The level of hormones by day and phase of the menstrual cycle in a woman. Periods (phases) of the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle of a woman includes several phases (follicular phase, ovulatory phase, luteal phase). Each woman has “her own” individual duration of the menstrual cycle, and, accordingly, the number of days of each phase also differ. To calculate the "safe" days when the ability to conceive is minimal, or, on the contrary, the most "dangerous" days, gynecologists are recommended to keep a calendar of the female menstrual cycle, by which it is possible to determine all of its days. It is from the day of the menstrual cycle that not only the female fertility (the possibility of pregnancy), but also her psycho-emotional state will depend.

About the phases of the menstrual cycle

The first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation. In an ideal situation, the duration of the menstrual cycle in a woman is 28 days.

There are four phases in the menstrual cycle:

• follicular phase;
• ovulatory phase;
• luteal phase;
• desquamative phase.

Follicular phase

The beginning of the follicular (proliferative) phase is the first day of menstruation. The duration of the first phase of the female menstrual cycle usually depends on its duration. On average (with a twenty-eight-day monthly cycle), the follicular phase lasts fourteen days, but can be from seven to twenty-two days. In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, under the influence of the follicle-stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland, estrogens begin to be produced in the female ovary, which ensure the growth of follicles and the further maturation of the main (dominant) follicle among them, from which a mature egg will later come out, which is capable of fertilization. During the same phase, proliferative processes are carried out in the endometrium of the uterus, it begins its growth and thickening.

During the first or second day of the menstrual cycle, a woman usually feels aching pain in the lower abdomen, dyspepsia, headaches, and irritability are likely.

The third to sixth day of the menstrual cycle is often characterized by the stabilization of the woman's mood, as well as her physical condition.

During the seventh to eleventh days of the menstrual cycle, the fair sex is in a great mood, she is happy with life, makes her plans for the future and the present.

ovulatory phase

With a twenty-eight-day menstrual cycle, the ovulatory phase lasts from 36 to 48 hours, it occurs on the fourteenth to fifteenth day. During the ovulatory phase, estrogen levels reach their peak, which stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone in the pituitary gland, under the influence of which the dominant follicle breaks.

After that, a mature egg is released into the abdominal cavity from it. Then the level of estrogen begins to gradually decrease. During the ovulatory phase, a small (usually one or two drops of blood on underwear) ovulatory bleeding is likely to occur.

The ovulatory phase is the most favorable period for conception (the egg is viable for twenty-four hours).

During the twelfth to fifteenth days of the menstrual cycle, a woman unconsciously carefully monitors her appearance, she becomes more passionate (due to increased sexual desire), as well as more feminine. She is in excellent health.

luteal phase

It should be noted that the luteal or secretory phase is more or less constant. It continues on average (with a twenty-eight-day cycle) thirteen to fourteen days. After the rupture of the main follicle, its walls collapse. Then a corpus luteum begins to form at this place, producing progesterone. The luteal phase takes place under the action of the luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland. Under the influence of progesterone, so-called secretory phenomena occur in the mucous membranes of the uterus, the endometrium at this time becomes edematous and then loosens (preparation for the probable implantation of a fertilized egg).

During the period of the eighteenth to twenty-second day of the monthly cycle, a woman feels great, she has a surge of strength.

In the period from the twenty-third to the twenty-eighth day of the menstrual cycle, the fair sex begins premenstrual syndrome. The woman becomes capricious, irritable, prone to tearfulness and depression. The mood is unstable and changes several times a day. Probably the appearance of swelling on the legs and face, pain in the lumbar region, swelling and increased sensitivity of the chest.

Desquamation phase

The last phase of desquamation is the rejection of the functional layer of the endometrium, or menstruation. The first day of menstruation or the first day of the menstrual cycle.

The reproductive system of the female body is a complex mechanism created by nature to continue the human race. From the moment of puberty to the onset of menopause, the purpose of the beautiful half of humanity is to bear and give birth to a child. To prepare for this event, processes invisible to the naked eye take place every month, which are called the phases of the menstrual cycle.

First phase of the menstrual cycle

The cyclical period itself for each woman is an individual phenomenon. Its beginning is considered the first day of menstruation, and the duration ranges from 21 to 35 days. The average ideal value is considered to be 28 days.

Start of egg growth

The first phase of the menstrual cycle is responsible for the beginning of the growth and development of the egg, it is called the follicular. In the ovaries of a woman there are a large number of rudiments of liquid vesicles. Together with the first day of monthly bleeding, those of them who will grow in the current month are outlined.

Estrogen production

Phase 1 of the menstrual cycle is a period where, under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, the production of estrogen gradually increases, which supports the development of follicles. Approximately on the 7th day of the cycle, one bubble significantly outperforms the others in all respects, this is for them something like a signal to stop growth and reverse development. And the leader of the race continues to grow the egg, reaching a limiting size of 20-25 mm in diameter. By this time, estrogen levels have reached their highest point, which provokes the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), a precursor to ovulation.

Features of ovulation

As soon as the growth of LH is fixed, the ovulatory phase is approaching, it is like a separation of the two halves of the cycle, which can be called the 3rd phase of the menstrual cycle, although rather it is a dividing line between them, located in its middle.

Ovulation is the shortest segment in a cycle of 24-36 hours, but the most significant. It is at this time that the mature egg breaks through the wall of the ovary and rushes into the fallopian tube, where it will meet with the sperm. If such a meeting does not happen, the cell dies in a day.

Second phase of the menstrual cycle

Once the egg has left the ovary, the second phase of the menstrual cycle begins. At the site of the rupture of the follicle, the corpus luteum begins to grow, producing progesterone, which helps fertilization occur, causes the endometrium to become loose, soft and thick enough so that the fetal egg can easily penetrate its wall.

luteal phase

The second segment is called the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, what it is and why it is called that is simply explained. From fragments of the tissue of the liquid vesicle and vessels, special cells begin to grow, which have a yellow color. Gradually, the cells turn into a temporary gland that produces lutein hormone, the hormone of pregnancy. The gland is called the corpus luteum, and since it plays a leading role in the second period of the cycle, the phase is also called the luteal.

Progesterone production

Phase 2 of the menstrual cycle is the process responsible for the onset and development of pregnancy with the help of progesterone produced by the gland until the placenta is formed, which takes over. In the absence of conception, by the beginning of a new cycle, the corpus luteum disappears.

Very detailed about the menstrual cycle

How long are cycle phases

Now let's return to the digital values ​​​​and analyze the phases of the menstrual cycle by day. We remember that the boundaries of this monthly phenomenon range from 21 to 35 days. Numerous studies have shown that its second half is constant and is 14 days. It can change its duration in the direction of decreasing or increasing only if pathological abnormalities occur in the female reproductive system. But the first phase - the value is different for each lady.

Now let's see how our girls feel about how the first phase of the menstrual cycle proceeds and how many days it can take with a 28-day length:

• The first and second days are not encouraging, almost all of our ladies suffer from pain in the lower abdomen, and of course, spotting also does not improve mood, performance decreases, the usual rhythm of life decreases.
• From 3 to 6 days, the state and physical well-being begin to slowly stabilize.
• 7-12 days pass in a good mood, the zeal for work increases, doing the usual things, sexual desire and a lot of other positive emotions appear.
• 13-14 day - waiting for ovulation.

With a different duration of the rhythmic period, a similar table fits between 7-21 days.

And we are smoothly moving into the second phase of the menstrual cycle, and how many days it lasts, we have already determined as an established constant value - 14 days.

From 15 to 22 days, the state of health and mood is excellent. But sometimes at the end of this interval in some women after fertilization, the moment the embryo is fixed in the uterus will be marked by the release of a few drops of blood and the appearance of slight pain in the lower abdomen during the day.

If the egg dies without meeting the male cell, then signs of premenstrual syndrome can be observed from 23 to 28 days. They are expressed in irritability, frequent mood swings, tearfulness, a tendency to depression, swelling and soreness of the mammary glands.

Table of phases of the menstrual cycle

If you link these days to the possibility of fertilization, then the table of the phases of the menstrual cycle looks like this:

• Starting from the first day of menstruation and up to day 11 with a 28-day period, fertilization is unlikely.
• The maximum time for conception falls on the 12-16th day. It is in this time period that if you want to get pregnant, sexual intercourse can be crowned with success, in the form of the birth of a new life.
• Well, if a joyful event has not happened at the moment, then from the 17th to the 28th day the ability to fertilize is zero.

But it should be taken into account that all these calculations refer to the regular menstrual process. In case of its violation, any outcome is possible. Yes, plus the individuality of each woman, so it’s not worth relying completely on the proposed tables, since the reproductive system is a very cunning mechanism that can present unexpected surprises in a life situation that seems to be calculated to the smallest detail.

In order to avoid failures in the well-functioning work of the reproductive function, it is necessary that the phases of the menstrual cycle and the hormones that provide their support are in perfect harmony. Nature in this process thought through everything to the smallest detail.

If estrogen grows during the maturation of the egg, then progesterone has its minimum value. As soon as the first reaches its peak, the second immediately rises, taking its turn in the control of the following actions. Estrogen will not increase by the middle of the cycle, there will be no LH surge, ovulation will not occur, there will be no corpus luteum, there will be no one to produce the hormone of the second phase.

The slightest violation in this complex scheme of interaction leads to violations that prevent the conception and birth of a baby.

Most often, external factors have a negative impact on the function of hormones. Therefore, to keep your menstrual cycle running like clockwork:

• try to avoid stressful situations;
• observe the regime of work and rest;
• review your diet, eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

In the event of internal causes in the form of gynecological diseases, do not try to cope with the problem on your own, for this there are enough qualified doctors who can save you from the troubles that have arisen as soon as possible.

Third phase - ovulation

The female cycle consists of two phases, in the first the egg matures, and in the second, the wound from the rupture of the follicle heals or conception occurs. The normal course of processes is controlled by the hormones produced. The 3rd phase of the menstrual cycle is considered to be ovulation, the release of cells, when conception is most likely. A girl should keep a calendar - a table where to mark the beginning of menstruation every month. With it, you can calculate the day of ovulation and control the normal course of the cycle.

H what makes a woman beautiful and light, does not let her grow old? What allows a woman to be a mother? These are hormones, fluctuations in the level of which sometimes depend on our mood, attractiveness, desire and performance. It is about hormones that is described in this Passion.ru article.

The hormonal background of men does not have sharp fluctuations. Hence their purposefulness, reliability, constancy and maximalism.

In women, everything is different: every day of the menstrual cycle, the production of hormones changes. Hence our inconstancy, windiness and suddenness.

Probably, almost every one of us is a “fury” for a couple of days a month. However, mood swings are not the only “natural disaster” that can be foreseen, knowing how cyclic fluctuations in hormonal levels affect our lifestyle.

1 Week

1 day

The first day of the cycle is usually considered the day of the onset of menstrual bleeding. Against the background of a decrease in the concentration of the main "female" hormones (progesterone and estrogen), the rejection of the endometrium begins - a thick layer of the uterine mucosa, "feather bed", prepared by the body in case of a possible pregnancy.

The concentration of prostaglandins, mediators of pain, stimulants of uterine contractility, increases. It is good for the body - the uterus contracts, throwing out the old endometrium, squeezing the bleeding vessels. And for us - one disorder: pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Spasmolytics will help relieve discomfort: “No-shpa”, “Belastezin”, “Papaverine”, “Buscopan”. But it is advisable not to take Aspirin, as this can increase blood loss.

The most “advanced” follicle begins to develop in the ovaries, carrying the egg. Sometimes there are more than one "advanced" ones, and then, after successful fertilization, several babies may appear at once.

2 day

I so want to be beautiful, but today the hormones are working against us. As a result of low estrogen production, the activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands increases. You have to spend half a day in the shower, spend more time on your face and fix your makeup more often.

2 weeks

Day 8

It's time to make a beauty plan for the next week. Every day increases the concentration of estrogen in the blood - the main hormone of beauty and femininity. Which means skin, hair, nails and body become the most receptive to all kinds of cosmetic procedures and simply shine with health.

After the depilation carried out these days, the skin remains smooth and tender longer than usual. And the reason for this is not at all the latest formula of the cream after depilation, but a change in the hormonal background.

9, 10, 11 days

There are a few days left before ovulation. Usually the days of the 9th are considered dangerous in terms of child. However If you dream of having a baby girl, your time has come!

There is a theory according to which spermatozoa with the X chromosome (determining the female gender of the baby) are able to “wait” for the release of eggs from the ovary in the female genital tract longer than others. Therefore, you have about 4-5 days left. And on the day of ovulation and immediately after it, the opportunity to conceive a boy increases.

day 12

By this day, thoughts about work and everyday difficulties are increasingly moving away, and about love, passion and tenderness - they literally absorb all your consciousness! The main hormones responsible for female sexuality and occupy a leading position.

woman excitability, sensitivity of erogenous zones increases, and even a special smell appears that can attract male attention, like pheromones. Therefore, some experts believe that the use of perfumes these days can even somewhat weaken our attractiveness to the stronger sex.

day 13

The body accumulates the maximum amount of estrogen. This serves as a signal for the production of another hormone - luteinizing, which very quickly reaches its peak concentration and stops the growth of the follicle.

Now it contains a mature egg, ready for ovulation and fertilization.

day 14

Under the influence of estrogens and luteinizing hormone, the wall of the mature follicle bursts, and the egg is released into the abdominal cavity. In this case, a small amount of blood is poured into the abdominal cavity.

Some women may even feel pain in the lower abdomen on the right or left (depending on which ovary ovulated).

Once in the abdominal cavity, the egg is immediately captured by the fallopian tube and set off on its way to meet the “male principle”.

On the day of ovulation a woman has the highest libido and is able to experience the most vivid sensations from intimacy with her beloved. Sexologists say that if a woman regularly abstains from sex during the days of ovulation (for fear of unwanted pregnancy) and does not experience orgasm, then her libido can steadily decrease over time.

In order to make it easier for sperm to reach the egg, the cervical mucus (mucus plug that closes the entrance to the uterus, protecting against infection) liquefies. Therefore, casual sex on the day of ovulation is fraught not only with unwanted pregnancy, but also with a high risk of getting STIs.

On this day there is a high chance of having twins. If, during ovulation, several eggs are “liberated” at once by women (there is usually a genetic predisposition to this), then with a successful combination of circumstances, all of them can be fertilized.

3 week

day 15

In the ovary, a corpus luteum begins to form in place of the burst follicle. This is a special formation that - regardless of whether fertilization has occurred or not - will diligently prepare the body for pregnancy within 7-8 days.

The corpus luteum begins to produce the hormone progesterone - the main hormone of pregnancy. The goal is to turn an active and carefree girl into a future mother, carefully preserving her pregnancy.

day 16

Progesterone begins the preparation of the uterine mucosa (endometrium) for egg implantation, and every day the concentration of this hormone increases.

In this phase of the cycle appetite increases, weight gain occurs most quickly. Be especially careful with carbohydrates. As a result of complex hormonal relationships, the body begins to demand more sweets and store them "in reserve" in the form of fat.

day 17

Under the action of progesterone, there is a decrease in the tone of smooth muscles. As a result, peristalsis (wave-like movement) of the intestine slows down. This may lead to bloating and constipation.

Therefore, try to enrich the diet with coarse fiber, fermented milk products.

Day 18

In the event of a possible hunger strike, the body stores nutrients with all its might for the future, as a result, fat metabolism also changes. There is an increase in cholesterol and harmful (atherogenic) fats. And their excess not only spoils the figure, but also creates an extra load on the heart and vessels.

Therefore, try to increase the proportion of vegetable fats in your daily diet during this phase of the cycle and avoid gastronomic exploits. In addition, it is useful to eat garlic and red fish, it helps to reduce cholesterol.

day 19

Despite the fact that ovulation has already occurred, during the second phase of the cycle the body still retains a fairly high level of testosterone, which increases our libido. Especially its production is enhanced in the morning.

You can take advantage of this by filling the dawn hours with passion and tenderness.

day 20

By this day, the corpus luteum flourishes. The concentration of progesterone in the blood reaches a peak value. The egg, traveling through the fallopian tube, approaches the uterus. By this time, she is practically incapable of fertilization.

It is believed that relatively safe days for fertilization begin from this day.

21 day

The concentration of luteinizing hormone decreases and the reverse development of the corpus luteum in the ovary begins. The concentration of estrogen and progesterone gradually decreases.

However, the level of progesterone and all its effects will be quite pronounced until the start of the next cycle.

4 week

Day 22

There is a slowdown in metabolism, which is typical for the entire second phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone acts as an antidepressant: it has a calming effect, relieves tension, anxiety, and relaxes.

These days we become "impenetrable" for boss reprimands, troubles and other stressful situations.

Day 23

Decreasing estrogen levels and elevated progesterone, possible bowel problems, excessive carbohydrate intake these days - all this is reflected in the face, especially if there is a predisposition to acne.

The activity of the sebaceous glands increases, the pores expand, the processes of keratinization in the skin increase. Therefore, these days you need to pay more attention to diet and proper facial cleansing.

Day 24

Under the action of progesterone, changes occur in the structure of the connective tissue: the ligaments become more extensible, hypermobility appears in the joints. There may be pulling pains in the spine and large joints.

Women receive the greatest number of injuries, especially those associated with sports, on these days. One awkward movement can lead to a sprain or dislocation, so be careful with yoga, gymnastics and other physical activities.

Day 25

Scientists have proven that these days, a woman has a special smell that makes it clear to a man that there is a forced period of abstinence ahead.

Perhaps this fact is the reason for the synchronization of cycles in several women who live together for a long time.

26, 27, 28 days

Often the most difficult days for a woman and her loved ones. As a result of fluctuating hormone levels, a woman becomes sensitive and vulnerable, at this time she needs sensitive support.

An increase in the level of prostaglandins in the blood the pain threshold decreases, the mammary glands become rough, painful, the picture is supplemented by headache, constant daytime sleepiness, anxiety, lethargy and irritability. Isn't that enough to spoil the mood?!

Experts believe that sex and chocolate can be a wonderful medicine these days. However, with sex, things are more complicated than with chocolate. Before menstruation, the level of all hormones that awaken passion in a woman decreases. According to doctors, in the premenstrual days, a woman's libido tends to zero.

But for some of the fair sex, by the end of the cycle, on the contrary, passion and desire wake up, sensitivity and sharpness of sensations increase. The explanation was found by psychologists. They believe that these days women are not afraid of the thought of a possible pregnancy, which makes sexual fantasies bolder and feelings brighter.

Of course, for every woman, the “hormonal clock” goes differently: for someone they are in a little hurry, shortening the cycle to 20-21 days, for others they slow down a little - up to 30-32 days. The 28-day cycle is only the most common, so it is impossible to create an accurate and universal hormonal calendar. Each woman will have to adapt it for herself.

However, the general patterns of fluctuations in the hormonal background and the associated changes in the body remain. Not knowing these features, we sometimes begin to fight with our own hormones: we sit on the strictest diet when the body tries to stock up with all its might, forget about the face when it needs the most intense care, or scold ourselves for being too cold with a loved one at a time when our sensuality is on a “forced vacation” .

By making some changes in the habitual way of life, you can make the hormones work like a military force, making us more attractive, cheerful, cheerful and desirable!

You probably know quite a lot about your menstrual cycle, such as the frequency and intensity of your periods. Here we take a closer look at the female menstrual cycle, ovulation and menstruation. Of course, no website can replace a full consultation with a healthcare professional, however, we will help you get a general idea of ​​​​how this happens.

Understanding your menstrual cycle

The duration of the female cycle is not the same. The most common cycle length is 23 to 35 days. The difference in the duration of the menstrual cycle, as a rule, concerns the period before ovulation (the so-called follicular or follicular phase). For most women, it takes 12 to 16 days from ovulation (when an egg is released from the ovary) to the onset of menstruation (called the luteal phase).

Phases of the menstrual cycle

Menstruation (monthly)

The first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation (day 1). Menstruation then lasts 3 to 7 days. Surely, you know that in the presence of menstrual pain, you experience the most severe pain in the first few days of menstruation. This is because your hormones actively promote shedding of the uterine lining that has grown over the previous menstrual cycle.

Preparing for ovulation

At the beginning of your cycle, the pituitary gland, a gland located at the base of the brain, produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is the main hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature egg. FSH promotes the maturation of a certain number of follicles and the production of the hormone estrogen. On the first day of menstruation, estrogen levels are at their lowest. Then it begins to rise along with the maturation of the follicles.

As the follicles develop, usually one of them becomes "dominant", and the egg matures in this large follicle. At the same time, the growing level of estrogen in the body is responsible for the saturation of the lining of the uterine cavity with nutrients and blood. This is to ensure that, in the event of pregnancy, the fertilized egg has all the nutrients and support it needs to grow. High levels of estrogen also contribute to the formation of mucus, a "sperm-friendly" environment (or scientifically fertile-phase cervical mucus). You may have noticed a thin, sticky discharge that may have a cloudy whitish tint. Spermatozoa move more easily through this mucus and survive for several days.

Your body produces hormones that control your menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is an important hormone. An increase in FSH contributes to the maturation of ovarian follicles (fluid-filled vesicles containing one immature egg each) and the beginning of the production of a second hormone, estrogen.

Understanding the ovulation cycle

Ovulation

The level of estrogen in the body rises steadily, and at some point it leads to a sharp increase in the level of luteinizing hormone (ovulatory LH surge). The surge of LH leads to the rupture of the dominant follicle and the release of a mature egg from it, which then enters the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation.

Many women think that they ovulate on day 14, but 14 days is an average and most women tend to ovulate on a different day of their menstrual cycle. The day of ovulation differs from cycle to cycle. Some women claim to experience a painful spasm during ovulation, but most women feel nothing and ovulate without any symptoms.

The level of estrogen in the body is still rising and at some point it leads to a sharp increase in LH - an LH surge. This surge of LH triggers ovulation, the moment an egg is released from the ovary. Although many women think that ovulation occurs on day 14, the actual day of ovulation depends on the length of the cycle. Some women feel a cramp during ovulation.

After ovulation

Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. Its life cycle is up to 24 hours. The life cycle of a spermatozoon is more variable, however, and, as a rule, is from 3 to 5 days. Thus, the days immediately preceding ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are the most fertile - that's when you have the greatest chance of getting pregnant. Immediately after ovulation, the follicle begins to produce another hormone - progesterone.

Progesterone contributes to the subsequent preparation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity for the adoption of a fertilized egg. Meanwhile, the empty follicle in the ovary begins to shrink, but continues to produce progesterone and begins to produce estrogen. During this time, you may experience premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS), such as breast tenderness, bloating, drowsiness, depression, and irritability.

Once released, the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The egg lives from 12 to 24 hours, but because the sperm lives for several days, the highest fertility and the highest chance of getting pregnant occurs when having unprotected sex on the day of ovulation and the day before. Immediately after ovulation, the destroyed follicle begins to produce another hormone called progesterone.

Preparing for the next period

When an empty follicle shrinks in the event of an unfertilized egg, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. In the absence of a high level of hormones to maintain the necessary environment, the increased mass of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity begins to exfoliate, and the body gets rid of it. This represents the start of menstruation and the beginning of the next cycle.

When the empty follicle shrinks, if a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, your progesterone level drops. The uterus no longer needs to maintain an environment to support the baby, so the body needs to reboot and prepare for the next cycle. Symptoms of premenstrual tension (PMN) will begin to subside. Without a high level of hormones to maintain the necessary environment, the formed lining of the uterus begins to break down, and the body begins to excrete it. This is the start of your period and the next cycle.

In the case of fertilization of the egg and its fixation in the uterus, the empty follicle is supported by an increased level of the pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin). The production of estrogen and progesterone continues for a long time until the placenta becomes strong enough to support the developing embryo.

The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterine cavity. As a rule, this occurs a week after fertilization.

After implantation of the egg, your body begins to produce the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which will keep the empty follicle active. It will continue to produce estrogen and progesterone to prevent shedding of the uterine lining until the placenta has formed to support the pregnancy and contains all the nutrients the embryo needs.

The menstrual cycle of women consists of four phases, which are characterized by certain changes that occur in the body. Understanding these processes is necessary in order to choose the most suitable time for conceiving a child, to correctly use the calendar method to determine dangerous and safe days, as well as to detect violations in a timely manner. It should be borne in mind that the duration of each phase of the menstrual cycle in each case is as individual as the cycle itself.

The 1st and 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle is in preparation for the formation of an egg. Phases 3 and 4 are directly the formation of an egg and preparation for conception, if conception does not occur, then the reverse process occurs, the egg dies, and the cycle begins from the beginning.

The first phase of the menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. This day is also considered the first day of the cycle. During menstrual bleeding under the influence of hormones, the endometrium of the uterus is rejected, and the body prepares for the appearance of a new egg.

In the first phase of the cycle, algomenorrhea is often observed - painful menstruation. Algomenorrhea is a disease that must be treated by eliminating the causes in the first place. Violations of the nervous and reproductive systems, as well as inflammatory or infectious diseases of the pelvic organs can cause pain during menstruation. Painful menstruation is easier to cure once than to risk your health and constantly suffer from pain.

It is also useful for women to consume more foods containing iron, the level of which is significantly reduced due to menstruation. These days it is recommended to be at rest, to avoid overexertion and physical exertion. In some countries, women are provided with sick leave during menstruation, since in addition to discomfort, attention and concentration worsen on such days, mood swings, and nervousness are possible.

The first phase lasts from 3 to 6 days, but even before the end of the critical days, the second phase of the menstrual cycle begins.

The second phase of the menstrual cycle lasts about two weeks after the end of menstruation. The brain sends impulses, under the influence of which the follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, enters the ovaries, which promotes the development of follicles. Gradually, a dominant follicle is formed, in which the egg subsequently matures.

The second phase of the menstrual cycle is also characterized by the release of the hormone estrogen, which renews the lining of the uterus. Estrogen also affects the cervical mucus, making it immune to sperm.

Some factors, such as stress or illness, can affect the length of the second phase of the menstrual cycle, and delay the onset of the third phase.

The phase lasts about 3 days, during which there is a release of luteinizing hormone, LH, and a decrease in FSH levels. LH affects the cervical mucus, making it receptive to sperm. Also, under the influence of LH, the maturation of the egg ends and its ovulation occurs (release from the follicle). A mature egg moves into the fallopian tubes, where it waits for fertilization for about 2 days. The most suitable time for conception is before ovulation, since spermatozoa live for about 5 days. After ovulation, another cycle of changes occurs, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle begins.

After the egg is released, the follicle (corpus luteum) begins to produce the hormone progesterone, which prepares the endometrium of the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg. At the same time, the production of LH stops, the cervical mucus dries up. The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle lasts no more than 16 days. The body is waiting for the implantation of the egg, which occurs 6-12 days after fertilization.

The fertilized egg enters the uterine cavity. As soon as implantation occurs, the hormone chorionic gonadotropin begins to be produced. Under the influence of this hormone, the corpus luteum continues to function throughout pregnancy, producing progesterone. Pregnancy tests are sensitive to human chorionic gonadotropin, which is sometimes called the pregnancy hormone.

If fertilization does not occur, then the egg and corpus luteum die off, the production of progesterone stops. In turn, this causes the destruction of the endometrium. The rejection of the upper layer of the uterus begins, menstruation sets in, therefore, the cycle begins anew.

They are caused by the influence of hormones that affect not only physiological processes, but also the emotional state.

Interestingly, in ancient Chinese medicine, based on the 4 phases of the cycle, the practices necessary for the spiritual development of a woman and rejuvenation of the body were based. It was believed that before ovulation, energy is accumulated, and after ovulation, redistribution occurs. Saving energy in the first half of the cycle allowed the woman to achieve harmony.

And although the modern rhythm of life requires women to be constantly active, observing changes in the emotional state associated with the phases of the menstrual cycle will help determine the most unfavorable days for action or conflict resolution. This approach will allow you to avoid unnecessary stress and maintain your strength and health.