The four 'seasons' of the menstrual cycle, explained by a doctor
If you've ever found yourself wondering why you're suddenly feeling overwhelmingly hungry and unexplainably irritable only for it to all finally make sense when you get your period a few days later, you're not alone.
Anyone who menstruates knows your period can really wreak havoc on how you feel – for some more than others – but while a typical period lasts for three to seven days, the effects of the menstrual cycle last all month long.
There are actually four phases of the menstrual cycle that starts with the bleed we know as menstruation. There are three other phases – luteal, ovulation and follicular – the body goes through, and they each have different purposes and can cause different symptoms.
READ MORE: Is period synching a real phenomenon or just a myth?
Dr Mariam Chaalan says that the different phases of the menstrual cycle can be described as the four seasons. Getty
9honey spoke to Dr Mariam Chaalan, a GP with a special focus on women's health, to get a proper understanding of the different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Read ahead to learn more about the menstrual cycle.
What is the menstrual cycle?
"The menstrual cycle is a regular sequence of physiological changes that prepares the female body for potential pregnancy," Dr Chaalan explains.
"This complex process involves the ovaries and uterus and occurs monthly, starting from puberty and continuing until menopause."
What are the different stages of the menstrual cycle?
There are four different phases of the menstrual cycle, which Dr Chaalan describes by associating them with different seasons of the month.
The first phase is menstruation, when the bleed occurs, which Dr Chaalan describes as the winter of the menstrual cycle as it is when a menstruator usually feels "gloomy" with "lower energy levels".
The second phase is the follicular phase, which Dr Chaalan describes as spring, as it is when the body starts preparing itself for another potential pregnancy. It's usually when "you feel like you're starting to get your mojo back" and "you feel like your mood is improving".
READ MORE: Hidden detail in new William photo reveals royal children's sweet gesture
Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle where a menstruator feels the most energetic. Getty
Then there's ovulation, which is "roughly mid cycle and is when the egg is actually released from the ovary". This is a phase when energy levels are high and generally when menstruators "feel really confident and unstoppable", which is why Dr Chaalan describes it as the summer.
Then the body starts falling back towards winter with the luteal phase, which Dr Chaalan describes as the autumn of the menstrual cycle. This is usually when menstruators feel the most moody and experience PMS symptoms.
What happens during the menstrual phase?
"Menstruation, or the period, is the start of the [menstrual] cycle. This flow is usually a sign that pregnancy has not been achieved," Dr Chaalan explains.
It's during this phase, which typically lasts between three to seven days, that the uterine lining is shed and hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest, Dr Chaalan explains.
Many may also "experience symptoms like fatigue, cramps and mood changes" during this time, and Dr Chaalan says "it's essential to prioritise rest and self care during this time".
READ MORE: All of Kamala Harris' history-making moves have led to this moment
During menstruation, Dr Chaalan says its important to prioritise rest and self care. Getty
What happens during the follicular phase?
The follicular phase, which Dr Chaalan describes as the spring of the cycle, "begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation" and typically lasts seven to 14 days.
In this phase a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to prepare an egg for release and estrogen levels begin to rise, Dr Chaalan explains.
"Women [and people who menstruate] may notice increased energy and improved mood during this phase, making it an excellent time for social activities and exercise," she says.
What happens during the ovulation phase?
The ovulation phase is the phase when an egg is released prompted by a surge in Luteinising hormone.
"This is the most fertile period, often accompanied by heightened energy, and increased libido," Dr Chaalan explains. It is during this phase that pregnancy can occur.
READ MORE: Woman rushed to hospital after eye drop mistake
The luteal phase is when menstruators tend to experience PMS symptoms. Getty
What happens during the luteal phase?
The final phase of the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase and this is the phase notorious for causing challenging symptoms for many.
Levels of progesterone and estrogen are heightened during this phase to support a potential pregnancy but "if fertilisation does not occur," hormone levels will decline and trigger the onset of menstruation and the cycle starts all over again.
"Many women experience PMS symptoms (including bloating, mood swings and breast tenderness) during this phase, making self-care and stress management important," Dr Chaalan says.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
