The Menstrual Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the series of stages of physical changes in a menstruating individual’s body. Learning and understanding the menstrual cycle is essential to learning about your body. Learning about how your body works and what is occurring internally will enable you to care for yourself and understand your body better.
1. Menstrual Phase
2. Follicular Phase
3. Ovulatory Phase
4. Luteal Phase
Stages of the menstrual cycle
1. Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase is the phase when the period (menstruation) occurs. During this phase, the uterus lining sheds and out of the vagina.
2. Follicular Phase
During this phase, hormone levels change, which causes the uterus lining to thicken, and follicles will start to grow around the surface of the ovaries.
Ovulatory Phase
This phase is when a mature egg, formed from follicles (usually only one) is released from the ovaries. This usually occurs 2 weeks prior to the period.
Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the egg travels to the uterus as its lining thickens for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the cycle begins again with menstruation.
