The menstrual cycle in women: what is it, a description of each phase. Phases of the menstrual cycle and female sex hormones

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 cyclical fluctuations affect our lifestyle. hormonal background.

1 Week

1 day

The first day of the cycle is usually considered the day of the beginning 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 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.

Take off discomfort antispasmodics will help: "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 most susceptible 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 latest formula cream after depilation, and a change in hormonal levels.

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 increased excitability, sensitivity erogenous zones, 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. At the same time, the abdominal cavity is poured out not a large number of blood.

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, at the site of the burst follicle, it begins to form corpus luteum. 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 tone smooth muscle. 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 case of a possible hunger strike, the body is stocked with all its might nutrients 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 extra load on the heart and vessels.

Therefore, try to increase the share in this phase of the cycle. vegetable fats V daily nutrition 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 ovum traveling through 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 and elevated progesterone possible problems with the intestines, the abuse of carbohydrates 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!

The menstrual cycle is the changes that occur in a woman's genitals at approximately equal intervals of time.

What is the length of the menstrual cycle?

Normal duration menstrual cycle is from 21 to 35 days. The countdown of the menstrual cycle starts from the first day of bleeding.

Phases of the menstrual cycle and the hormones that regulate them

The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases, between which ovulation occurs.

The first phase is called follicular. It is in this phase that the follicle develops, from which the egg will be released, which can then turn into developing fetus and finally the child. It starts on the very first day of menstruation (menstrual bleeding) and ends when ovulation occurs. It takes about half of the entire cycle. Special cages in this phase, the sex hormones estrogens are produced. Throughout follicular phase the menstrual cycle, the basal body temperature of a woman, as a rule, is kept below 37 degrees. The temperature must be known to clarify the moment of ovulation - at the time of ovulation, the basal temperature will drop sharply.

The next phase of the menstrual cycle - luteal, or the corpus luteum phase. The corpus luteum is formed in the ovary at the site of the released egg. This phase occurs immediately after ovulation and lasts as long as the yellow case exists, that is, on average, about 12-14 days. The main task at this stage is to maintain the balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which the corpus luteum secretes to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. In this phase, the basal body temperature can stay at 37 degrees, and then, before the onset of menstruation (menstrual bleeding), drop sharply.

Ovulation- the release of a mature (ready for fertilization) egg from the follicle into the abdominal cavity, followed by advancement through the fallopian tubes to the uterus itself. In the body of a woman by the time of puberty, approximately 300-400 thousand eggs are stored. All of them are in the ovaries from birth and are laid in the womb. The first ovulation occurs a little later than the onset of puberty, the last - after the extinction menstrual function, with menopause. During pregnancy, ovulation also does not occur, but after the birth of the child, it is restored.

Establishing the moment of ovulation is of interest mainly to those women who want to get pregnant, since the possibility of pregnancy exists only in certain days: 3-4 days before ovulation, during ovulation and 1-2 days after it.

Hello! What should every woman know about her monthly phenomenon, laid down by nature? In the material - "The menstrual cycle in women", there are detailed answers to many important questions.

Feature of the female body

What is menstruation? Once a month, the uterus builds up a new endometrium, or lining, in preparation to receive a fertilized egg. When it is not there, the uterus begins to reject the lining.

menstrual period begins in girls when they are 11-14 years old and continues until about 50 years of age in women. Allocations become irregular at the age of 39-51 years, then they stop completely.

Start this natural phenomenon can make the girl anxious. In girls, bleeding may also be irregular at first. In a year everything will be back to normal.

Norm is 21,28,30 days. menstrual cycle confirms that the girl is healthy, developed and able to have offspring.

Women's cycle can lead a girl to pregnancy even from casual intercourse. Mom has to prepare her daughter for adulthood so that there is no trouble.

What is the menstrual cycle? A cycle is the period from the first day of bleeding to the first day next bleeding.

Cycle duration:

• medium - 28 days
• short - 21 days
• long - 35 days
• in adolescents it is not uncommon - 45 days. This is normal, then everything will be fine.

If you notice violations of the menstrual cycle, that is, it lasts more than 7 days, then you should consult a doctor. Perhaps he will prescribe treatment.

Cycle control is provided by hormones: estrogen and progesterone. What it is? These are the most important women's.

• Estrogen promotes the growth of the endometrium in the uterus.
• Progesterone is formed in the middle of the cycle, that is, after ovulation.

Both hormones prepare the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.

The middle of the cycle in women, what is it?

Approximately in the middle of the cycle in the female body, an egg matures, capable of fertilization, that is, ovulation occurs. If you are planning a pregnancy, then at this time female body ready to conceive a baby. How to determine this moment by day.

With a cycle of 28-30 days, ovulation occurs on the 14-15th day, if you count from the beginning blood secretions.

Sexual intercourse these days most often ends in pregnancy. Buy tests to determine the maturation of the egg. Testing should be done 24-48 hours before ovulation. If you do not plan to have children, then these days are considered the most dangerous.

But testing can fail because there are many various factors which can affect the duration of the cycle. You can calculate the phases of your menstrual cycle yourself if you measure your basal body temperature daily. Some women count these days for conception, while others - on the contrary, so as not to become pregnant.

1. Take a regular thermometer. Early in the morning, not getting out of bed, not doing sudden movements(this is important!), insert it into the rectum.
2. Hold there for 7 minutes.
3. Record your testimony.
4. Based on daily readings, draw a graph. In the top line, indicate the days of measurements, on the side - basal rate. At the junction, put points, which then connect with a straight line.

When does this process start?

On days when the temperature rises sharply, ovulation occurs.

It is important for every woman to know the phases of the cycle so as not to make a mistake in the calculation. Cycle phases, what are they? These are important periods between periods.

• First phase- follicular (the first phase, how many days does it last? 3-4 days);
• Second phase- ovulation;
• Third phase- luteal.

Follicular gives to the beginning of the formation and maturation of the egg. Ovulation - designed to perform an important female function- conceptions.

What happens in the second phase?

In the first phase of the cycle, the temperature is around 36.8°C. 1-2 days before ovulation, there is a decrease literally by a fraction of a degree. Then the indicator begins to grow within 3 days and remains at such indicators until the end of the second phase (37.0-37.5 ° C). The body is preparing for pregnancy.

Attention! Any stress, malaise, alcohol, bad habits can change your schedule and ovulation may occur on a different day, and then unwanted pregnancy. What happens to the body if fever does it last for two weeks? Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Average duration the second phase of the cycle, what does this mean for a woman? Within 4-6 days, you can conceive a child.

The luteal phase takes place in two ways:

• with a fertilized egg;
• or without it, if it was not fertilized;
• if conception has occurred, then the corpus luteum begins to be produced, which actively releases the hormone lutein. It is he who will support and "feed" the egg.

What keeps a woman from aging

These are hormones. The performance, attractiveness and mood of a woman often depend on them. In addition, the production of hormones changes almost every day during the process of hemorrhage, which is why women's moods change so often.

It is important to know the days of the cycle, the description of which will help you to know yourself better. In 1 day the uterus throws out the endometrium that has served, that is, bleeding begins. A woman may experience malaise, pain in the lower abdomen. To decrease pain, you can take "No-shpu", "Buscopan", "Belastezin", "Papaverine".

On day 2 starts heavy sweating. On day 3 the uterus is very open, which can contribute to infection. On this day, a woman can also become pregnant, so sex must be protected.

From day 4 mood begins to improve, efficiency appears, as menstruation is nearing completion.

What is the cycle by day in the second half? Days starting 9th to 11th day considered dangerous, you can get pregnant. They say that at this time you can conceive a girl. And on the day of ovulation and immediately after it, it is suitable for conceiving a boy.

On day 12 increases the libido of women, which entails a strong sexual attraction.

When does the second half start? From day 14 when the egg begins to move towards the male principle, ovulation occurs. On the 16th day a woman may gain weight as her appetite increases. Until 19 days the possibility of getting pregnant remains.

From day 20"safe" days begin. What's happened " safe days"? These days, the possibility of getting pregnant decreases.

Many women ask the question: is it possible for a woman to get pregnant before her menstrual cycle?

The probability is small, but no one can give a complete guarantee. The period of menstruation can change under the influence of many factors. No woman has an even cycle throughout her life. It can even change colds, fatigue or stress.

Many doctors warn that the body is able to “give out” repeated ovulation, so even 1 day before menstruation, you can conceive.

The female cycle by day, what happens these days, every woman should know, because it will show when you are ready to conceive, when you are passionate or vice versa - cold, why your mood changes so much.

sexual cycles

When you hear - the ovarian-menstrual cycle, it is the cyclical secretion of gonadotropin that is established in the body. The sexual cycle includes normal process occurring in the ovaries under the influence of hormones, and following it - menstruation.

Its duration is on average 28 +/- 7 days. What interval between periods is considered normal? If fertilization does not occur, then as soon as this cycle ends, the period of a new cycle begins. How long does it take? The interval between periods, the norm is from 21 to 35 days. But it also happens differently. Get a small calendar where you will celebrate the first day of the appearance of discharge.

It is worth noting that 14 days should elapse between ovulation and the next menstruation, but deviations of 1-2 days are possible. If you notice that yours is too short or too long cycle, then you should consult a gynecologist to find out the reasons.

Violation of the cycle may indicate diseases of the genital area. When does the lengthening of the cycle begin? The cycle can only be lengthened after 45 years, as changes occur in the process of maturation of the egg.

Sometimes a woman may notice in herself bloody issues and after menses. This should not be!

A drop of blood can only be released at the time of ovulation. If you notice sudden discharge, do not treat yourself - consult a doctor immediately!

Phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. Titles:

• Menstrual (desquamation phase)
• Postmenstrual (estrogenic, proliferative, reparative, or follicular)
• Premenstrual (progestin, luteal, secretory phase preceding pregnancy).

menstrual phase lasts an average of 4 days. The first day of the cycle is the beginning of endometrial rejection. These days, progesterone is absent, and estrogen has not yet formed.

Postmenstrual phase- begins on the 5th day of the ovarian cycle, ends 1-2 days after ovulation. Ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle. In this phase, the growth and development of follicles occurs. During the development of the follicles, a large amount of estrogen is produced.

premenstrual phase lasts 12-14 days. High progesterone these days creates favorable conditions for implantation of the embryo.

The graph shows the period of menstruation when you can get pregnant.

First menstruation in girls

She must go through all the stages of her growing up with her daughter, including the beginning of menstruation. First of all, it is necessary to explain what menstruation is in girls. The simplest explanation is that this phenomenon is inherent in nature and there is no need to be afraid of it. Be sure to explain - what is the duration of the menstrual cycle.

It is important for a girl to know the phases of menstruation, because in the middle of them a girl can become pregnant, which is very undesirable for an immature organism. Which phase is considered the most dangerous, every teenager should also know about it.

About how menstruation occurs, it is written above on the test. This process is the same for both an adult woman and a girl. But if adult woman already knows what symptoms precede it, then the teenager must be clearly explained.

Before the onset of menstruation, there are such phenomena:

Now let's return to the issue of maturation of female germ cells in order to know when a woman can become pregnant and when not. The monthly cycle, that is, the period from the first day of menstruation (always from the first day) to the first day of the next menstruation, is divided into two phases, delimited by the day of maturation of the egg and the days of menstruation: estrogen (first phase, proliferation phase) and progesterone (luteal, second phase, secretion phase), depending on the production of certain female hormones- estrogen and progesterone. The second phase is always more stable and usually lasts 14-15 days. This stability is due to the fact that the egg at this time is ripe, and then, if it was not fertilized and pregnancy did not occur, then the female body quickly prepares for a new cycle, freeing the uterus from the old lining (endometrium) by rejecting it in the form of menstruation. Therefore, when some physicians diagnose progesterone phase deficiency, it is often very misdiagnosis, exposed to just one result of a blood test. And many women “chew” progesterone, aka duphaston, aka utrozhestan, aka other names, believing that this particular drug will help them get pregnant.

You must understand that the second phase is completely dependent on the quality of the first phase. The first phase can be very short, and vice versa, long, so the monthly cycle can normally be from 14 to 40 days, although most often we are talking about normal cycles at 21-35 days. Classic cycles "tutelka in tyutelka" when a woman menstruates every 28 days, in real life does not happen, as there are too many factors that affect the duration of the cycle. Cycle fluctuations of 7 days in both directions are considered the norm, or in other words, menstruation can begin a week earlier or later than the previous cycle. Many women clutch their heads and immediately run to the doctor in a panic if they had a menstruation with a delay of 2-3 days, or, conversely, started a little earlier.
Thus, the first phase is the maturation of the egg, which is located in the ovary in a special vesicle (follicle). Usually, several follicles start growing in both ovaries, but after the 7-8th day of the cycle, only one (less often two) follicle grows further, so that between 13-16 days (on average, on the 14th day) burst, which is called ovulation .

Often women mistakenly think that the ovaries work alternately. Many doctors often also have a very erroneous idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe work of the female reproductive system. Two ovaries always work, and the growth of follicles with the onset of menstruation occurs immediately in both ovaries. And only approximately on the 7th day of the cycle (usually it is the 3rd day after the end of menstruation) in one of the ovaries, the growth of the follicle begins to dominate, which will end with ovulation. But the ovaries continue to work as they did, because they need to get rid of those follicles that began to grow, but did not become dominant.

At ovulation, a mature egg is a female sex cell, ready for fertilization, goes beyond the ovary and ends up in abdominal cavity, however, it is immediately “absorbed” into the fallopian tube, one end of which has a funnel with special processes. The egg is capable of fertilization for only 12-24 hours, and then it simply dies and dissolves if the conception of a child does not occur. So, couples those planning a pregnancy should understand that the time when conception of a child can occur is very limited. If we take into account that the ovum ages from the moment of ovulation, and some may begin aging before ovulation, then the window successful conception very, very narrow.

Heading into the ampullar part of the fallopian tube (the widest), the female germ cell meets the male germ cells ( spermatozoa), which begin to actively attack the egg, dying themselves, but not without purpose - as their contents liquefy the thick wall of the egg. And finally, one "lucky one" manages to get inside the egg, which practically absorbs it. The spermatozoon most often loses its tail during conception.
Thus, the statement that one sperm is enough to conceive a child is not entirely accurate. IN natural conditions there must be millions of actively motile spermatozoa, which play a very important role in conception, but only one spermatozoon directly fertilizes the egg.
Further, the fertilized egg moves along the fallopian tube to the uterus, passing through several divisions - this is how the embryo appears. The process of this movement takes from 4 to 6 days. Approximately 30 hours after the fertilization of the egg by the sperm, its first division occurs, on which the course of the entire pregnancy will largely depend. Scientists involved in reproductive technologies that allow artificial creation of embryos have found that if the very first division occurred poorly, unevenly, then fertilized egg may be of poor quality, which will lead to its poor implantation, which means that such a pregnancy in most cases will end in its natural (natural) interruption.

The cells that arise during the division of a fertilized egg are called blastomeres, and the embryo itself in this state is called a zygote. First, division occurs without the growth of these cells, that is, the dimensions of the embryo remain the same. When the embryo has reached the 16-cell structure, its cells differentiate and increase in size. At this stage of division, the embryo is called a morula, and in this state it enters the uterine cavity. Division continues and once fluid appears inside the morula, the embryo is called a blastocyst. The blastocyst contains primitive villi - the chorion (hence the name of the hormone - " chorionic gonadotropin”), with the help of which the implantation process begins in the uterus.
What happens in the female body while the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tube? The uterus is getting ready to receive the fertilized egg. If in the first phase the inner lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium, grows (cells divide and grow), then in the second half of the cycle, after ovulation, they are saturated with nutrients - this phase is also called the secretion phase, while the first phase of the cycle is called the phase proliferation. Although the thickness of the endometrium plays a certain role in the attachment of the fetal egg in the uterus, the quality of the endometrium plays a much larger role, which is achieved precisely in the second phase of the cycle due to the increase in progesterone levels. Many women run to endless ultrasounds to measure the thickness of the endometrium. Normal in most women reproductive age the endometrium has a thickness of 5-8 mm (average).

And now let's continue our journey through the female body not in the direction of the movement of a fertilized egg, but let's talk about pregnancy hormones, or rather, about those substances that can appear in the blood and other fluids of a woman with the advent of pregnancy. Very often women ask me what is their chance of getting pregnant within one monthly cycle? This question is related to another: how can you know that a woman is pregnant?
So, I will remind you that the egg matures in the first half of the cycle, but while it is inside the follicle, fertilization is impossible. However, it is always important to remember that sperm can stay in the fallopian tubes for up to 7 days and remain fertile for up to 5 days. This means that the closer sexual intercourse is to the time of ovulation, the greater the chance of pregnancy. And since no one knows exactly when ovulation will occur - that is, the moment (not a period of time!) Of the release of the egg, then when seriously planning your pregnancy, speculate exact definition this moment is not worth it.

Regarding the chance of pregnancy in healthy woman young reproductive age (20-26 years), then in several medical sources you will find the figure - 22% per month. How was this percentage determined? How true is he? What is meant by this chance?
To understand exactly what chance any healthy woman has to get pregnant and give birth to a child on time, let's talk about how pregnancy can be diagnosed on early dates. Of course, many of you will immediately mention pregnancy tests. Quite right, these tests can determine pregnancy when implantation has already occurred, and the level of the pregnancy hormone in the urine has reached those levels when the tests can “catch” this rise hormonal level. But until that moment, is there no pregnancy? How can it be defined anyway?

Let's start with the well-known hormone of pregnancy (and not only pregnancy) - progesterone. Where does a woman get progesterone from? It is produced by the ovaries, especially the area where ovulation has occurred. The follicle burst, the egg is released, and the volume of the burst follicle quickly fills with blood (which on ultrasound may look like bleeding in the ovary and which shocks some doctors, and they refer such a woman to urgent operation), and while the egg travels through the fallopian tube, two main types of cells form in the burst follicle, which becomes the corpus luteum. Some cells begin to intensively produce progesterone so that while the egg travels, the uterus has time to prepare for its acceptance. Other cells produce female sex hormones (estrogens) and a very small amount of male sex hormones (androgens). And now, thanks to the increase in the level of progesterone, the endometrium of the uterus becomes “juicy”, loose, filled big amount substances important for the implantation of the fetal egg.
The period of implantation and attachment of the fetal egg doctors call the implantation window. Outside this window, attachment of the fetal egg is impossible! If under the influence of external and internal factors this period is shortened, or the staging of changes in the endometrium is disturbed, then implantation can also be disturbed and end in a miscarriage.

The peak level of progesterone in the blood is reached approximately 5-7 days after ovulation., and this is an amazing rationality female nature. Having reached the uterine cavity 4-6 days after ovulation and conception (this is the third week of pregnancy), the fetal egg (blastocyst) is in it for one to three days in a “suspended state”, that is, not yet attached to the wall of the uterus. It turns out that there is already a pregnancy, but, on the other hand, it is not yet, because the fetal egg can be removed by the uterus before its implantation, and the woman will not know about it. This is not as scary and terrible as some might think. Most often, defective fetal eggs are removed that cannot attach to the wall of the uterus.
During these 2-3 days of being in a "suspended state", the fetal egg releases special substances that suppress defensive forces mother, because it is a foreign body for her body. Progesterone, in turn, suppresses contractility muscles of the uterus, that is, it calms its reaction to foreign body, relaxes the uterus, allowing the fetal egg to implant. Thus, the process of implantation begins, or the introduction-attachment of the fetal egg to one of the walls of the uterus.
An increase in the level of progesterone also leads to the fact that special formations appear in the endometrium - pinopods, which somewhat resemble tentacles (fingers). They appear between days 19 and 21 of the menstrual cycle and last only 2-3 days (with a 28-day cycle). Their appearance leads to the fact that the uterus decreases in size, as if compressed due to these protrusions inward, and the cavity itself also decreases in size, bringing the walls of the uterus closer to the fetal egg floating in it - nature reduces the distance between the uterus and the fetal egg for its successful attachments. While the fetal egg is not attached to the uterus, the intrauterine fluid secreted by endometrial cells under the influence of high levels of progesterone becomes its source of nutrition.
It is important to understand that the maximum increase in progesterone is observed not on the 21-22nd day of the menstrual cycle, but on the 5-7th day after ovulation. Did you catch the difference? With a 28-day cycle, this will be the 21st day, and with cycles shorter or longer than 28 days, the peak of the increase in progesterone will fall on other days of the menstrual cycle. Those doctors who do not understand or do not know the specifics of fluctuating hormone levels in women send their patients for blood donation to determine the hormonal background on certain days of the cycle, and if the level of progesterone is lower than what they expect to receive on the 21st day, immediately a diagnosis of progesterone phase deficiency is made and treatment in the form of progesterone is prescribed, which is extremely wrong and can have a lot of side effects for the entire female reproductive system. Because progesterone suppresses ovulation! If you take it before ovulation, then do not expect pregnancy.

Every month reproductive system a woman undergoes certain changes that leave an imprint on both her physiological and psychological state. They are necessary so that the female body can prepare for conception - and then for the onset of pregnancy. Such changes are regular and are called the menstrual cycle - which, in turn, consists of several phases.

Let's take a closer look at how they go, how long they last, and what signs indicate the onset of each phase.

The first phase of the menstrual cycle is called the menstrual cycle.

What should you know about menstruation?

Its duration is approximately 3-7 days.

It is characterized by the following symptoms:

1. Bloody discharge from the vagina.
2. Breast augmentation.
3. Pain in the abdomen.
4. Irritability.
5. Pain in the lumbar region.
6. Changeability of mood.
7. Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
8. Headache.

Optionally, all of the above signs will accompany "critical" days. In many girls, they pass quietly, and the only thing that indicates menstruation is the presence of uterine bleeding.

The cause of painful and heavy periods, nausea, chills, headaches can be elevated level in the blood of prostaglandins in this phase. These chemical substances are produced by the uterine tissue and cause its contraction.

The menstrual cycle begins from the day the bleeding started from the genitals. During it, the old endometrium is rejected.

Uterine bleeding indicates that pregnancy did not occur in the previous cycle.

At the same time, the ovaries begin to develop follicles. The so-called bubbles filled with liquid. Each of them contains one egg. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone, they begin to ripen.

How thick should the lining of the uterus be during menstruation?

What happens during the second, follicular (proliferative) phase of the cycle?

After the end of menstruation, the female body begins to prepare for possible conception baby. All processes occurring during this period are called follicle stimulating hormone which, in turn, is produced by the pituitary gland.

So, FSH has a huge impact on the level of estrogen in the blood. Starting from the 1st day of menstruation, it rapidly grows upwards. Due to this, the endometrium, which has grown in a new cycle, is saturated with blood and various nutrients. This is necessary so that in the event of a successful conception, the fertilized egg can receive everything in the uterus that it needs for further growth and development.

Immediately after the end of menstruation, one follicle “overtakes” its comrades in its development, as a result of which the latter stop growing and return to their previous state. The "winning" vial of liquid continues to grow the egg.

The size of the bubble with liquid in diameter

About the well-being of a woman during this period

During the second phase, the girl:

1. Efficiency increases.
2. The mood improves.
3. Increased sexual desire.

Thickness of the endometrium in the proliferative phase

Third, ovulatory phase of the cycle

The ovulatory phase, unlike the others, lasts very little - approximately 24-36 hours. It is during it that women have a chance to become pregnant.

The level of the hormone estrogen in the third phase is at its most high level. During ovulation, the level of luteinizing hormone in the blood increases, but the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone decreases.

What happens to the mature egg during this phase?

First, it destroys the wall of the follicle - and, with the help of the villi of the epithelium, begins to move into the fallopian tube.

Then, if it meets with a spermatozoon, then it is fertilized.

Otherwise, the egg dies a day after leaving the ovary, after which it dissolves in the uterine mucosa.

In addition, you can determine the presence or absence of ovulation using home tests.

The beginning of the ovulatory phase can also be detected on ultrasound examination , during which the doctor will have to find out what the size of the ovaries and cervix are, and in what condition they are now.

Thickness of the endometrium ovulatory phase should be within 1-1.3 cm.

The fourth phase of the menstrual cycle is the phase of the corpus luteum, or luteal

Its duration is fourteen days.

After the egg leaves the vial with liquid, a body begins to grow at the site of its rupture, which has a yellow color. It produces estrogens, androgens, as well as the "pregnancy hormone" progesterone.

If the corpus luteum will produce progesterone in small quantities, then fertilization of the egg may for a long time not happen.

So that a woman can become pregnant and then give birth to a child on time, doctors can prescribe her to take special hormonal preparations.

What other function does progesterone perform?

Thanks to him, the endometrium softens, becomes loose, increases in thickness. This is necessary so that the fetal egg can penetrate into it.

Pregnancy has come or not - you can find out only at the end of the luteal phase. Menstruation, if conception has occurred, will not begin. Basal temperature will stay at 37.3.

Can be done with homemade test , which can be bought at any pharmacy, or by donating blood at the clinic for the level of hCG.

Nausea, dizziness and other signs of a conception that has occurred appear much later.

Signs and symptoms of the luteal phase

If the egg was not fertilized by a sperm, then in the first days of the luteal phase, the girl will feel great. A woman “in position” will feel the same way.

The only sign that can indicate to her an accomplished conception is the appearance of a few drops of blood on her underwear - - 7-10 days after intimacy.

If pregnancy has not occurred, then a few days before menstruation, the woman's condition may change. She may have PMS syndrome , which is often associated with the irritability and anxiety of a woman. Her mammary glands may swell, as well as minor pains in the abdomen.

What should be the thickness of the endometrium during the luteal phase?