Feeling overwhelmed by your menstrual cycle? You're not alone. For too long, women's health has been overlooked, and periods have been wrapped up in stigma and shame. No wonder so many of us feel disconnected from our own cycles. But it's time for that to change.
We're here to break the silence, share knowledge, and empower you to reconnect with yourself and your cycle. Because understanding your menstruation isn't just about health - it's about power.
Taking control of your cycle and embracing your body's natural rhythm is the first step toward a deeper, stronger connection with yourself.
Phase 1: Menstrual phase
Your menstrualcycle begins on the first day of your bleed, which can be anywhere from 2 to 7 days. During this time, the uterus sheds its lining, which flows out through the vagina as period blood. The fluid isn't just blood - it also contains mucus, tissue, and other substances from the uterus.
The flow and texture can vary from person to person and even from cycle to cycle, ranging from light to heavy and thin to clumpy. All of these variations are completely normal and unique to each individual.
Phase 2: Follicular phase
This phase also begins on the first day of your bleed and typically lasts 10 to 14 days, ending at ovulation. During this time, follicles in the ovariers grow and mature, while the body works to develop and select the dominant follicle that will eventually release an egg. Rising estrogen levels stimulate the thickening of the uterine lining, creating a nourishing environment in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
The follicular phase sets the foundation for ovulation, marking a crucial stage in the menstrual cycle that supports reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
Phase 3: Ovulation phase
Rising estrogen levels trigger a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which signals the body to begin ovulation. This sharp increase in LH causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release a mature egg from the ovary, typically around day 14 of the cycle. The released egg then travels into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilised if sperm is present.
Phase 4: Luteal phase
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining and prepare it for the possible implantation of a fertilised egg. Estrogen levels, which were high during the follicular phase and peaked at ovulation, begin to decrease during the luteal phase.
If fertilisation occurs, the fertilised egg (zygote) implants in the uterus and releases hCG, signalling the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone to support pregnancy. If no fertilisation occurs, the corpus luteum deteriorates, leading to a drop in hormone levels, which triggers menstruation and the start of a new cycle.
So what does this mean?
We believe tracking your cycle is one of the greatest acts of self-love and care. It strengthens your bond with yourself, your body, and its natural flow. By checking in with where you are in your cycle, you can begin to work with your body, not against it—allowing it to ebb and flow just as nature intended.
One of our favourite cycle-tracking apps hands down is @livelycycle - we love it for its positive language and the way it empowers you with tips on what to eat, how to move, and what to focus on during each phase of your cycle. But the best part is you can add a home screen widget that shows which day you’re on so you always know exactly where you are in your cycle without having to go into an app.
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