Let's take a look at how the menstrual cycle works and what happens physiologically in the female body ✅
The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation, so it overlaps with the menstrual phase to some extent. It lasts approximately 13 to 14 days and ends with ovulation.
👉 The pituitary gland in the brain releases a hormone that stimulates the production of follicles on the surface of the ovary (called follicle-stimulating hormone = FSH). FSH from the pituitary gland activates the ovaries to start producing follicles, fluid-filled sacs where eggs can mature.
One of the follicles always begins to develop a little faster than the others, becoming the so-called dominant follicle. As it matures, so does the egg located inside.
At the same time, estrogen is released, which helps thicken the uterine lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy.
The increased estrogen triggers a drop in FSH, causing the other follicles to begin to die and be absorbed into the body. Meanwhile, the egg inside the dominant follicle reaches full maturity.
The ovulatory phase follows the previous follicular phase.
With peak estrogen levels, LH (luteinizing hormone) is released, which leads to the release of an egg from the dominant follicle = ovulation. The released egg travels along the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
Ovulation usually occurs approximately halfway through the cycle, in the often cited example of a 28-day cycle, it is therefore day 14.
✅ What about getting pregnant during ovulation?
Although an egg can only survive in the female body ready for fertilization for a few hours (about 12-24), male sperm can survive in the female body for up to several days and wait for the moment when the egg is fertilized. The so-called fertile days, during which you can get pregnant, are calculated as 3-7 days before ovulation and 1 day after ovulation.
After ovulation, the hormones FSH and LH cause the remaining parts of the dominant follicle to transform into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum begins to produce hormones, mainly progesterone and, to a lesser extent, estrogen. 📈
It is the release of progesterone that results in an increase in basal temperature. Its other role in this phase is to keep the lining strong and ready for implantation and development of a fertilized egg.
If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, which maintains the thickened uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, and menstruation occurs.
After ovulation, the hormones FSH and LH cause the remaining parts of the dominant follicle to transform into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum begins to produce hormones, mainly progesterone and, to a lesser extent, estrogen. 📈
It is the release of progesterone that results in an increase in basal temperature. Its other role in this phase is to keep the lining strong and ready for implantation and development of a fertilized egg.
If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone, which maintains the thickened uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, and menstruation occurs.
With the decline in the hormones estrogen and progesterone comes the menstrual phase.
Menstruation is the period during which part of the uterine lining, which has been prepared for a fertilized egg, is shed. The average length of menstruation is 3-7 days. Menstrual fluid contains blood, mucus, and some cells from the lining of the uterus. 🩸
This phase begins a new cycle, hormones begin to be released and new follicles with eggs gradually develop for a new possibility of conception.
Do you want to learn how to track your cycle and thus better understand your body ? Get our practical webinar on the Symptothermal Method and cycle tracking. ✨ The webinar is available immediately after purchase, you will receive a presentation and downloadable statements.
