There are many phases within the menstrual cycle that are all effected by the hormones in our body. Your hormones will start changes in your body as you go through puberty, and for women, that means you’ll start receiving your period. Throughout your life and during menopause, your hormones will fluctuate.
Breaking Everything Down
Menstrual Phase – This is when women will receive their period. During this phase, the uterine lining will shed because it is not needed for pregnancy. You may experience cramps, tenderness in breasts, bloating, mood swings, etc. that vary from woman to woman. This phase can normally last from 3 to 7 days, but again, can fluctuate.
Follicular Phase – This particular phase begins at the same time as the menstrual phase except the end date is when you ovulate. The time ranges anywhere from 10 to 30 days depending on your cycle. The maturing follicle with kick start the estrogen in your body that will thicken the lining of your uterus to create the optimal environment for an embryo to grow.
Ovulation – Estrogen levels begin to rise during the previous phase and triggers a release of LH to start ovulation. This is when your ovary will release a mature egg to be fertilized by sperm, and is the only time when you can get pregnant. You will experience a minimal rise in body temperature and begins in the middle of the cycle.
Luteal Phase – Once the egg is released, it changes and your hormones will rise to keep the uterine lining thick and ready for fertilization. Once you’ve gotten pregnant, your body will make human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that can be detected by pregnancy tests.
How Else Do Hormones Come into Play?
There are several instances where hormones can affect your menstrual cycle. If you have any medical issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you experience a hormone imbalance that keeps eggs from properly developing in the ovaries. This can cause irregular cycles and missed periods.
Great Earth Compounding Pharmacy
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different and what might be normal for you could be the complete opposite from someone else. Hormones are the driving force for so many interactions in your body, menstruation included. From the first signs of receiving your period all the way to menopause, women have different experiences throughout their journey.