Have you ever wondered why you feel a certain way each month?
The truth is every woman goes through a monthly cycle of physical and emotional changes, and understanding what’s happening inside your body can help you to take care of yourself better.
At Viya Health, we believe in empowering women to take control of their health, and this starts with a solid understanding of the menstrual cycle. So, let’s dive in!
The menstrual cycle is a complex process that occurs in the female reproductive system. It is a series of changes that happens over a period of around 28 days and is divided into three phases.
Phase 1: The Follicular Phase
This phase begins on the first day of your period and lasts for about 14 days. During this time, the ovaries start producing a hormone called estrogen, which stimulates the growth of follicles (small fluid-filled sacs). These follicles contain an egg, and one of them will mature and be released during ovulation.
In this phase, your mood is likely to be stable and you may feel more energetic and positive. You may also experience some bloating and breast tenderness.
Phase 2: Ovulation
Ovulation is the process where the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. Ovulation usually occurs on day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but it can vary depending on the length of your cycle.
During ovulation, you may experience a slight increase in body temperature and a change in cervical mucus, which becomes clear and slippery. Some women also experience mild discomfort on one side of the lower abdomen.
Phase 3: The Luteal Phase
The luteal phase starts after ovulation and lasts until the start of your next period. In this phase, the ovaries produce another hormone called progesterone, which prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy.
If you don’t become pregnant, the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop, and the uterus sheds its lining, causing your period to start. In this phase, you may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause physical and emotional symptoms such as cramping, bloating, mood swings, and headaches.
Key Takeaways:
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- The menstrual cycle is a series of physical and emotional changes that occur over a period of 28 days.
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- The cycle is divided into three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
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- Each phase is characterized by different hormonal changes, which can affect your mood, energy levels, and physical symptoms.
- Understanding the menstrual cycle can help you to take care of yourself better and make informed decisions about your health.
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Want to try out some of our favourite products while in your menstrual phase, visit the below link to our 5-channel pad, designed for African women’s bodies:
