What is a Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in people with ovaries, typically starting in adolescence and continuing until menopause. It's a complex interplay of hormones that prepares your body for potential pregnancy each month.
A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. While the average cycle is 28 days, normal cycles can range from 21 to 35 days in adults and 21 to 45 days in young teens.
The Four Phases of Your Cycle
1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)
This is when you have your period. The lining of your uterus (endometrium) sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding. This phase typically lasts 3-7 days, though it can vary.
- Hormone levels are at their lowest
- Uterine lining is shed
- You may experience cramps, bloating, and mood changes
2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-13)
This phase begins on the first day of your period and ends when you ovulate. Your pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of follicles in your ovaries.
- Follicles in your ovaries begin to mature
- Estrogen levels start to rise
- Uterine lining begins to thicken
3. Ovulation (Day 14)
Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries. This typically happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but can vary based on your cycle length.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) surges
- Mature egg is released from the ovary
- You're most fertile during this time
4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)
After ovulation, the empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy.
- Progesterone levels rise
- Uterine lining thickens further
- If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop and the cycle begins again
Common Symptoms Throughout Your Cycle
Menstrual Phase
- Menstrual bleeding
- Cramps and abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
Follicular Phase
- Increasing energy
- Clear, watery discharge
- Improved mood
- Higher libido
Ovulation
- Egg-white cervical mucus
- Mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz)
- Increased libido
- Heightened senses
Luteal Phase
- PMS symptoms
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Food cravings
- Bloating
Tracking Your Cycle
Understanding your cycle is crucial for reproductive health, family planning, and identifying potential issues. Here's how to track it effectively:
What to Track
- Period start and end dates - Mark the first and last day of bleeding
- Flow intensity - Light, medium, or heavy
- Symptoms - Cramps, mood changes, bloating, etc.
- Cervical mucus - Changes in consistency and color
- Basal body temperature - Slight temperature changes can indicate ovulation
- Ovulation symptoms - Mittelschmerz, increased libido, etc.
Benefits of Cycle Tracking
- Predict your next period
- Identify your fertile window
- Detect irregular patterns
- Better understand your body
- Prepare for symptoms
- Identify potential health issues
What's Normal vs. Irregular
Normal Cycle Characteristics
- Cycle length: 21-35 days (consistent)
- Period duration: 3-7 days
- Flow: Moderate, not too heavy or light
- Regular pattern month to month
- Mild to moderate cramps
When to See a Doctor
- Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
- Periods lasting more than 7 days
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad/tampon every hour)
- Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
- Bleeding between periods
- No period for 3+ months (if not pregnant)
Factors That Affect Your Cycle
Several factors can influence your menstrual cycle:
- Stress - High stress can delay or stop ovulation
- Weight changes - Significant weight gain or loss can affect hormones
- Exercise - Intense exercise can cause irregular or missed periods
- Diet - Poor nutrition can impact hormone production
- Sleep - Irregular sleep patterns can affect hormone regulation
- Age - Cycles change throughout your reproductive years
- Medical conditions - PCOS, thyroid disorders, etc.
- Medications - Birth control, antidepressants, etc.
Tips for a Healthier Cycle
Nutrition
Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Stay hydrated and limit caffeine and alcohol.
Exercise
Regular, moderate exercise can help regulate your cycle. Avoid over-exercising, which can cause irregular periods.
Stress Management
Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to help maintain regular cycles.
Sleep
Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support healthy hormone production and regulation.
Ready to Start Tracking?
Understanding your cycle is the first step. Use bloom to track your periods, symptoms, and fertility with complete privacy and beautiful design.