Menstrual cycle of women consists of four phases, which are characterized by certain changes occurring in the body. Understanding these processes is necessary in order to choose the most suitable time for conceiving a child, to use the calendar method correctly to determine dangerous and safe days, as well as for timely detection of violations. It is worth considering that the duration of each phase of the menstrual cycle in each case is as individual as the cycle itself.
1 and 2, the phase of the menstrual cycle is to prepare for the formation of the egg. 3 and 4 phase - this is directly the formation of the egg and the preparation for conception, but if conception does not occur, then the reverse process occurs, the egg dies and the cycle begins from the beginning.
Menstrual phase
The first phase of the menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. Also this day is 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, eliminating the causes first. Violations of the nervous and reproductive system, as well as inflammatory or infectious diseases of the pelvic organs can cause pain during menstruation. From painful menstruation it is easier to be cured once than to risk your health and constantly suffer from pain.
It is also useful for women to use more products containing iron, the level of which is significantly reduced due to menstruation. These days it is recommended to be in a state of rest, avoid overstrain and exercise. In some countries, women are provided with a hospital for the period of menstruation, because in addition to discomfort, on such days, attention and concentration worsen, mood swings, nervousness are possible.
The first phase lasts from 3 to 6 days, but even before the end of critical days, the second phase of the menstrual cycle begins.
The follicular phase
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 enters the ovaries, FSH, which contributes to the development of follicles. Gradually, a dominant follicle is formed, in which the ovum subsequently ripens.
Also, the second phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the release of the hormone estrogen, which renews the lining of the uterus. Estrogen also affects cervical mucus, making it immune to sperm.
Some factors, such as stress or disease, can affect the duration of the second phase of the menstrual cycle, and delay the onset of the third phase.
The phase of ovulation
The phase lasts about 3 days, during which the release of luteinizing hormone, LH, and a decrease in FSH. LH affects the cervical mucus, making it susceptible 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 to the fallopian tubes, where it is waiting for fertilization for about 2 days. The most suitable time for conception is just before ovulation, since spermatozoa live for about 5 days. After ovulation, another cycle of changes takes place, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle begins.
Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
After the release of the ovule, the follicle (yellow body) begins to produce a hormone progesterone, which prepares the endometrium of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. At the same time, the production of LH ceases, cervical mucus dries out. The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle lasts no more than 16 days. The body is waiting for 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 yellow body continues to function throughout pregnancy, producing progesterone. Pregnancy tests are sensitive to chorionic gonadotropin, which is sometimes called pregnancy hormone.
If fertilization does not occur, then the egg and the yellow body die, the production of progesterone stops. In turn, this causes destruction of the endometrium. The rejection of the upper layer of the uterus begins, menstruation begins, therefore, the cycle begins again.
The phases of the menstrual cycle are caused by the influence of hormones, which affect not only the physiological processes, but also the emotional state.
It is interesting that in ancient Chinese medicine, based on the 4 phases of the cycle, the practices necessary for the spiritual development of the woman and the rejuvenation of the body were based. It was believed that before the ovulation occurs the accumulation of energy, and after ovulation redistribution. Preservation of energy in the first half of the cycle allowed the woman to achieve harmony.
And although the modern rhythm of life requires constant activity from women, monitoring the changes in emotional state associated with the phases of the menstrual cycle will help determine the most unfavorable days for active action or resolving conflicts. This approach will avoid unnecessary stress and keep your strength and health.