Periods are a monthly occurrence in girls and women of reproductive age. During periods, your body sheds period blood out of the vagina. A period or menstruation is not a one of event but is a part of your monthly menstrual cycle. In this write-up, we will cover the different stages of menstrual cycle and how they alter your mood or behaviour throughout the month. Sounds interesting? Then, let’s begin!
Your Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a series of changes that happen in your body every month to prepare itself for a possible pregnancy. The cycle starts on the first day of your periods and ends on the day before your next period. A typical menstrual cycle lasts for about 28 days; however, it is okay to have cycles that range between 21-38 days. Some, like those who have just started their periods, may have even longer cycles.
It is important to understand what a typical cycle looks like for you and note changes if they occur.
The 4 Stages of Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle is divided into four stages. They are also referred to as the “phases of menstrual cycle.” Let’s have a look at the details.
The Menstrual Phase/Periods
The menstrual phase is the time when you have your periods. It can last anywhere between 3 and 7 days. It is the time when your body sheds the uterine lining out of the vagina because no pregnancy has occurred. In the absence of pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone levels fall in your body, triggering the removal of the thick uterine lining, which is a mix of blood and tissues from the uterus.
The Follicular Phase
The next is the follicular phase. It includes days 1–14 of your menstrual cycle. So, yes, it does overlap with the menstrual phase as well. During this stage, the level of oestrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone in your body rises, nudging it to prepare for an impending pregnancy. Your uterine lining starts to thicken again, and multiple follicles start forming on your ovaries.
The Ovulation Phase
This is one of the phases of period cycle when ovulation happens. It is the time in the middle of your cycle and lasts for only 24 hours. People with a 28-day menstrual cycle often experience ovulation on day 14. During this time, one of the follicles releases a mature egg. The egg then travels through the fallopian tubes in the hope of getting fertilised by a sperm.
Ovulation is the most appropriate time to get pregnant. If you wish for pregnancy, having sex during the ovulation phase increases your chances of conceiving a baby.
The Luteal Phase
The last of the monthly cycle phases is the luteal phase. The rest of the days of your menstrual cycle after ovulation (days 15–28) are part of this phase.
As the egg travels the fallopian tubes, there are two possibilities. If the egg gets fertilised by a sperm, it travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining, marking the beginning of pregnancy. If left unfertilised, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, triggering the onset of a period.
How Does the Menstrual Cycle Affect Your Mood?
The menstrual cycle is governed by several hormones, and changes in the levels of these hormones have a direct impact on mood and behaviour.
Most women love the follicular phase! It is the time when you feel energetic, positive, and happy. You will find yourself motivated to work, exercise, and do your favourite activities. These positive changes you notice around this time are due to the rising levels of oestrogen and serotonin in your body.
Then comes the ovulation phase. Around this time of your menstrual cycle, you likely feel a rise in energy. You feel more attractive and have a heightened desire for sex. Thanks to the high oestrogen and testosterone levels! These feelings are not odd but nature’s own way of encouraging pregnancy and reproduction.
During the luteal phase, the levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone reach an all-time low. This can bring luteal phase symptoms. For instance, it can make you anxious, sad, or depressed. You may also notice changes in sexual desire along with other PMS symptoms like trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, breast tenderness, headaches, etc.
And finally comes the menstrual phase, when you shed period blood and experience symptoms like abdominal cramps, mood swings, irritability, and more. After your periods end, the follicular phase begins, bringing positive changes in your mood once again!
How to Identify if You Have Issues with Your Menstrual Cycle?
The best way to identify menstrual cycle issues is to track your periods. As menstrual cycles can highly differ in individuals, it is important to know what’s normal for you.
To find your normal pattern, note the date of your period, how many days you had it, and whether your period was light, medium, or heavy. Also, note if you notice any spotting between periods. This way you will be able to identify if there are any changes in your regular menstrual cycle and whether you need to seek a doctor’s advice.
When to Visit a Doctor for Concerns Regarding Menstrual Cycle?
If you have any concerns related to your menstrual cycle, it is better to talk to a doctor than make any assumptions. See your doctor if:
- You notice a change in your menstrual cycle
- You have irregular periods
- Your periods stretch for more than eight days
- Your menstrual cycle is either less than 21 days or is longer than 35 days
- You have a gap of 2-3 months between periods
- You notice bleeding between menstrual cycles
Summing Up
The menstrual cycle includes the changes in a woman’s body that happen in between and during her periods. These changes happen monthly to prepare for a potential pregnancy. There are four different stages of menstrual cycle, and each one of the menstrual phases has its own significance.
A woman’s mood and behaviour often depend on which phase of the menstrual cycle she is in. While the follicular phase brings in energy and positivity, the luteal phase can make you anxious and depressed.
Knowing the different phases can help women understand their bodies and why they feel a certain way during specific times of their monthly cycle.
FAQs
What are the 4 stages of a menstrual cycle?
The four stages of a menstrual cycle are the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase.
What is a normal period cycle?
A normal menstrual cycle can vary from 21 to 35 days and can last for 3–7 days.
How can I calculate my menstrual cycle?
To calculate your menstrual cycle, note the first day of your periods on a calendar for 3-6 months. Count the number of days between each period. Find the average number of days between periods to know how long your menstrual cycle is.
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