What is menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle helps your body prepare for pregnancy. When you are not pregnant, your hormones tell your uterus to shed its lining. This will be your period. The cycle begins anew when you begin your period.

A menstrual cycle is defined as the time between the first day of your period and the first day of your next period. A menstrual cycle lasts 28 to 29 days on average, however each woman's cycle is unique. Teenagers, for example, may have periods that last 45 days, but women in their 20s and 30s may have cycles that span 21 to 38 days.

Menarche is the name given to your first period. The usual age for a first period in Western countries is 12 to 13, but this can vary.
Menopause is the term used to describe your final menstrual cycle. In Australia, women typically enter menopause between the ages of 51 and 52. Menopause in certain women may occur as late as age 60.

The menstrual cycle's phases

The menstrual cycle consists of four primary phases.

The menstrual phase
The follicular phase
Ovulation
The luteal phase

Menstrual phase

The beginning of a new menstrual cycle is marked by the first day of bleeding. Symptoms including cramps, exhaustion, and aching breasts might accompany the two to seven-day menstrual cycle. Find out more about menstrual discomfort here.
Day 1 of the follicular phase (days 1–14) coincides with the start of the menstrual phase. Your ovaries start to get ready to release an egg for ovulation during the follicular phase.

Follicular phase(Days 1–14)

You are in the follicular phase from day 1 of your cycle until ovulation. The uterine lining thickens during this phase in order to make room for the implantation of a fertilised egg, which results in pregnancy. In this stage, the ovaries produce more reproductive hormones in order to prepare the egg for release into the uterus on day 14 called as ovulation.

Ovulation phase

Ovulation, which usually happens in the middle of your cycle, is the release of an egg into the fallopian tube from the ovary. This is approximately day 14 if your cycle is 28 days long.

Luteal phase (Days 15-28)

Your body thickens the lining of your uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy during the luteal phase. Reproductive hormone levels start to decline if you don't become pregnant after ovulation, and this will ultimately cause the lining of your uterus to shed.