What are the 4 Stages of the Menstrual Cycle?
- Blogging Team
- Apr 6, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 3, 2024
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in the female reproductive system, preparing the body for pregnancy, and regulating fertility. The cycle typically lasts around 28 days, although it can vary from 21 to 35 days. The menstrual cycle is divided into four stages, each of which has its own unique characteristics.
Stage 1: Menstrual bleeding - This stage marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle and starts with the shedding of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. This results in menstrual bleeding, which lasts around 3 to 5 days for most women.
Stage 2: Follicular phase - This phase begins after the menstrual bleeding has ended and lasts approximately 7 to 10 days. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles containing immature eggs.
Stage 3: Ovulation - Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, which occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle for most women. This is triggered by a surge of luteinising hormone (LH) and is the most fertile time of the menstrual cycle.
Stage 4: Luteal phase - After ovulation, the luteal phase begins and lasts approximately 14 days. The ruptured follicle that released the egg forms a corpus luteum (your corpus luteum is a completely normal cyst that forms on the ovary every single month in women of childbearing age), which produces progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation. If a fertilised egg implants in the uterus, pregnancy occurs. If not, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone levels drop, and the endometrium sheds, marking the start of a new menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle is a complex process that is controlled by hormones and regulated by the reproductive system. It's important for women to track their menstrual cycles to identify any irregularities and seek medical attention if necessary.
There are some variations in how the menstrual cycle can be subdivided into stages, but most commonly the four stages mentioned above are the ones which are typically recognised. However, some sources may subdivide the menstrual cycle further into additional stages such as the proliferative phase or the secretory phase.
The proliferative phase refers to the initial development of the endometrial lining of the uterus, which occurs during the follicular phase. During this stage, estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicles helps to thicken the endometrium in preparation for potential implantation.
The secretory phase occurs during the luteal phase and occurs in response to progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. During this phase, the endometrium becomes more receptive to a fertilised egg, preparing for potential implantation.
It's worth noting that there are variations in the length of each stage of the menstrual cycle, and some women may experience irregularities or changes in the length of their cycles over time. Keeping track of menstrual cycles through tracking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help maintain regularity and prevent potential issues in reproductive health. If you notice any irregularities or changes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that your reproductive system is functioning properly.
*Please note that this information is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Use this information at your own risk. Consult with a physician for personal health concerns. This information is for informational or educational purposes only.
For further information relating to periods, take a look at these NHS links:
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