home Auditorium 7 Phases of the monthly cycle and their impact on a woman’s condition. Features of different phases of the menstrual cycle

Phases of the monthly cycle and their impact on a woman’s condition. Features of different phases of the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a certain period of time, the beginning of which is the first day of menstruation, and the end is the day before the start of the next menstruation. The duration of this cycle varies for all women. The norm is menstrual cycles ranging from 21 to 35 days. A cycle of 28 days is considered ideal. Even for the same woman, all cycles may differ in duration from one another, but by no more than 4 days in one direction or the other. Such cyclic bleeding often begins in girls at 11-13 years of age and continues on average until 47-50 years of age, until menopause and gradual loss of reproductive functions occur. This is what almost all representatives of the fair half of humanity know about the menstrual cycle. However, much more useful information can be told about it, which is worth studying for any woman planning a pregnancy or simply wanting to know her body.

Follicular phase

The follicular phase begins at the very moment when a new menstrual cycle begins. The main hormone of this phase is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which initiates and maintains the process of follicle maturation. At the same time, 5-7 follicles can begin to mature, but eventually one of the follicles, which reached 14 mm in size earlier than the others, becomes dominant and continues to mature, while the rest undergo regression.

The duration of the follicular phase (growth of the dominant follicle) can vary from 7 to 20-22 days. During this entire time, there is a gradual increase in the level of FSH and the size of the maturing follicle with the egg growing inside it. In addition to the growth of the follicle, another important process occurs during this phase - the removal of dead endometrium from the uterine cavity, which comes out along with the blood. This process is menstruation, which begins following a decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone in the blood to critical levels at the end of the previous cycle.

After the uterus is cleansed of the “old” mucous membrane and the end of menstrual flow, the process of development and thickening of the new endometrium begins, stimulated by estrogens, which are produced in the ovary. The hour of ovulation is approaching, and the lining of the uterus is preparing to receive a fertilized egg. Thus, three main events of this phase can be distinguished:

Cleansing the walls of the uterus.
Growth and maturation of the follicle.
Growing new endometrium .

Ovulatory phase

It is believed that the duration of the ovulatory phase is equal to the time during which the egg is suitable for fertilization, i.e. approximately 48 hours, according to various sources – from 2 to 5 days. During the previous phase, the follicle and the egg inside it reach their maximum size. During the ovulatory phase, the follicle ruptures and a mature egg is released into the uterine tube, which is called ovulation. This is facilitated by luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the production of special substances necessary to weaken and rupture the wall of a mature follicle - the Graafian vesicle. This is the name given to a follicle that is ready to burst and release an egg. The level and concentration of LH sharply increases in the blood upon the onset of this phase, and the level of FSH decreases.

The egg will move along the fallopian tube thanks to the movements of the cilia of the fleecy epithelium lining the tubes from the inside, and then one of two things awaits it - it will either be fertilized and implanted into the endometrium, or the unfertilized one will die after some time and dissolve in it. In anovulatory cycles, this phase is absent altogether, and they are considered single-phase, or monophasic. At the same time, the follicle matures, but instead of bursting, it resolves.

Luteal phase

The ovulatory phase ends and is followed by the final phase - the luteal phase, or the corpus luteum phase. Its duration averages about 14 days (from 10 to 16) during any physiological menstrual cycle in a healthy woman. Following the end of the luteal phase, menstruation or the development of pregnancy begins, depending on whether the egg has been fertilized.

The ruptured follicle, after the release of the egg, turns into the corpus luteum - a unique temporary gland designed to produce progesterone, which prepares the uterus for a potential pregnancy and is responsible for maintaining it. It is during the luteal phase that the basal temperature rises above 37 degrees, which again occurs due to progesterone, therefore, in the absence of ovulation, the temperature will not increase. The luteal phase has another name - secretory, since during this period the endometrial glands, under the influence of progesterone, are ready to produce a special nutritional secretion necessary for the growth and development of the embryo. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen in the blood during this phase cause the breasts to swell due to dilated ducts in the mammary glands. The production of FSH and LH is markedly reduced.

In the absence of fertilization of the egg, the corpus luteum begins to dissolve and the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop, which occurs approximately 10-12 days after ovulation. As soon as this drop reaches a certain point, endometrial rejection and menstruation begin, which is also facilitated by an increasing amount of prostaglandins, causing contraction of the uterus and vasospasm in it. In the case of fertilization of the egg, the corpus luteum, with the support of human chorionic gonadotropin, continues to function and produce hormones important for pregnancy until the formation of the placenta.

This is how every menstrual cycle occurs in healthy women and everything in it is interconnected. If a failure occurs in any of the phases, the entire cycle will be disrupted, and the onset or maintenance of pregnancy is not guaranteed. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of menstrual irregularities should be examined by a doctor.

It is useful for women to know what happens during certain phases of the cycle, what hormones are necessary for the optimal functioning of the reproductive system. Violation of the secretion of estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH, and other regulators disrupts the frequency of monthly bleeding and reduces the level of fertility.

Infertility, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome, threat of spontaneous abortion, lack of ovulation are pathologies that develop against the background of excess, deficiency or incorrect ratio of hormones. The article contains a lot of useful information about the menstrual cycle and its phases, the influence of the endocrine glands on the ability to conceive, well-being, weight and appearance.

Hormonal status in women

Damage to the endocrine glands in combination with nervous breakdowns, poor diet, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, and chronic pathologies are the causes of problems with the reproductive system. Any disturbances in the production of regulators negatively affect the maturation of follicles, the nature of monthly bleeding, and the onset of ovulation.

Effect on the menstrual cycle

Research has confirmed a complex system of regulation of processes in the genital organs and mammary glands. Neurohormonal control of the cycle occurs with the participation of the central nervous system, pituitary gland and ovaries. Maintaining reproductive function at an optimal level is impossible without the sensitivity of target organs and elements of the reproductive system (uterus, vagina) to the action of hormones.

The thyroid gland and adrenal glands, through the secretion of regulators and reactions of interaction with other substances, also affect the ability to conceive. The endocrine glands produce hormonally active compounds in minimal doses, but even small deviations in dosage provoke the development of pathological processes.

The role of hormones in regulating the functions of the reproductive system:

On a note! The optimal cycle length is 21-35 days. If rejection of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) occurs more often, then the mucous membrane does not have time to recover, and the risk of pathological processes increases. Too long an interval between menstruation is also harmful: the thickness of the endometrium increases significantly, making it difficult to reject part of the inner layer. With rare periods, with the onset of the next menstruation, severe pain appears, bleeding is profuse, often lasting longer than average (optimally 4-6 days).

Phases of the menstrual cycle

The biological purpose of monthly bleeding is to prepare the female body for conception and maintenance of pregnancy. Changes in the organs of the reproductive system that occur at approximately equal intervals are called the menstrual cycle.

Unpleasant sensations during menstruation, pain of varying intensity in the lower abdomen are associated with desquamation (rejection) of endometrial tissue. With hypothermia, frequent stress, infectious and inflammatory processes of the reproductive system, and hormonal imbalance, the discomfort increases.

The menstrual cycle has three phases:

the initial stage is the development of the follicle. In the follicular phase, the egg matures, which in the future can be fertilized to develop a new life. The duration of the period is from the 1st day of menstruation until the onset of ovulation. During the follicle maturation stage, the basal temperature does not reach 37 degrees. Estrogens, LH, FSH, and androgens play an active role. Closer to ovulation, the concentration of estrogen and lutropin increases sharply, which ensures the rupture of the basement membrane of the mature follicle;
the second phase is ovulatory. At this moment, the mature follicle bursts, the egg (oocyte) is released and moves through the fallopian tubes into the uterine cavity. To regulate the process, the enzyme collagenase, prostaglandins, and other substances from the follicular fluid are needed. During ovulation, basal temperature exceeds 37 degrees. When treating infertility, it is important to measure this indicator every day in the morning so as not to miss the onset of ovulation. Pregnancy is possible three to four days before the release of a mature egg, during the period of ovulation and only one to two days after it;
the third stage is the onset of the luteal phase. The second name is the corpus luteum phase. At this stage, after ovulation, a temporary gland is formed at the site of the egg, producing the female hormone progesterone. The luteal phase coincides in duration with the functioning of a specific endocrine gland, on average from 12 to 14 days. During this period, the balance between the secretion of estrogen and progesterone is especially important in order to preserve the fertilized egg and ensure implantation of the embryo into the uterus. The level of lutropin and FSH drops around the 28th day of the cycle. The basal temperature during this period remains at 37 degrees; if pregnancy does not occur, then the readings drop to 36.4-36.6 degrees two to three days before the next bleeding occurs.

On the page, read about the rules and features of the treatment of hyperandrogenism during pregnancy.

During the cycle, several sequential processes occur in the endometrium: rejection of surface cells (menstruation), restoration of the layer due to internal cells, and the process of proliferation. The final stage is the secretion phase, during which the corpus luteum regresses in the absence of pregnancy and the endometrium prepares for the next menstruation. To regulate processes, an optimal level of progesterone and estrogen is needed. With estradiol deficiency, the epithelium recovers more slowly, and negative processes occur in the uterine cavity. Endometrial hyperplasia is a serious pathology.

For a stable menstrual cycle, you need optimal hormonal balance. When the pituitary gland, ovaries, thyroid gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal cortex are damaged, the secretion of important regulators decreases or increases. To restore all phases of the menstrual cycle and normalize hormone secretion, an integrated approach to therapy is needed under the guidance of a gynecologist and endocrinologist. For successful treatment of PMS, infertility, mastopathy, hypoestrogenism, hyperprolactinemia, it is important to forget about bad habits, normalize your daily routine, give up living under stress, and stabilize your weight.

What is the menstrual cycle? When does ovulation occur? Video about the phases of the menstrual cycle, hormonal levels and the influence of important regulators during all phases:

A woman should know everything about her health, because her future life may even depend on it. Why should a girl be aware that there are phases of the menstrual cycle? How might this affect her?

About physiology

It is worth noting that the main thing that distinguishes a woman from a man is the ability to bear children and procreate. But also to understand when you should be on guard, and when you can calmly have sexual intercourse with a partner without fear of an unwanted pregnancy? Knowing the phases of the menstrual cycle, protecting yourself is quite easy!

About menstruation

People who do not yet fully understand this concept may think that the menstrual cycle is the time when a woman menstruates, i.e., bloody discharge from the vagina. But this is not true at all. The cycle itself is divided into 4 phases. Ideally it lasts 28 days. But we must remember that each organism is individual, the duration of the cycle can fluctuate, deviating in one direction or the other.

It is necessary to start counting your own cycle from the first day of menstruation, since the first phase is the menstrual phase. It is worth noting that it is the most painful and brings maximum inconvenience to a woman during the entire period of the cycle. The menstrual phase lasts on average from 3 to 6 days, accompanied by varying degrees of bloody discharge from the vagina. What happens to the body? During this period, the uterus rejects the egg, ready for fertilization, but still empty, and it is released along with the blood. Phase 1 of the menstrual cycle ends approximately on the last day of menstruation.

The second phase is the follicular phase, which begins even before the woman’s bleeding has finished. Processes begin to occur in the brain that want to ensure the woman has offspring, and preparation for ovulation begins. At this time, the follicle begins to mature in the ovaries, which will soon release a full-fledged egg ready for fertilization. The second phase of the menstrual cycle is also characterized by the fact that an environment hostile to sperm is formed in the cervix, which, however, soon calms down. The woman enters the ovulation phase. As for the timing, it is extremely difficult to highlight them here, on average 14 days, but these limits may be somewhat different - 7-22 days. It all depends on the physical condition and the woman, because even stress affects the fact that a woman simply cannot move into the ovulation stage.

So, two phases of the menstrual cycle have ended, the third phase comes into force - the ovulation phase, i.e. the ovulation phase. What happens to a woman’s body during this period? It is worth noting that a hormonal explosion occurs in the body, which finally calms the environment of the cervix, which is hostile to sperm. Also at this time, the follicle bursts and releases a ready-made one, which settles in the fallopian tube and waits for the desired sperm. It is worth noting that the egg does not live long, about 12-48 hours, so you should plan your sexual intercourse wisely if you want to conceive a baby.

Three phases of the menstrual cycle have already ended, and the fourth, luteal, begins. At this time, the uterine lining continues to form, which is released along with the egg during menstruation, and the hormone progesterone comes to its aid, making it denser. It is produced in the follicle, which released the egg and turned into the so-called corpus luteum. During this period, the body “quiets” and awaits conception. If this does not happen, everything unnecessary that was not involved in conception - the egg, follicle, uterine lining - comes out with menstruation. A new menstrual cycle begins.

Each phase of the menstrual cycle has its own characteristics and characteristics. The basis of any of them is the regulation of hormones. By day, they are divided into 3 stages, the duration of which is individual. To maintain reproductive health, it is important to understand the specifics of cyclic intervals.

Any irregularities in the menstrual period lead to problems with conception. The cycle diagram in women is represented by different stages, each of which has its own duration and specificity.

Let's consider the phases of the menstrual cycle by day: their regularity, timing and duration.

Each phase is characterized by a logical sequence. Their main function is to create favorable conditions for fertilization of the egg.

Women go through every month of their life with regular cycles. This is due to the activity of hormones that prepare the body for fertilization and childbirth.

Main phases of the cycle:

Follicular (1st phase of the menstrual cycle).
Ovulation.
Luteal.

In the first phase, the process of follicle maturation begins in the ovaries. Its duration is 15–20 days. The start of this period coincides with the beginning of critical days. During this period, the body actively produces estrogen (one of the main female hormones).

The hormone estrogen provides support to the follicles for 5-7 days. When the egg is fully mature, the “extra” follicles will stop functioning. These processes are renewed every month.

On the first day of menstruation, that is, at the beginning of the follicular period, a woman may complain of. A sharp change in mood is associated with poor health during this period. Discomfort occurs mainly in the lower abdomen. He has a pulling character. The unpleasant sensations completely disappear on the second or third day of menstruation.

Phases of menstruation

In order to prevent the development of pathological gynecological processes, it is necessary to understand how the phases of menstruation occur. includes the period of menstruation, which is divided into the following stages:

Desquamation.
Regeneration.
Proliferation.
Secretion.

Let's look at each of them.

Desquamation

During the period of desquamation, the uterus actively rejects the endometrium (its outer layer). The process of menstruation begins. Usually, periods are painful. Women feel nagging pain in the ovarian area and nausea. Some people experience it.

The period of desquamation will not occur if the egg has been fertilized.

The occurrence of discomfort at this time is associated with the disintegration and exfoliation of the functional uterine layer - the endometrium. It often leaves the body in chunks. Desquamation lasts 3–4 days.

Regeneration

This is the second stage of menstruation, which is characterized by the regeneration of the surface layer of the epithelium. This process occurs due to the active reproduction of its cells. That is, the endometrium is restored during menstruation. The process of its regeneration begins approximately on the 5th day from the beginning of the critical days.

Proliferation

During this period, changes occur due to the process of follicle maturation. lasts until approximately the 14th day of the cycle.

This stage is characterized by the beginning of the growth of endometrial glands. It thickens 3–5 times.

Under the influence of estrogen, the outer uterine tissue begins to actively grow. Its mucous membrane becomes thicker, due to which its functioning is restored.

The period of proliferation coincides with the beginning of follicular growth.

Ovulation period

This is the second phase of the menstrual cycle, which has great reproductive significance. Ovulation is characterized by the release of an egg from the follicle. This happens in the middle of the cycle, around the 14th day.

During this period, favorable opportunities are created in the body for fertilization of the egg. A woman who wants to become a mother soon needs to remember that conception must occur within 2 days. The probability of getting pregnant during this period is very high.

The release of the egg from the follicle is provoked by increased production of luteinizing hormone by the body. This substance also promotes its maturation.

When the egg matures, the follicular vesicle ruptures, causing it to be released into the fallopian tube and wait to meet the sperm.

In the ruptured follicle, the corpus luteum will begin to mature. Its growth will trigger the body's production of progesterone, which will create conditions for successful conception.

Ovulation is the shortest phase of the monthly cycle. Its maximum duration is 2 days.

Luteal phase

This is the third phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs in 2 scenarios depending on whether conception has occurred. In case of successful fertilization of the egg, that is, pregnancy, the corpus luteum formed in the follicular vesicle provokes the active production of luteal hormone and progesterone by the body. Thanks to these substances, a woman can carry a child and give birth to it.

Progesterone and luteal hormone nourish the fertilized egg throughout pregnancy and also contribute to the formation of the placenta.

You need to understand how many days this period lasts. Regardless of whether conception has occurred, the luteal phase of the cycle lasts 14 days.

At this time, creamy discharge from the genitals is possible. In the absence of conception, the body that produces progesterone prepares for the start of a new monthly cycle, which lasts 27–33 days.

The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the manifestation. Many women at this time experience unpleasant psychological and physiological symptoms. For example, their mood changes dramatically.

It is worth remembering that the cycle may shift. This is due to the activity of hormones that function for the purpose of conception and birth of a child. If the production of a certain hormone has been disrupted, the sequential cyclic chain will break.

Each representative of the fair sex has to deal monthly with the phases of her menstrual cycle, with their own characteristics and characteristic symptoms. These phases are significant stages that are responsible for the reproductive function of the female body. The duration and nature of the menstrual phases are largely individual, but the basics and order of their occurrence remain unchanged and have their corresponding names. This entire significant process is cyclical, and begins with the arrival of menstrual bleeding, which is considered to be the first of the three phases of the menstrual cycle.

Any girl or woman in the age range from puberty to menopause must understand the work of her body and understand the purpose of all three phases of the menstrual cycle. With the help of this knowledge, you can easily calculate the favorable period for conceiving a child or, on the contrary, protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and some health problems.

Main phases of the cycle

Every month, with regular cyclicity, three alternating phases of the menstrual cycle occur in a woman’s body. They are characterized by a logical sequence and serve one big purpose - creating favorable conditions for fertilization of the egg and procreation. The menstrual cycle is divided into three main phases:

Follicular (first phase);
Ovulation (second phase);
Luteal (third phase).

These stages perform the functions based on their name. These phases are based on hormonal regulation, which promotes the process and controls its outcome. The beginning of the menstrual cycle is the beginning of the very first phase - the follicular one, which is what gives rise to such an important process as education and.

The first is the follicular phase

The initial phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by intensive growth of follicles and the formation of eggs in them. The first day of menstruation marks the start of a new follicular phase of the cycle and intensive production of follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen begins. During this period, follicles are growing, which a little later will become a container and a place for maturation of the egg.

Estrogen provides support to the follicles and this continues for about 7 days, until one of the follicular vesicles reaches the necessary parameters for the maturation of the egg in it. Further growth is focused only on the egg, and the “extra” follicles stop functioning. A high concentration of estrogen gives a signal for the start of the production of luteinizing hormone, which, in turn, prepares for future ovulation. The duration of the first phase is individual for each woman, but it should not exceed 20 days.

Read also 🗓 How to find out when girls' periods begin

The second phase is ovulation

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is quite short, but at the same time very significant. Ovulation is the achievement for which the menstrual cycle actually exists. It is intended for the possibility of fertilization and the realization of the main purpose of a woman - procreation. The ability and possibility of fertilization is possible within just 48 hours, and sometimes less. During this short period of 2 days, the woman’s reproductive system faces a responsible task, and if fertilization does not occur, the egg dies.

An increased concentration of luteinizing hormone promotes enhanced maturation and subsequent release of the egg from the follicle. Under its influence, important processes occur that ensure the preparation of the endometrial walls. When the egg reaches full maturity and is ready for fertilization, the follicular vesicle ruptures and the full egg is released into the fallopian tube to fuse with the sperm. In the cavity of the ruptured follicle, intensive growth of the corpus luteum begins, which, in turn, intensively produces progesterone and provides favorable conditions for successful fertilization and implantation of the fertilized egg into the wall of the uterus. The next cycle can have 2 outcomes, depending on whether fertilization occurred or not.

The third phase is the luteal phase

The development of the third phase of the menstrual cycle can occur in two scenarios: with a fertilized egg or if fertilization has not occurred. This time, special attention is paid to the resulting yellow body. In case of successful conception, it actively produces luteal hormone, which supports and nourishes the fertilized egg until the placenta is formed. Due to the importance of the purpose of this hormone, the third phase has its characteristic name - luteal. Together with the luteal hormone, active production of progesterone continues during this period, which also takes an active part in supporting the fertilized egg. Ultimately, the harmonious and mutually beneficial production of female hormones ensures complete preparation for fertilization, fusion, and subsequent nutrition and protection of the already fertilized egg.

If fertilization still does not occur, the corpus luteum stops its development and atrophies. The prepared, loosened mucous membrane of the uterus and the dead egg are rejected and come out in the form of menstrual bleeding, which, in turn, already means the beginning of a new, first phase and the entire described process is repeated anew.

Read also 🗓 Get rid of PMS forever - myth or reality?

Cycle phases by day

The phases of the menstrual cycle by day are conventionally divided into 3 intervals. The first and third phases are considered the longest. It is interesting that the follicular and ovulation phases have an individual and unfixed duration, and the luteal phase always corresponds in duration - 2 weeks or 14 days. As many people know, the entire menstrual cycle can last from 20 to 35 days, and this will be considered normal. Menstrual bleeding is also individual in nature, but it is mandatory for every lady.

To understand what happens and when during these +/- 28 days, it is necessary to consider the duration of each specific phase.

The follicular phase is the period from the beginning of menstruation until the egg is fully ready for release from the follicle (ovulation). Depending on the characteristics of the body, it can last from 7 to 20 days. At the beginning of this phase, the woman experiences malaise and discomfort in the lumbar region and lower abdomen. Later, strength is restored and unpleasant symptoms recede.
– it’s time for the egg to be ready for fertilization. This phase is the shortest and most important. The ability of an egg to fuse with a sperm and fertilize lasts from 20 to 48 hours, which is also highly individual and depends on many factors. Some women feel ovulation and even notice characteristic discharge on their underwear.
. Regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not, this phase continues for the last 14 days. If pregnancy does not occur, then its end and, therefore, the beginning of a new cycle will be monthly bleeding. During this period, many ladies suffer from premenstrual syndrome () and experience not the most pleasant physical and psychological symptoms and sensations in their body. If, after all, the menstrual cycle has fulfilled its intended purpose, and fertilization has occurred, then pregnancy occurs and the further actions of female hormones will focus on the growth, nutrition and development of the fetus.

What can affect the cycle shift

The considered phases of menstruation are a very clear and fragile mechanism that can be disrupted due to many factors. The main supporters of these phases are hormones, which mutually replace each other to achieve a single goal - conception and birth of a child. A disruption in the production of any of the hormones will lead to a break in the sequential chain and affect the final outcome and duration of the cycle.