The menstrual cycle is divided into four main stages, each regulated by hormones and preparing the body for a potential pregnancy. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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The 4 Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

• What happens:

  • The uterine lining (endometrium) sheds, causing menstrual bleeding

  • Blood, mucus, and tissue leave the body through the vagina

• Hormones: Low estrogen and progesterone

• Symptoms: Cramps, fatigue, bloating, mood changes

• Purpose: Resets the uterus for a new cycle

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2. Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)

• What happens:

  • The pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

  • Several ovarian follicles start maturing, and one becomes dominant

  • Uterine lining begins to thicken again

• Hormones: Rising estrogen

• Symptoms: Energy and mood often improve

• Purpose: Prepares an egg for ovulation

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3. Ovulation Phase (Around Day 14)

• What happens:

  • The dominant follicle releases a mature egg from the ovary

  • The egg travels down the fallopian tube, ready for fertilization

• Hormones: Peak estrogen, surge of LH (luteinizing hormone)

• Symptoms: Mild abdominal twinge, clear stretchy cervical mucus, increased libido

• Purpose: Provides the fertile window for possible conception

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4. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

• What happens:

  • The empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum, releasing progesterone

  • Uterine lining thickens to support a potential pregnancy

  • If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop, triggering the next period

• Hormones: Progesterone rises, then falls if no pregnancy occurs

• Symptoms: PMS: bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, fatigue

• Purpose: Prepares the uterus for implantation

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Summary

Phase	Days (approx.)	Key Hormones	Main Purpose
Menstrual	1–5	Low estrogen/progesterone	Shed uterine lining, reset cycle
Follicular	1–13	Rising estrogen, FSH	Prepare egg, thicken uterine lining
Ovulation	~14	LH surge, peak estrogen	Release egg for fertilization
Luteal	15–28	Progesterone	Prepare uterus for pregnancy