PHASES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Hear founder/owner Ginger Ravencroft speak about HORMONE BALANCE.
Okay, now we will break down all the stages of the menstrual cycle and how hormonal shifts occur. Then we will learn how incorporating some of the magical plant essences provided by Ravenscroft Escentials can help with all of these experiences!
The menstrual cycle is a complex and beautifully orchestrated cyclic series of events that prepare a woman's body for the possibility of pregnancy.
The cycle is divided into four main phases: The Menstrual Phase, the Follicular Phase, Ovulation, and the Luteal Phase.
Each of these phases is regulated by several key hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), as well as Prostaglandins.
Although the number of days each woman menstruates varies, we all go through each phase every month until we enter our menopausal season, whether naturally or otherwise (such as having a hysterectomy). Each phase serves a unique and essential purpose, ensuring the body is prepared for either conception or the renewal of the cycle. Understanding the menstrual cycle and the role of these hormones is crucial not only for reproductive health but also for recognizing how hormonal imbalances can affect overall well-being.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)
What is occurring:
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The menstrual phase marks the beginning of the cycle, starting on the first day of menstrual bleeding.
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During this phase, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed through the vagina, resulting in menstrual bleeding. This happens if the egg released in the previous cycle is not fertilized.
Hormones Involved:
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Estrogen (E1), Progesterone & Prostaglandins: Both hormone levels are at their lowest during this phase, which triggers prostaglandin levels to rise causing contractions and the shedding of the uterine lining.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Toward the end of this phase, FSH levels start to rise, signaling the ovaries to prepare for a new cycle of egg development.
It is during this phase that many women experience symptoms of abdominal cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, lower back pain, mood swings, headaches, and fatigue.
Follicular Phase (Days 1-13)
What is occurring:
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The follicular phase technically includes the menstrual phase but continues until ovulation. It begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with the release of an egg around the middle of the cycle.
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During this phase, FSH stimulates the growth of several follicles in the ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature egg, but usually, only one becomes the dominant follicle.
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As the dominant follicle grows, it produces increasing amounts of estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining (endometrium) to prepare for a potential pregnancy.
Hormones Involved:
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Estrogen: Levels gradually increase during this phase, leading to the thickening of the uterine lining and the growth of the dominant follicle.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): It promotes the maturation of ovarian follicles, particularly the dominant follicle.
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH): LH levels remain relatively low but start to increase as the follicle matures.
Although some women may experience mood swings and anxiety during this phase, due to fluctuations in estrogen levels, most women feel at their best during this time. Due to a steady increase in estrogen, many women experience increased energy, feelings of confidence, social openness, improvement in mood (feeling motivated & optimistic) as well as an increase in cognitive abilities such as creativity and concentration.
Ovulatory Phase (Day 14, approximately)
What Occurs:
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The shortest phase of the Menstrual Cycle, the Ovulatory Phase usually lasts between 24-48 hours. It typically occurs around the middle of the cycle (day 14 in a 28-day cycle)
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A surge in LH triggers Ovulation as the mature follicle releases its egg. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it is ready to be fertilized by sperm.
Hormones Involved:
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH): The surge in LH is crucial for ovulation as it triggers the release of the egg from the ovary. This surge is brought on by rising estrogen levels.
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Estrogen: Peaks just before ovulation, which helps trigger the LH surge.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Likewise increases, though to a lesser extent, to support the final maturation of the follicle before ovulation.
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Testosterone: A small spike in testosterone occurs
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)
What is occurring:
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After ovulation, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone (and some estrogen) to maintain the uterine lining.
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If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum degenerates after about 14 days, causing progesterone and estrogen levels to decrease.
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The decline in these hormones triggers the shedding of the uterine lining, marking the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.
Hormones Involved:
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Progesterone: Levels rise significantly during this phase to support the thickened uterine lining, making it receptive to a fertilized egg. High progesterone also helps maintain an early pregnancy if conception occurs.
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Estrogen: Remains elevated but not as high as during the follicular phase. It works alongside progesterone to stabilize the uterine lining.
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Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Both decline after the ovulatory phase, staying low during the luteal phase unless a new cycle begins.
The Luteal Phase is where most women experience the most hormonal symptoms during the Menstrual Cycle due to a spike in progesterone if pregnancy does not occur. It is during this phase that many women suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which is a myriad of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that may occur in the final weeks leading to the next menstruation.
Physical symptoms can include:
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Bloating, cramps, headaches, constipation, fluid retention, lethargy, breast swelling & tenderness, muscle pain, fatigue, acne, and changes in appetite, etc.
Emotional symptoms can include:
- Mood swings, anxiety, poor self-image, irritability, feelings of hopelessness, depression, tension and poor judgment, etc.
Behavioral symptoms can include:
- Hostility, outbursts of anger or aggressive behavior, changes in sexual interest or desire, insomnia or restlessness, crying spells, difficulty concentrating.
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Author: Lisa DeChavan