Cells of the granular membrane continue to multiply and grow, they accumulate a specific enzyme - lutein, 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 duration of the existence of the gland increases with the onset of 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 chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which maintains the corpus luteum and stimulates the production of progesterone. This process lasts until the formation of the placenta, 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 duration of the luteal phase is normally 12-14 days. For women planning a pregnancy, the day of ovulation and the condition after it matter. Violation of the duration of this period can tell about various pathologies that prevent pregnancy. Equally unpleasant consequences are the lengthening and shortening of the period of existence of the corpus luteum.

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

Measurement of basal temperature

Body temperature is variable and can fluctuate throughout the day. Basal body temperature reflects the body's core temperature and is relatively constant. It is influenced by the hormonal background. 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 by the 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 from the first day of the last menstruation, you need to count 14 days and take this date as ovulation. The next day, the luteal period begins.

You can also see how the selections change. 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, vaginal dryness appears.

instrumental method

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

The average size of the follicle is 12-15 mm. After the rupture of its shell in the initial stage, the size of the corpus luteum is several millimeters smaller. In a week it reaches 18-22 mm. This indicates the readiness of the body for the onset of pregnancy. If fertilization has occurred, then stimulation of the corpus luteum by 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 progressing pregnancy.

Laboratory diagnostics

You can determine the onset of the luteal phase by analyzing for. To do this, you need to know the day of the cycle in order. Before ovulation, the norm of progesterone 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 progesterone peak is observed, it reaches 16.2-85.9 nmol / l.

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

Further progression of the increase in progesterone occurs at the onset of 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 fetal egg will speak in favor of a corpus luteum cyst.

Luteal phase changes

The period of luteinization can vary in the direction of increasing and decreasing the duration. Both options do not bring anything good and violate the reproductive function.

The maximum length of the luteal phase is 16 days. If your period does not come on time, progesterone levels remain high or are initially elevated, this may manifest as a lack of menstruation.

The behavior of hormones in different phases of the menstrual cycle

The short luteal phase is 2 to 10 days. Such a duration is a sign of the 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 by blood tests for hormones.

If the embryo manages to attach, then signs of a threatened abortion may appear. In this case, the woman will feel pulling pains in the lower abdomen, resembling those before menstruation, dark red discharge from the genital tract will appear. If you do not take urgent, then the pregnancy will be terminated in a short time.

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

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

A long luteal phase and elevated progesterone lead to the appearance of non-specific symptoms:

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

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

How to lower progesterone levels without harm to health? About it .

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. At the same time, changes are observed not only in the concentration of progesterone, but also in other hormones. Estradiol in the luteal phase will increase with the persistence of the follicle. In this condition, there is no rupture of the dominant follicle in the ovaries, which means there is no ovulation. As a result, the corpus luteum is not formed, luteinization is also absent. An increase in the concentration of estradiol also occurs with an endometrioid ovarian cyst or its tumors. Reduced hormone is observed when:

testicular feminization;
a sharp decrease in weight;

But for the second period of the ovarian cycle, other hormones also matter. When diagnosing, the concentrations of the following substances are also examined:

prolactin;
testosterone.

In some cases, cortisol and thyroid hormones supplement the study.

Hormonal correction

Can you get pregnant in the luteal phase?

It depends on the previous, follicular phase and the state of the hormonal background in the future.

Progesterone preparations

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

But there are certain difficulties with the appointment of the drug:

Dose selection. It must be assigned individually. Each woman has a certain level of progesterone, and it is impossible to say for sure that with the same blood test results, the same dose of the hormone will be required.
Withdrawal bleeding. After the end of taking progesterone, bleeding appears, which in time corresponds to the menstrual period. But if a woman was not protected during treatment, then an embryo may be 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 who are undergoing treatment need.

But if the insufficiency of the corpus luteum is already observed during a diagnosed pregnancy, with the existing signs of a threatened interruption, then the appointment of "Duphaston" or "Utrozhestan" makes sense for its preservation. In this case, hormones are taken until the formation of the placenta, and in severe cases even up to 21 weeks of gestation.

The insufficiency of the second period of the menstrual cycle can be observed periodically in perfectly healthy women. Therefore, observation and diagnosis of only one month is not as important as two or three months of research. For example, you need to independently measure the basal temperature and draw up its schedule.

In the absence of ovulation, one cannot speak of luteal phase deficiency, in this case the follicle does not mature, so the cyclical changes do not appear. Such forms of hormonal disorders require the search for a cause and its elimination, and not the blind prescription of 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, however, this parameter is individual and normally can be 21-35 days.

What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?

The whole cycle consists of 3 phases:

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

Consider the phases of the menstrual cycle by day.

So, the first phase - follicular, has an average duration of 14 days. It begins with menstruation, i.e. in the first 4-5 days of this phase, spotting is observed. After that, the body begins to gradually prepare for a possible pregnancy. This increases the production of estrogen, 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 a new epithelium begins, and the gradual preparation of the uterus for implantation takes place.

If we talk about what day of the cycle the ovulatory phase begins, then this is 14-15 days from the moment the monthly discharge begins. Despite its short duration (about 3 days), this phase is very important for the formation of a new life. Directly at this time, a mature egg, ready for fertilization, enters 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 comes on about 15-17 days from the beginning of menstruation. Its duration, on average, is 14 days.

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

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

Having considered all the phases of the female menstrual cycle by day, it should be noted that in fact this or that phase does not always begin exactly at the indicated time. After all, every body is different. 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.

Usually, it is up to the mother's shoulders to tell her daughter about the physiological characteristics of the female sex and explain what menstruation is and how it flows. Next, we’ll talk about when the first menstruation should begin in girls 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, procreate. But also to understand when it is worth being on the alert, and when you can calmly have sexual contact with a partner without fear of an unwanted pregnancy? Knowing the phases of the menstrual cycle, protecting yourself is pretty easy!

About menstruation

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

It is necessary to start counting your own cycle from the first day of menstruation, since the first phase is menstrual. It is worth noting that it is the most painful and brings maximum inconvenience to a woman for the entire period of the cycle. The menstrual phase lasts an average of 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 comes out with the blood. Phase 1 of the menstrual cycle ends approximately on the last day of menstruation.

The second phase - follicular, begins even before the woman has finished bleeding. Processes begin to occur in the brain that want to ensure the presence of offspring for a woman, preparations for ovulation begin. 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 a hostile environment for 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 single them out here, on average 14 days, but these frames can be somewhat different - 7-22 days. It all depends on the physical and the woman, because even stress affects the fact that the lady simply cannot go into the stage of ovulation.

So, two phases of the menstrual cycle have ended, the third phase comes into force - ovulation, i.e., the phase of ovulation. What happens to a woman's body during this period? It is worth noting that there is a hormonal explosion in the body, which finally calms the environment of the cervix that is hostile to sperm. Also at this time, the follicle bursts and releases a ready-to-use one that 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 correctly plan your sexual intercourse if you want to conceive a baby.

Three phases of the menstrual cycle have already ended, the fourth, luteal, is coming. At this time, the uterine lining continues to form, which comes out with the egg during menstruation, and the hormone progesterone comes to help it, which makes it denser. It is produced in the follicle, which released the egg and turned into the so-called corpus luteum. In this period, the body "calms down" and awaits conception. If this does not happen, everything superfluous 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 rebuilt, 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 an 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 get acquainted with the characteristics of the female body, having studied the phases of the menstrual period and the manifestations of possible pathologies.

Menstrual cycle - what is it?

The menstrual cycle is the period that begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with the arrival of the next menstruation. Since every woman has it in her own way, the concept of his "normality" is rather vague. To characterize the menstrual cycle, experts use the following concepts:

How long is the cycle. 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 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 the norm. In 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 longer than 7 days.
The volume of blood loss during menstruation. Normal values are 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, clots. If the monthly pass normally, the amount of discharge gradually decreases. Heavy bleeding rarely lasts more than 3 days. On such days, a woman may feel a pulling pain in the uterus.

In 30% of women who do not have gynecological pathologies, the menstrual period passes 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, cyclic changes affect the physiology of a woman, 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 the reproductive function. Influencing the sexual sphere and the work of the whole organism, 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 a change 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 releases releasing hormones that enter the pituitary gland during the cycle. Pituitary hormones stimulate the maturation of the egg, ensuring the implementation of the reproductive function.
Conventionally, the 1st and 2nd phases 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 vesicles located in the female ovaries, those are outlined that will increase this month.
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 grow the egg. The rest of the bubbles stop growing. Gradually, the level of estrogen reaches its maximum level, 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 did not occur during ovulation, after a day the egg dies and the luteal phase starts, which ends with the beginning of the next critical days. From the fragments of the burst follicle, a cell begins to grow, which is transformed 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 fetal egg to be firmly embedded in 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 happen, by the beginning of the next cycle, the temporary gland will disappear.

When do phases start and how long do they last?
Numerous studies have proven that the value of the second phase is 14 days. Any deviation from the norm indicates the presence of a pathological failure in the female reproductive system. The size 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 - there are pains of a pulling nature in the lower abdomen, spotting, mood worsens, performance decreases, irritability increases;
from 3 to 6 days the emotional state is normalized, the state of health improves;
from 7 to 12 days, a woman has a good mood, increased working capacity and sexual desire;
From the 13th to the 14th day, the body prepares for ovulation.

If the first phase has a different duration, the development scheme fits between 7 - 21 days. Then the second phase begins smoothly, the duration of which is always 14 days:
From the 15th to the 22nd day, a stable psycho-emotional and physical state is noted. If, however, conception occurred during the period of ovulation, on the 20–22nd day, when the embryo is fixed to the uterine wall, scanty spotting and mild pain in the abdomen may appear.
If fertilization does not happen, from the 23rd to the 28th day, the woman has signs of premenstrual syndrome: a sharp change in mood, irritability, depression, swelling of the mammary glands.

Possible pathologies: when to see a doctor?
The menstrual cycle must 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 has increased to 32 days, this indicates a malfunction in the body and requires specialist advice.
It happens that menstrual disorders are provoked by the formation of functional cysts. As a rule, such neoplasms go away on their own. If this phenomenon is regular, it is necessary to donate blood to determine the level of hormones.
For several periods, the nature of the discharge in the ovulation period of time almost does not change. If intermenstrual bleeding appears, you should consult a gynecologist, since this symptom may indicate the following pathologies:
polyps;
myoma;
hormonal disorders;
polycystic;
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 secretions contain remnants of the rejected endometrium and blood after critical days, 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, vascular fragility, vaginal infections, dark-colored discharge appears in the middle of the cycle.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, candidiasis are accompanied by yellow discharge. To this symptom is added a repulsive odor, vaginal itching, swelling, redness of the labia, soreness during sex.
If the discharge changes color, viscosity, smell and is profuse, a woman should consult a doctor. Medical attention is needed if the following symptoms appear:
temperature increase;
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 for visiting a gynecologist and a subsequent examination.