Some women have a cycle of 27 days and never suffer from anything, others have a cycle of 31 days and experience moodswings and sore breasts. What is a normal menstrual cycle? And what phases does such a cycle actually consist of? In this blog you can read all about it!
A normal menstrual cycle, does it actually exist?
A hormone cycle lasts an average of 28 days and goes through 4 phases each time. A cycle is considered normal by many women (and girls) when it recurs monthly, but it used to be different. There, a woman was either pregnant or breastfeeding. Therefore, this means that women used to go through an entire menstrual cycle an average of 50 times in their lifetime. Nowadays, we as women have an average of 451!
The 4 phases of a menstrual cycle
As mentioned, a hormone cycle consists of 4 phases, all of which must be gone through properly, time after time, for a normal menstrual cycle. You could compare these phases to the 4 seasons in a year.
- Menstruation, winter
- Follicular phase, spring
- Ovulation, summer
- Luteal phase, autumn
Phase 1: Winter - Menstrual period
A cycle starts with menstruation, this is often seen as a time of rest and renewal, similar to the cold winter months. The menstrual period lasts an average of 3 to 7 days. During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, leading to the shedding of the endometrium - the actual menstruation. Support your body during this phase with warming foods and replenish your iron levels if necessary.
Toward the end of this phase, another cycle starts and estrogen levels slowly rise again.
Phase 2: Spring - Follicular phase
After menstruation, the spring of the cycle, also called the follicular phase, begins. This is a time of growth and preparation. On average, this phase lasts 7 to 10 days and your body is then hard at work getting one of the follicles (the egg) to grow into the most dominant one. The hormone estrogen gradually increases in this phase which causes the endometrium to thicken, this is pleasant for the egg as well as helps sperm gradually pass through the fallopian tube. In addition, another hormone is produced: the FSH hormone. FSH stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone and gives a signal to the ovaries - an egg may start growing for the approaching ovulation!
Phase 3: Summer - Ovulation
In summer, the cycle reaches its peak with the ovulation phase, which usually lasts 1 to 4 days. Similar to the abundance of summer, an egg is released from the ovary. Estrogen peaks and prepares the body for possible fertilization; you are most fertile during this phase.
Your endometrium is extra slimy and permeable during ovulation, so the sperm can easily find its way to the egg.
Because your estrogen levels are at their highest during this phase, it is nice to support your liver with detoxification. Therefore, avoid alcohol during the phase and make sure to eat at least 500 grams of vegetables a day, healthy fats, protein and fiber.
Phase 4: Autumn - Luteal phase
After ovulation, we enter the fall of the cycle, also known as the luteal phase. This phase lasts an average of 10 to 14 days. Estrogen decreases and progesterone increases to prepare the endometrium for possible pregnancy. Does no pregnancy follow? Then the progesterone level drops again and menstruation will start again.
Conclusion:
Is there a normal menstrual cycle? Yes and no. You can consider a menstrual cycle normal when all 4 phases are completed, but some people take longer than others. Does your hormonal cycle last shorter than 26 days, or longer than 31 days? Then you can speak of an abnormal menstrual cycle and it may be advisable to put it under the microscope. Also, in case of monthly recurring PMS symptoms or a hormonal imbalance, it may be nice to seek the guidance of a therapist or request a hormone test!
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