What exactly happens during a women's period?
A woman’s period, also called menstruation, is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining when an egg is not fertilized.
1. Menstrual Cycle Overview
Average length: 28 days (can range 21–35 days)
Main phases:
Menstrual phase – bleeding
Follicular phase – egg matures
Ovulation – egg release
Luteal phase – preparation for possible pregnancy
2. Menstrual Phase (Bleeding)
Timing: Day 1–5 (varies by woman)
What happens:
The uterus sheds its lining (endometrium) because no egg was fertilized
Blood, mucus, and tissue are expelled through the vagina
Symptoms:
Cramps (uterine contractions)
Bloating
Fatigue
Mood changes
3. Follicular Phase (Preparing the Egg)
Timing: Days 1–13 (overlaps with menstruation at the start)
What happens:
The pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
Ovaries develop a mature egg inside a follicle
Estrogen rises, helping uterine lining grow for a possible pregnancy
Symptoms:
Energy may increase
Mood stabilizes after bleeding
4. Ovulation (Egg Release)
Timing: Around day 14 in a 28-day cycle
What happens:
Ovary releases a mature egg
Egg travels down the fallopian tube, ready for fertilization
Signs:
Slight abdominal twinges (ovulation pain)
Clear, stretchy cervical mucus
Increased libido
5. Luteal Phase (Waiting for Fertilization)
Timing: Days 15–28
What happens:
The empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum, releasing progesterone
Uterine lining thickens to support a possible pregnancy
If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels drop
The uterine lining breaks down, triggering the next period
Symptoms:
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Mood swings (PMS)
Fatigue
6. Blood Color and Flow
Bright red: Fresh blood at the start
Dark red/brown: Older blood near the end
Clots: Small clots are normal; large or frequent clots may need medical attention
7. Key Points
A period is the body’s way of resetting the uterus each month
Symptoms and flow vary among women and cycles
Tracking your period helps understand your health, fertility, and hormonal patterns
Summary
During a period:
The uterus sheds its lining
Hormones fluctuate, causing physical and emotional symptoms
The cycle prepares the body for fertilization each month