Menstrual Cycle changes happen throughout the month, not just during the days you have your period. Understanding the different stages of your cycle can help you better understand your body, recognize patterns in your symptoms, and become more informed about your menstrual cycle.
What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the series of changes your body goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy.
Your cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next period begins. Hormones guide many of the changes that happen during this time.
The four stages are:
- Menstrual phase
- Follicular phase
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase
Let’s take a closer look at what happens during each stage.
Stage 1: Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase is the part of the cycle most people know as their period.
During this stage, the uterus sheds its lining because pregnancy did not occur. Estrogen and progesterone levels also remain low.
What You May Experience
During your period, you may experience:
- Cramps
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Lower energy
- Back pain
Everyone experiences their period differently. Some people have very few symptoms, while others experience symptoms that affect their daily lives.
Supporting Your Body During Your Period
Pay attention to what your body needs. Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, eating regularly, and using menstrual products that feel comfortable can help you care for yourself during your period.
If your symptoms regularly interfere with school, work, or daily activities, don’t ignore them.
Stage 2: Follicular Phase
The follicular phase begins at the start of your menstrual cycle and continues until ovulation. The beginning of this phase overlaps with your period, which means the menstrual and follicular phases happen at the same time during those first few days.
During this stage, your body prepares an egg for ovulation. Estrogen levels begin to rise, and the lining of the uterus starts to rebuild.
What You May Notice
Some people notice:
- Increased energy
- Changes in mood
- Changes in cervical mucus
- Improved symptoms after their period ends
Your experience may differ from someone else’s, and that’s completely normal.
Stage 3: Ovulation
Ovulation happens when an ovary releases an egg.
Many people hear that ovulation happens on day 14 of your cycle, but your body doesn’t always follow that exact schedule. The timing of ovulation can vary based on the length of your cycle.
Around ovulation, some people may notice:
- Changes in cervical mucus
- Mild pelvic discomfort
- Changes in energy
- Changes in mood
- Increased sex drive
Ovulation is also the time when pregnancy has an increase chance of occuring if sperm fertilizes the released egg.
Stage 4: Luteal Phase
The luteal phase begins after ovulation and continues until your next period.
During this stage, progesterone rises as your body prepares for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, hormone levels eventually fall, which leads to your next period.
What You May Experience
Some people experience:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Food cravings
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Other PMS symptoms
This is another reason why understanding your cycle involves more than tracking your period. Your body continues to change after your period ends.
Menstrual Cycle Myths: What Isn’t True?
There’s a lot of information about periods and menstrual health, but not everything you hear is true. Let’s clear up a few common myths.
Myth #1: Your Period Comes Like Clockwork
Fact: Some people have very predictable cycles and may get their period around the same date each month. However, that isn’t true for everyone.
Your cycle can vary from month to month. Stress, illness, changes in routine, and other factors can affect when your period arrives.
If your periods become consistently irregular or last longer than seven days, consider talking with a healthcare provider.
Myth #2: Everyone Experiences PMS
Fact: PMS symptoms are common, but not everyone experiences them. About 90% of women experience at least one PMS symptom, while others may have few or no symptoms at all.
PMS can look different from person to person. Symptoms may include mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, headaches, food cravings, and more.
If PMS symptoms significantly affect your daily life, talk with a healthcare provider.
Understanding PMDD: Symptoms, Signs, and When to Seek Help
Myth #3: You Only Need to Pay Attention to Your Body During Your Period
Fact: Your body goes through changes throughout the entire menstrual cycle, not just during your period.
Paying attention to your symptoms, mood, energy, and other changes can help you better understand your individual cycle.
Your period gives you information about your menstrual health, but so does everything that happens between periods.
Myth #4: Severe Period Pain Is Always Normal
Fact: Some discomfort can happen during menstruation, but severe period pain that interferes with school, work, relationships, or daily activities shouldn’t be dismissed as something you simply have to live with.
Pay attention to how your symptoms affect your life. If your pain feels severe or consistently disrupts your daily activities, talk with a healthcare provider.
Myth #5: Your Menstrual Cycle and Your Period Are the Same Thing
Fact: Your period and menstrual cycle are two different things.
Your period refers to the days when you experience menstrual bleeding. Your menstrual cycle includes the entire process your body goes through from the first day of one period to the day before your next period.
People often use “period” and “menstrual cycle” interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing.
Think of it this way:
Your period = one part of your menstrual cycle.
Your menstrual cycle = the entire process.
Understanding this difference can help you recognize what’s happening in your body throughout the entire month—not just when you’re on your period.
Why Understanding Your Cycle Matters
Learning about your menstrual cycle can help you become more aware of your body.
Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you:
- Recognize your individual patterns
- Prepare for your period
- Notice changes in your cycle
- Communicate more clearly with your healthcare provider
- Understand which symptoms you experience throughout the month
Your goal isn’t to have a “perfect” cycle. Your goal is to understand your cycle.
Start Tracking Your Cycle
One of the easiest ways to learn more about your menstrual cycle is to track it.
Consider keeping track of:
- The first and last day of your period
- Flow
- Cramps and other pain
- Mood changes
- Energy levels
- PMS symptoms
- Other changes you notice
Over time, this information can help you identify patterns and recognize when something changes.
Our Digital Symptom Tracker can help you keep all of this information organized and make tracking part of your menstrual health routine.
When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Provider?
Knowing your normal can make it easier to recognize when something doesn’t feel right.
Consider talking with a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
- Very heavy bleeding
- Periods that consistently last longer than seven days
- Significant or ongoing changes in your cycle
- Symptoms that make it difficult to attend school, work, or participate in your normal activities
You know your body best. Don’t be afraid to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the menstrual cycle can help girls and women feel more informed about their bodies.
Your cycle may not look exactly like someone else’s, and it may not follow the same pattern every month. That’s okay. Learning your own patterns can help you recognize changes, prepare for your period, and advocate for your health.
Menstrual health is wellness, and understanding your cycle is one way to take an active role in your overall health.
Know Your Cycle. Know Your Body.
Start tracking your menstrual cycle and symptoms with our Digital Symptom Tracker. The more you understand your body, the more confident you can feel advocating for your health.