Menstrual Cycle Basics: What Happens Every Month

Ever wonder why your body feels different at different times of the month? The answer lies in the menstrual cycle – a predictable series of changes that prepares your body for a possible pregnancy. Understanding each phase helps you know what’s normal, spot red flags early, and choose the right self‑care strategies.

Four Simple Stages

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1‑5) – This is the bleeding you see on your pad or tampon. Hormones called estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, so the lining of the uterus sloughs off. Expect cramps, low energy, and a need for extra iron.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1‑13) – Overlaps with the bleed at first, then continues as your body rebuilds the uterine lining. Your pituitary gland releases FSH, which nudges a few eggs to mature. Estrogen climbs, giving you more energy and clearer skin.

3. Ovulation (Day 14) – The mature egg bursts from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube. A spike in LH (luteinizing hormone) triggers this. Your cervical mucus becomes stretchy and clear – perfect for sperm.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15‑28) – The ruptured follicle turns into the corpus luteum, pumping progesterone to keep the uterine lining thick. If fertilization doesn’t happen, progesterone drops, and the cycle restarts with your next period.

Common Symptoms and How to Tame Them

Cramping, bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness are all hormone‑driven. Simple moves can make a big difference:

• Heat therapy: A warm pad on the lower abdomen relaxes uterine muscles and eases pain.
• Stay active: Light walking or yoga improves blood flow, cutting down on cramps.
• Hydrate: Drinking enough water reduces bloating and supports overall metabolism.
• Iron‑rich foods: Leafy greens, lentils, and lean meat replenish iron lost during bleeding.

If you notice heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in under an hour), severe pain that doesn’t improve with OTC meds, or periods that are irregular for several months, it’s time to chat with a healthcare provider. Those could signal conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances.

For those who want a natural boost, consider adding magnesium (helps muscle relaxation) and vitamin B6 (can calm mood swings) to your diet. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you’re on prescription meds.

Tracking your cycle with a simple calendar or an app gives you insight into pattern changes. Mark the start of bleeding, note any symptoms, and record mood or energy levels. Over a few months you’ll spot trends that tell you when you’re most fertile, when you need extra self‑care, and if anything feels off.

Remember, every body is unique. Some people have 21‑day cycles, others 35. The key is consistency in your own rhythm, not fitting a textbook timeline.

By learning the four stages, listening to your body’s signals, and using easy lifestyle tweaks, you can turn the menstrual cycle from a confusing mystery into a predictable, manageable part of life.