04/27/2023
Menstruation is a normal part of a woman's life and yet, many of us still feel like we don't fully understand what is happening in our bodies during this time. The menstrual cycle is actually a complex process that involves many different hormonal changes, which can impact our physical and emotional health.
There are four distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, each with its own unique hormonal changes and physiological processes. The first phase is the menstrual phase, which occurs when the uterine lining sheds and is typically characterized by menstrual bleeding. During this phase, hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, which can cause symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and fatigue.
The second phase is the follicular phase, which occurs after menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the body prepares for ovulation by producing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles. As these follicles grow, they produce estrogen, which helps to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for implantation.
The third phase is ovulation, which occurs when a mature egg is released from the o***y and travels down the fallopian tube. This phase typically lasts for about 24 hours and is characterized by a surge in LH and a peak in estrogen levels. This is the most fertile time in the menstrual cycle and when many women are most likely to conceive.
The final phase is the luteal phase, which occurs after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual period. During this phase, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone helps to thicken the uterine lining and prepares it for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and hormone levels drop, leading to the start of the menstrual phase once again.
Understanding the different phases of the menstrual cycle can help women feel more in control of their bodies and better equipped to manage menstrual cycle symptoms. By knowing what to expect during each phase, women can make lifestyle changes and use targeted treatments to alleviate symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings.
If you’re interested in learning more about this, go listen to my free, on demand training, “How to Have Fewer Mood Swings and More Energy By Balancing Your Hormones (Without Adding To Your Already Too-Full Plate).”
https://ali-damron.mykajabi.com/css-lightbulb-video-hyhm
