A subject that lies close to my heart as I have had a good 4 (!) years of no menstrual cycle at all. That’s not healthy, and not normal. But I only learned that afterwards, when it started to come back, it’s a long story that I will still write about. It lead me down the rabbit hole of cycle-research and I have become an activist for sharing cycle-knowledge and stories. As the Menstrual Cycle is still too misunderstood and too much of a taboo. Here’s a 101 as a reminder or, for some it might even be new.

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that prepares the body for pregnancy each month. It is typically about 28 days long, though it can range from 21 to 35 days. The cycle is divided into four main phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Let’s break down what happens in each phase, using a 28-day cycle. (in reality, a little variety is fine and normal!)

Menstrual Phase (Days 1–7)

• What Happens: This phase begins on the first day of menstruation. The uterine lining, which was thickened in preparation for a potential pregnancy, is shed through the vagina as blood and tissue. Duration of bleeding varies between 3 and 7 days. Typically you lose 3-5 tablespoons of blood.
• Physical Signs: Common symptoms include cramping, tiredness, tender breasts, backache and acne. Progesterone remains low, as oestrogen slowly start to rise.
• Purpose: This marks the body resetting for a new cycle if pregnancy didn’t occur.

Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)

• What Happens: Starts (overlaps) with the menstrual phase. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating the ovaries to develop follicles. One dominant follicle matures into an egg.
• Physical Signs: Increased energy, clearer skin. Oestrogen rises. Some people feel more motivated or creative during this time.
• Purpose: Prepares the egg for ovulation and rebuilds the uterine lining.

Ovulation Phase (Day 14, approximately)

• What Happens: Triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), the dominant, matured egg is released from its follicle in the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, hoping to meet sperm for fertilisation.
• Physical Signs: Slight rise in body temperature, cervical mucus becomes clear and stretchy, and some may feel mild pelvic pain cause by the release of the egg (called ‘mittelschmerz’). You might feel particularly frisky, have high sex drive or experience mood swings.
• Purpose: This is the peak fertility phase of the cycle, the perfect time to try to conceive if you are trying for a pregnancy.

Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

• What Happens: The empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, producing progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down, hormone levels drop, and the cycle restarts.
• Physical Signs: Some experience premenstrual symptoms (PMS), such as bloating, mood swings, acne, headache, low energy, irritability and tender breasts. A good time to take it easier on yourself and schedule me-time.
• Purpose: Provides a supportive environment (a thick uterine lining: the endometrium) for pregnancy if fertilisation occurs.

It’s my belief that if you are a person who is menstruating, understanding your cycle is crucial for optimal (mental and physical) health. It is a vital sign and being able to flow with it, not against it, can change your life. It did so for me.