Menstrual Cycle 101

Menstrual cycle

A healthy menstrual cycle is a vital sign!

Did you know a period is considered the fifth vital sign? An absent or irregular period holds many clues into a woman's overall health. A menstrual cycle consists of four phases:

1. Menstrual phase

2. Follicular phase

3. Ovulatory phase 

4. Luteal phase

​ You have 4 hormones that play crucial roles in your menstrual cycle, there are more, but for now we will stick to the 4 main hormones.

2 from the brain:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

​ 2 from the ovaries:

• Oestrogen 

• Progesterone

​ Day one of your cycle is when your period starts. After menstruation, follicles in the ovaries will grow begin to mature under the influence of FSH. As they grow they produce oestrogen, which thickens the endometrium and causes the glands of the cervix to produce cervical fluid. As oestrogen rises to peak levels, you may notice your cervical fluid becomes more slippery, clear and wet as the water concentration is higher. Peak oestrogen levels send a message to your brain, and your brain releases a surge of LH, the LH surge causes the egg to burst from it's follicle and this is what is known as ovulation. After ovulation occurs, what is left of the follicle that housed the egg forms the corpus luteum and this little gland secretes progesterone and some oestrogen! Progesterone's job is to maintain the uterine lining, and it also impacts cervical fluid, you will notice your cervical fluid will become more sticky, thick or it may just feel dry. Towards the end of your cycle the corpus luteum begins to break down and progesterone levels drop, and your period will follow.