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 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 arrival 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.
Read also 🗓 At what age will a woman’s period stop?
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.
Read also Is implantation possible during menstruation?
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 normal. 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.
About our cycle to be friends with ourselves.
1 day
The first day of the cycle is usually considered the day when menstrual bleeding begins. Against the background of a decrease in the concentration of the main “female” hormones (progesterone and estrogen), rejection of the endometrium begins - a thick layer of the uterine mucosa, the “featherbed” prepared by the body in case of a possible pregnancy.
The concentration of prostaglandins, mediators of pain and stimulants of uterine contractility, increases. It’s good for the body - the uterus contracts, throwing out the old endometrium and squeezing bleeding vessels. But for us there is only one disorder: pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Antispasmodics will help relieve discomfort: “No-shpa”, “Belastezin”, “Papaverine”, “Buscopan”. But it is advisable not to take Aspirin, as this can increase blood loss.
The most “advanced” follicle begins to develop in the ovaries, bearing the egg. Sometimes there are more than one “advanced” ones, and then after successful fertilization several babies can be born at once.
Day 2
We really want to be beautiful, but today hormones are working against us. As a result of low estrogen production, the activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands increases. You have to spend half a day in the shower, spend more time on your face and correct your makeup more often.
<Волосы меняют свою химическую структуру и хуже поддаются укладке. Сделанная во время менструации химическая завивка меньше держится, поэтому не планируйте посещение парикмахера в эти дни.
Sensitivity to pain is still high. To avoid “sharp sensations,” it is better to postpone a visit to the dentist, hair removal and other unpleasant manipulations for 4-5 days.
30-50 g of mulled wine from good red wine will help relieve stress and possible pain in the lower abdomen. However, larger amounts of alcohol these days are contraindicated: it can prolong menstruation and increase blood loss.
Day 3
The phrase “Cleanliness is the key to health!” is especially relevant! In the uterus, after rejection of the mucous membrane, a wound surface is formed. And the cervix these days is as open as possible, and therefore is the entrance gate for infection.
It is advisable to abstain from sex. However, if “you can’t, but really want to,” then be sure to use barrier contraception. Remember that a condom will reduce the chance of infections and also prevent pregnancy, which is possible even these days.
4 day
“Critical days” are coming to an end. Our mood improves and we feel a surge of strength and energy. However, you should not overestimate yourself.
At this time, sports feats, repair work, rearranging furniture and other activities associated with heavy physical exertion are contraindicated. But morning exercises will help reduce the duration of menstruation and the amount of blood loss.
5 day
The healing process in the uterus ends. During normal menstruation, a woman usually loses about 100 ml of blood. Such blood loss stimulates the body's defenses, activates metabolism, and is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in women from 13 to 50 years old.
Therefore, it would be useful to include iron-containing foods in your diet - beef, liver, seafood, buckwheat, pomegranates, apples, dried apricots. As well as foods rich in vitamin C: meat, leafy greens, currants, gooseberries, apples, citrus fruits, rosehip decoction, juices, etc.
Day 6
If you want to lose weight, improve your figure or achieve sports victories, start doing it today.
In a renewed body after menstruation, metabolism accelerates - which means that excess calories are burned faster, fat is broken down, protein for muscles is more actively synthesized, and the overall tone of the body, strength and endurance increases.
Day 7
The “advanced” follicle in the ovaries, which increases in size every day, produces more and more estrogens. At the same time, the level of testosterone begins to increase, which in the female body is responsible for qualities usually attributed to men: high performance, a sharp mind, a broad outlook, excellent memory and the ability to concentrate.
Therefore, this day was simply created for study and career growth. Estrogen and testosterone together drive away habitual drowsiness, giving vivacity and freshness of thoughts better than the most expensive coffee. It’s like there’s an extra 25th hour in the day - take advantage of it!
Day 8
It's time to make a beauty plan for the coming week. Every day the concentration of estrogen in the blood, the main hormone of beauty and femininity, increases. This means that the skin, hair, nails and body become more receptive to all kinds of cosmetic procedures and simply glow with health.
After depilation carried out these days, the skin remains smooth and soft longer than usual. And the reason for this is not the newest formula of the post-depilation cream, but a change in hormonal levels.
9, 10, 11 days
There are a few days left before ovulation. Usually, days from the 9th are considered dangerous in terms of conceiving a child. However, if you are dreaming of having a girl, now is your time!
There is a theory according to which sperm with the X chromosome (determining the female sex of the baby) are able to “wait” longer than others for the release of the egg from the ovary in the woman’s genital tract. Therefore, you have about 4-5 days left. And on the day of ovulation and immediately after it, the possibility of conceiving a boy increases.
12 day
By this day, thoughts about work and everyday difficulties become more and more distant, and thoughts about love, passion and tenderness literally absorb your entire consciousness! The main hormones responsible for female sexuality and libido occupy leading positions.
A woman's excitability and sensitivity of erogenous zones increases, and even a special smell appears that can attract male attention, like pheromones. Therefore, some experts believe that the use of perfumes these days may even somewhat weaken our attractiveness to the stronger sex.
Day 13
The maximum amount of estrogen accumulates in the body. This serves as a signal for the production of another hormone - luteinizing hormone, which very quickly reaches its peak concentration and stops the growth of the follicle.
Now it contains a mature egg, ready for ovulation and fertilization.
Day 14
Under the influence of estrogens and luteinizing hormone, the wall of the mature follicle bursts and the egg is released into the abdominal cavity. At the same time, a small amount of blood is poured into the abdominal cavity.
Some women may even feel tenderness in the lower abdomen on the right or left (depending on which ovary ovulated in).
Once in the abdominal cavity, the egg is immediately captured by the fallopian tube and sets off on its way to meet the “masculine principle.”
On the day of ovulation, a woman has the highest libido and is able to experience the most vivid sensations from intimacy with her loved one. Sexologists say that if a woman regularly abstains from sex during the days of ovulation (for fear of an unwanted pregnancy) and does not experience orgasm, then her libido can steadily decrease over time.
To make it easier for sperm to reach the egg, the cervical mucus (the mucous plug that closes the entrance to the uterus, protecting against infection) is liquefied. Therefore, casual sex on the day of ovulation is fraught not only with unwanted pregnancy, but also with a high risk of contracting an STI.
On this day there is a high probability of conceiving twins. If during ovulation a woman’s several eggs are released at once (there is usually a genetic predisposition to this), then with a successful combination of circumstances all of them can be fertilized.
Day 15
In the ovary, at the site of the burst follicle, a corpus luteum begins to form. This is a special formation that - regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not - will diligently prepare the body for pregnancy within 7-8 days.
The corpus luteum begins to produce the hormone progesterone, the main hormone of pregnancy. Its goal is to turn an active and carefree girl into an expectant mother who carefully maintains her pregnancy.
Day 16
Progesterone begins to prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for egg implantation, and the concentration of this hormone increases every day.
During this phase of the cycle, appetite increases and weight gain occurs most quickly. Be especially careful with carbohydrates. As a result of complex hormonal relationships, the body begins to demand more sweets and store them “in reserve” in the form of fat.
Day 17
Under the influence of progesterone, smooth muscle tone decreases. As a result, intestinal peristalsis (wave-like movement) slows down. This can lead to bloating and constipation.
Therefore, try to enrich your diet with coarse fiber and fermented milk products.
Day 18
In case of a possible hunger strike, the body does its best to stock up on nutrients for future use, and as a result, fat metabolism also changes. There is an increase in cholesterol and harmful (atherogenic) fats. And their excess not only spoils the figure, but also creates extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.
Therefore, during this phase of the cycle, try to increase the proportion of vegetable fats in your daily diet and avoid gastronomic exploits. In addition, it is useful to eat garlic and red fish, this helps reduce cholesterol.
Day 19
Despite the fact that ovulation has already occurred, during the second phase of the cycle the body still maintains a fairly high level of testosterone, which increases our libido. Its production is especially enhanced in the morning.
You can take advantage of this by filling the dawn hours with passion and tenderness.
Day 20
By this day, the corpus luteum blossoms. The concentration of progesterone in the blood reaches a peak value. The egg travels through the fallopian tube and approaches the uterus. At this point, she is practically incapable of fertilization.
It is believed that from this day relatively safe days for fertilization begin.
21 day
The concentration of luteinizing hormone decreases and the reverse development of the corpus luteum in the ovary begins. The concentration of estrogen and progesterone gradually decreases.
However, progesterone levels and all its effects will be quite pronounced until the start of the next cycle.
Day 22
Metabolism slows down, which is typical for the entire second phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone acts as an antidepressant: it has a calming effect, relieves tension, anxiety, and relaxes.
These days we become “impenetrable” to boss’s reprimands, troubles and other stressful situations.
Day 23
Decreasing levels of estrogen and increased progesterone, possible problems with the intestines, abuse of carbohydrates these days - all this is reflected on the face, especially if there is a predisposition to acne.
The activity of the sebaceous glands increases, pores expand, and keratinization processes in the skin intensify. Therefore, these days you need to pay more attention to diet and proper facial cleansing.
24 day
Under the influence of progesterone, changes occur in the structure of connective tissue: ligaments become more extensible, hypermobility appears in the joints. There may be nagging pain in the spine and large joints.
Women receive the greatest number of injuries, especially those related to sports, on these days. One awkward movement can lead to a sprain or dislocation, so be careful with yoga, gymnastics and other types of physical activity.
Day 25
Scientists have proven that these days a woman develops a special smell, which makes it clear to a man that a forced period of abstinence is ahead.
Perhaps this fact is the reason for the synchronization of cycles in several women living together for a long time.
26, 27, 28 days
Often the most difficult days for a woman and her loved ones. As a result of fluctuations in hormone levels, a woman becomes sensitive and vulnerable, at this time she needs sensitive support.
The level of prostaglandins in the blood increases, the pain threshold decreases, the mammary glands become engorged and painful, the picture is complemented by headache, constant daytime sleepiness, anxiety, apathy and irritability. Isn't this enough to ruin the mood?!
Experts believe that sex and chocolate can be a miracle cure these days. However, with sex things are more complicated than with chocolate. Before menstruation, the level of all hormones that awaken passion in a woman decreases. According to doctors, during the premenstrual days, a woman’s libido tends to zero.
But for some representatives of the fair sex, by the end of the cycle, on the contrary, passion and desire awaken, sensitivity and acuity of sensations increase. Psychologists found an explanation. They believe that these days women are not frightened by the thought of a possible pregnancy, which is why sexual fantasies become bolder and feelings become brighter.
***
Of course, for every woman, the “hormonal clock” runs differently: for some, it’s a little fast, shortening the cycle to 20-21 days, for others it’s slightly slower - up to 30-32 days. The 28-day cycle is only the most common, so it is impossible to create an accurate and universal hormonal calendar. Each woman will have to adapt it to herself.
However, the general patterns of hormonal fluctuations and associated changes in the body remain. Without knowing these features, we sometimes begin to struggle with our own hormones: we sit on a strict diet when the body is trying with all its might to stock up for the future, we forget about our face when it needs the most intense care, or we scold ourselves for being too cold with our loved ones at a time when our sensuality is on “forced vacation.”
By making some changes to your usual lifestyle, you can make your hormones work with a vengeance, making us more attractive, cheerful, cheerful and desirable!
Natalya DOLGOPOLOVA,
general practitioner
The menstrual cycle and its regularity are an indicator of women's health. For any woman, it is necessary to know how to count the menstrual cycle.
This is important for several reasons:
- From a hygiene point of view. Knowing exactly, or at least approximately, the day of the onset of menstruation, a woman can prepare so as not to find herself in an uncomfortable situation.
- When planning a pregnancy, knowing exactly the period of menstruation, it is easy to calculate the date of ovulation and thereby significantly increase the chances of conception.
- On the other hand, knowing the menstrual cycle, you can calculate the days that are safe from unwanted pregnancy.
- Most importantly, knowing your cycle will help you detect any irregularities in time. So changes in the duration or the appearance of menstruation at the wrong time are symptoms of the development of diseases.
Menstruation is a certain period of a woman’s physiological cycle during which her body gets rid of an unfertilized egg and endometrium. Menstruation is cyclical and repeats itself after a certain period in a woman’s body.
Menstruation cycle
The female physiological cycle is divided into the following phases:
- Menstruation, or directly the period of bleeding from the uterine cavity.
- Follicular phase. Starting with the menstrual phase, it lasts 2 weeks. A new follicle is formed for the maturation of a new egg.
- . The follicle matures, releasing a mature egg ready for fertilization.
- Luteal phase. Lasts from 10 to 16 days. During this period, women's bodies prepare for pregnancy. Many girls experience premenstrual syndrome during this phase.
How to count?
The beginning of the cycle is the first day when bleeding begins. The end is considered to be the last day before the next period appears.
In case of an unstable cycle, it is necessary to select the largest and smallest value and carry out the calculation from them. For example, the longest is 34 days, and the shortest is 22. From the long one we subtract 10 (34-10=24), and from the short one 18 (22-18=4), that is, in the period from 4 to 24 days there is a high probability of getting pregnant.
Duration of menstruation
The duration of menstruation varies for every woman. Even for the same woman, the menstrual period can vary, be shorter or longer.
If your cycle is disrupted due to reproductive problems and the general condition of the body, you must consult a doctor:
- hormonal changes;
- inflammatory diseases of the female part;
- a sharp decrease/increase in body weight;
- the presence of diseases of the genital area;
- chronic diseases.
Symptoms of cycle disruption will include:
- decreasing or increasing the interval between menstruation;
- changing the number of days in a cycle in any direction;
- change in the nature of bleeding;
- complete for two months or more (except pregnancy);
- the appearance of bleeding between menstruation;
- the duration of the menstrual period is more than three weeks or less than three days.
If any of the listed symptoms appear, you must consult a gynecologist and undergo a diagnostic examination. A doctor's examination and diagnosis will help determine the disease and the causes of its occurrence. After establishing an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe a course of treatment.
In cases of a one-time cycle violation, do not worry too much. Deviations in any direction for no more than 7 days are not considered a pathology. The modern pace of life, stressful situations, fatigue and lack of sleep can affect the nature of menstruation. It is necessary to observe for at least two months. In addition, it is necessary to observe the nature of the discharge, color, and smell.
As a preventive measure, you should visit a gynecologist 2 times a year.
Video about a woman's menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is the changes that occur in a woman's genitals at approximately equal intervals of time.
What is the length of the menstrual cycle?
The normal length of the menstrual cycle is from 21 to 35 days. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of bleeding.
Phases of the menstrual cycle and the hormones that regulate them
The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases, between which ovulation occurs.
The first phase is called follicular. It is in this phase that the follicle develops, from which an egg will be released, which can then turn into a developing fetus and, finally, a child. It begins on the very first day of menstruation (menstrual bleeding) and ends when ovulation occurs. Occupies approximately half of the entire cycle. Special cells in this phase produce sex hormones estrogens. During the entire follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, a woman’s basal body temperature, as a rule, remains below 37 degrees. It is necessary to know the temperature to clarify the moment of ovulation - at the moment of ovulation, the basal temperature will drop sharply.
The next phase of the menstrual cycle is luteal, or the corpus luteum phase. The corpus luteum forms in the ovary at the site of the released egg. This phase begins immediately after ovulation and lasts as long as the yellow case lasts, that is, on average about 12-14 days. The main task at this stage is to maintain the balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which the corpus luteum secretes to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. During this phase, the basal body temperature can remain at 37 degrees, and then, before the onset of menstruation (menstrual bleeding), drop sharply.
Ovulation- release of a mature (ready for fertilization) egg from the follicle into the abdominal cavity, followed by movement through the fallopian tubes to the uterus itself. At the time of puberty, a woman’s body stores approximately 300-400 thousand eggs. All of them are in the ovaries from birth and are formed in the womb. The first ovulation occurs a little later than the onset of puberty, the last - after the extinction of menstrual function, during menopause. During pregnancy, ovulation also does not occur, but after the birth of the child it is restored.
Establishing the moment of ovulation is of interest mainly to those women who want to get pregnant, since the possibility of pregnancy exists only on certain days: 3-4 days before ovulation, during ovulation and 1-2 days after it.
The reproductive system of the female body is a complex mechanism created by nature to continue the human race. From the moment of puberty until the onset of menopause, the purpose of the fair half of humanity is to bear and give birth to a child. To prepare for this event, processes that are invisible to the naked eye occur every month, which are called the phases of the menstrual cycle.
First phase of the menstrual cycle
The cyclical period itself is an individual phenomenon for each woman. Its beginning is considered to be the first day of menstruation, and the duration ranges from 21 to 35 days. The average ideal value is considered to be 28 days.
Cycle graph - clearly shows the development of the egg (follicular + ovulation + corpus luteum) Beginning of egg growth
The first phase of the menstrual cycle is responsible for the beginning of the growth and development of the egg; it is called follicular. In the ovaries of a woman there are a large number of rudiments of liquid vesicles. Along with the first day of monthly bleeding, those who will grow in the current month are scheduled.
Estrogen production
Phase 1 of the menstrual cycle is a period where, under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, the production of estrogen gradually increases, which supports the development of follicles. Approximately on the 7th day of the cycle, one bubble is significantly ahead of the rest in all respects; this is something like a signal for them to stop growing and reverse development. And the leader of the race continues to grow the egg, reaching a limiting size of 20-25 mm in diameter. By this time, estrogen levels reach their highest point, which provokes the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), a precursor to ovulation.
Features of ovulation
As soon as the increase in LH is recorded, the ovulatory phase is approaching; this is, as it were, a separation of two halves of the cycle, which can be called phase 3 of the menstrual cycle, although rather it is the dividing line between them, located in its middle.
Ovulation is the shortest period in the cycle, 24-36 hours long, but the most significant. It is at this time that the mature egg breaks through the wall of the ovary and rushes into the fallopian tube, where it will meet the sperm. If such a meeting does not happen, the cell dies within a day.
Second phase of the menstrual cycle
As soon as the egg leaves the ovary, the second phase of the menstrual cycle begins. At the site of the rupture of the follicle, the corpus luteum begins to grow, producing progesterone, which helps fertilization occur, causes the endometrium to become loose, soft and thick enough so that the fertilized egg can easily penetrate its wall.
Luteal phase
The second segment is called the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle; what it is and why it is called that is explained simply. From scraps of tissue of the liquid vesicle and blood vessels, special yellow cells begin to grow. Gradually, the cells turn into a temporary gland that produces luteal hormone, the pregnancy hormone. The gland is called the corpus luteum, and since it plays a leading role in the second period of the cycle, the phase is called the luteal phase.
Progesterone production
Phase 2 of the menstrual cycle is the process responsible for the onset and development of pregnancy with the help of progesterone produced by the gland until the placenta is formed, taking it upon itself. In the absence of conception, the corpus luteum disappears by the beginning of a new cycle.
Very detailed information about the menstrual cycle
How long do the cycle phases last?
Now let's return to the digital values and analyze the phases of the menstrual cycle by day. We remember that the boundaries of this monthly phenomenon range from 21 to 35 days. Numerous studies have proven that its second half is constant and amounts to 14 days. It can change its duration to decrease or increase only if pathological abnormalities occur in the woman’s reproductive system. But the first phase is different for each lady.
Let's look at it in detail - how many days each phase lasts and how it is characterized Now let’s see how our girls feel about how the first phase of the menstrual cycle proceeds and how many days it can take with a 28-day length:
- The first and second days are not encouraging, almost all of our ladies suffer from pain in the lower abdomen, and of course, spotting does not improve their mood either, their performance decreases, and their usual rhythm of life decreases.
- From days 3 to 6, the condition and physical well-being begin to gradually stabilize.
- 7-12 days pass in a good mood, the zeal for work and doing usual things increases, sexual attraction and a lot of other positive emotions appear.
- Day 13-14 – waiting for ovulation.
With a different duration of the rhythmic period, a similar table fits between 7-21 days.
And we smoothly move into the second phase of the menstrual cycle, and we have already determined how many days it lasts as an established constant value - 14 days.
From days 15 to 22, you feel great and are in a great mood. But sometimes, at the end of this period, in some women after fertilization has taken place, the moment the embryo is fixed in the uterus is marked by the release of a few drops of blood and the appearance of slight pain in the lower abdomen during the day.
If the egg dies without meeting a male cell, then signs of premenstrual syndrome can be observed from 23 to 28 days. They are expressed in irritability, frequent mood swings, tearfulness, a tendency to depression, swelling and soreness of the mammary glands.
Table of phases of the menstrual cycle
If we link these days to the possibility of fertilization, then the table of the phases of the menstrual cycle looks like this:
- From the first day of menstruation until the 11th day, with a 28-day period, fertilization is unlikely.
- The maximum time for conception is 12-16 days. It is during this time period that if you want to get pregnant, sexual intercourse can be crowned with success, in the form of the birth of a new life.
- Well, if a joyful event has not happened at the moment, then from 17 to 28 days the ability to fertilize is zero.
But it should be taken into account that all these calculations relate to the regular menstrual process. If it is violated, any outcome may occur. Yes, plus the individuality of each woman, so it’s not worth relying entirely on the proposed tables, since the reproductive system is a very cunning mechanism that can present unexpected surprises in a life situation that seems to be calculated to the smallest detail.
Scheme of the menstrual cycle - menstruation and ovulation In order to avoid disruptions in the well-functioning functioning of the reproductive function, it is necessary that the phases of the menstrual cycle and the hormones that provide their support are in complete harmony. Nature has thought through everything to the smallest detail in this process.
If estrogen increases during egg maturation, then progesterone has its minimum value. As soon as the first reaches its peak, the second immediately rises, taking its turn in controlling the next actions. Estrogen will not increase by the middle of the cycle, there will be no surge in LH, ovulation will not occur, there will be no corpus luteum, and there will be no one to produce the hormone of the second phase.
The slightest violation in this complex pattern of interaction leads to disturbances that prevent the conception and birth of a baby.
Most often, external factors have a negative impact on the function of hormones. Therefore, to make your menstrual cycle work like a clock:
- try to avoid stressful situations;
- observe the work and rest schedule;
- review your diet, eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
In case of internal causes in the form of gynecological diseases, do not try to cope with the problem on your own; for this, qualified doctors are enough who can save you from the troubles that have arisen in the shortest possible time.
Third phase - ovulation
The female cycle consists of two phases, in the first the egg matures, and in the second the wound from the rupture of the follicle heals or conception occurs. The normal course of processes is controlled by the hormones produced. Phase 3 of the menstrual cycle is considered ovulation, the release of cells, when conception is most likely. A girl should keep a calendar - a table where she marks the beginning of menstruation every month. With its help, you can calculate the day of ovulation and monitor the normal course of the cycle.
