Did you know that five-six days of your period week come with many changes in your body throughout the month? These “changes” may be subtle at the beginning of your menstrual cycle and become more intense as you come closer to your due period date. For instance, you may feel more energetic once your period is over and experience fatigued or irritability as shark week approaches. Now, understanding what is really going on in your body during the different phases of your menstrual cycle is important to prep for all these changes and even make your periods comfier. Here’s a full-fledged guide to your rescue:
What Is The Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a complex natural process leading up to your period. It usually lasts for 28-30 days and is controlled by different female hormones that increase or decrease at different points in time depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. Each cycle involves the development of eggs in the ovaries, the release of these eggs, the development of a thick uterine lining to prep for a possible pregnancy, and shedding of this lining in case the eggs are not fertilised.
Different Phases Of Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle has four main phases. Let’s understand each phase in detail:
Phase 1: Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase marks the beginning of your menstrual cycle. It starts from the first day of your period till your period ends and may last for two-seven days.
Why It Happens
Every month, your ovaries release eggs that can be fertilised and lead to pregnancy. The uterus also develops a thick lining to create a safer room for fetal growth. When the eggs don’t get fertilised, the body releases hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins that trigger the uterus to contract and shed its lining. It is then passed along with blood and mucus and that’s why you get your period.
Changes During The Menstrual Phase
Discomfort due to bleeding is the main change experienced during the menstrual phase. It can cause dampness, rashes, and irritation in the intimate area. It can also cause leakages due to prolonged use of tampons or sanitary pads. Additionally, you may experience menstrual cramps due to uterine contractions and the inflammation caused by the prostaglandins during this phase.
Sirona Recommends Best Products For Menstrual Phase
Sirona Menstrual Cup
Made with soft medical-grade, skin-friendly silicone, Sirona’s Menstrual Cup is super-flexible. It can be folded easily and inserted without any hassle. With a capacity of up to 28 mL, it offers leakproof protection for eight hours straight and keeps you super-comfy all day. Available in three different sizes (small, medium, and large), this cup will fit you like a glove and is sure to change your period experience forever.
Sirona Non-Applicator Tampons
Sirona’s Non-Applicator Tampons are made with highly-absorbent fibre and have curved grooves for extra comfort and leak-proof protection. They come with a ‘twist-turn opening’ for easy insertion and are super-easy to use for beginners.
Sirona Premium Applicator Tampons
The Premium Applicator Tampons too are made of ultra-soft natural fibres. They have a syringe-like mechanism and come with an applicator to help insert them easily. They’re comfy, odour-free, and come in three different sizes. You can choose one according to your period flow and rely on them for leak proof protection.
Sirona Rash-Free Pads
Sirona’s Rash-Free Pads are a blessing in disguise for those with sensitive skin. They’re ultra-thin, bio-based, breathable, and devoid of any toxic chemicals like chlorine, parabens, and artificial colours. They’re highly absorbent and provide long-lasting, leak-proof protection. They come in two sizes–L and XL and keep you covered–literally.
Phase 2: Follicular Phase
The follicular phase overlaps with the menstrual phase and starts on day one of your periods and ends when you ovulate. It usually lasts for about 12-16 days.
Why It Happens
When you get your period, the pituitary gland (master gland of the endocrine system) secretes the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone kickstarts the production of five-20 fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs in the ovaries.
Changes During The Follicular Phase
As the sacs are produced, there is a surge in the estrogen levels (female sex hormone) that help thicken the uterine lining simultaneously. As a result, you may experience an increase in your energy levels and libido during the initial days of the follicular phase.
Phase 3: Ovulation Phase
Ovulation marks the mid of your menstrual cycle and happens 14-16 days after the first day of your period. It lasts for about 24 hours.
Why It Happens
Once the follicular phase is over, the pituitary gland starts secreting the luteinizing hormone (LH) to help the eggs in the fluid-filled sacs mature. Only one or two of them grow up and are released into the fallopian tube, closer to the uterus for fertilisation by a sperm. This is precisely why the process of ovulation takes place.
Changes During Ovulation Phase
Ovulation can cause changes like a slight rise in the basal body temperature, thick, egg-white-like vaginal discharge, and increased libido. You may also experience mild pain in the abdomen and lower back during ovulation.
Phase 4: Luteal Phase
The luteal phase starts on day 15 or 16 of your menstrual cycle and ends on the first day of your period. On an average, it lasts for about 14 days.
Why It Happens
If you don’t get pregnant, the female sex hormones–estrogen and progesterone–that support the thickening of the uterine lining, start to decrease. This helps in making the lining weak and preparing for it to shed off when you get your period.
Changes During The Luteal Phase
A decrease in estrogen and progesterone can lead to the infamous premenstrual syndrome that is marked by symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, bloating, headaches, abdominal cramps, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, acne, and breast soreness.
Sirona Recommends Best Products For Luteal Phase
Sirona Feminine Pain Relief Patch
You can ditch your painkillers and count on Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief Patch to reduce period and pre-period cramps. Sticking this sleek patch can provide instant relief from pain without causing any side effects. That’s because it is made with natural pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil. It is easy to carry and stays effective for 8-10 hours.
Sirona Pain-Relief Heat Patch
Made with 100% natural ingredients, The Pain Relief Heat Patch by Sirona is the perfect, side-effect-free alternative to dealing with period cramps. Sticking this patch on your abdomen can work like a soothing balm. These portable wonders can provide heat relief for up to eight hours straight and can be disposed of easily after each use. No hot-water-bottle hassles involved!
Sirona Herbal Headache Relief Patch
Period stress and hormonal changes can manifest as a full-fledged headache. But instead of popping painkillers, you can count on Sirona’s Herbal Headache Relief Patch for instant relief. Packed with the goodness of menthol, camphor, and clove oil, they’re a much-needed break from messy balms with a burning sensation.
Sirona Feminine Cramp Relief Roll On
The Sirona Cramp Relief Roll On can be used on your lower back, abdomen, and legs. Packed with all-natural ingredients like lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, it helps relieve period pain–even on the go. Its calming aroma helps relax your muscles and the smooth roll-on application makes it convenient to use. No side effects, no pain!
FAQs
What is the duration of a menstrual cycle?
On average, the menstrual cycle lasts for about 28-40 days. However, if your period comes later than that, you must consult with your doc as an underlying health condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis could be to blame for it.
How do you determine the phases of your period?
You can determine the phases of your period by taking note of day 1 of your period. This marks the start of the menstrual and follicular phases. The ovulation happens roughly 14 days after this, followed by 14-16 days of the luteal phase.
Knowing about the different phases of the menstrual cycle can help you prep for each phase better and make your periods comfier. We hope that this guide will help you a great deal.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Wondering why your periods are heavy? Here’s the answer.
Period Cramps Before Periods: Find out why you suffer from period cramps before shark week and how to deal with them.
PMS Causes & Symptoms: Here’s everything you need to know about premenstrual syndrome.
Home Remedies for Irregular Periods: Try these effective home remedies to restore your hormonal balance and get periods regularly.
