Your Monthly Rhythm: Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and the Changes It Brings

April 23, 2025

Whether it’s the cramps that knock you off your feet or the sudden tear you shed over a cat video—every woman knows her period can be a powerful experience. But what’s actually going on inside your body? Let’s walk through the menstrual cycle—not just the science, but how it feels—and why your body is doing what it’s doing.

Phase 1: Menstrual Phase – When the Cycle Begins (Days 1–5)

This is the start of your period—the part we all recognize. If pregnancy didn’t happen last cycle, your uterus sheds its lining.

What’s happening inside: Your hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) have dropped. That thick, nutrient-rich lining that was built to host a baby? Your body lets it go.

How it feels: Cramps. Fatigue. Mood swings. You might feel bloated, achy, and ready for a heating pad and some serious self-care.

Quick tip: Hydrate, stay warm, and try light movement like stretching or walking. You don’t have to push yourself—just take care of you.
Helpful read: Quick Remedies for Common Menstrual Problems

Phase 2: Follicular Phase – Your Body’s Prep Work (Days 6–14)

Once your period ends, your body begins rebuilding. This phase is like springtime: fresh, hopeful, and full of renewal.

What’s happening inside: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) encourages your ovaries to grow follicles, and estrogen starts rising. One lucky follicle will become the star—releasing the egg during ovulation. Meanwhile, your uterine lining is thickening again.

How it feels: Energy starts to rise. You might feel more motivated, social, and clear-headed. It’s a great time to plan, create, or even try a new workout.

Quick tip: Fuel your body with protein, leafy greens, and plenty of water. This is your body’s power-up phase.

Phase 3: Ovulation – The Main Event (Around Day 14)

Ovulation is the peak of your cycle—the moment an egg is released and your body is at its most fertile.

What’s happening inside: A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the dominant follicle to burst and release an egg. Estrogen is at its highest.

How it feels: You may feel more confident, attractive, and energetic. Some women even experience a sharp twinge in the lower belly called mittelschmerz.

Quick tip: If you’re trying to conceive, this is your window. If you’re not, this is when to be extra cautious. And keep drinking water—hydration helps cervical fluid, too.

Phase 4: Luteal Phase – The Waiting Game (Days 15–28)

If no sperm meets the egg, the body begins to wind down. This is the famous PMS stage, and hormone changes are at the center of it all.

What’s happening inside: The corpus luteum (what’s left of the follicle) produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining—just in case you’re pregnant. If fertilization doesn’t occur, hormone levels drop again.

How it feels: Mood swings, fatigue, food cravings, breast tenderness—you might feel more emotional or withdrawn.

Quick tip: Balance your meals with whole grains, good fats, and magnesium-rich foods. Prioritize sleep and say no when you need to.

Why It All Matters

Understanding your cycle isn’t just for managing symptoms—it’s a key to better self-awareness. Knowing when your body feels strongest, when you need rest, and when to look for red flags (like irregular cycles or painful periods) gives you power.

Your cycle is more than just “your period”—it’s a month-long journey your body takes to keep you healthy and fertile. Treat yourself with the kindness you’d show a friend going through all that every month.

Let’s Talk!

Have you noticed how your mood or energy shifts during your cycle? What helps you the most?
Share your experience in the comments below, and check out more women’s health posts at www.9jazic.com.ng.
Or dive deeper into period comfort tips here:
Soothe the Cycle: Quick Remedies for Menstrual Problems