Tired of feeling like your period is a monthly mystery? Believe it or not, the average woman spends nearly seven years of her life menstruating!1 That’s a lifetime of potential discomfort, confusion, and missed opportunities if you don’t understand what’s really happening. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Beyond the bleeding lies a fascinating world of hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and emotional shifts. Get ready to dive into the different phases of your cycle, its impact on your body and mind, and why tracking it can be a game-changer for your overall health. Read on to learn more!

Menstrual Cycle, Menses, and Menstruation: Key Definitions

Let’s start by breaking down some essential terms related to the menstrual cycle, making it easy for you to understand and navigate your health journey:2,3

  • Menstrual cycle: This is the monthly series of changes a woman’s body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. It’s not just about periods; it involves your hormones, ovaries, and uterus working in harmony over about 28 days (though this can vary!).
  • Menstruation: Also known as “menses” or “period,” it refers to the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) when pregnancy does not occur. This shedding results in vaginal bleeding, typically lasting between 3 to 7 days, and can feel different for everyone.
  • Menses: Derived from Latin, “mensis” (month),is a more formal term for menstruation. Both terms refer to the cyclical shedding of the uterine lining and the associated bleeding.

Remember, every woman’s experience of her menstrual cycle is unique—what’s normal for one might not be for another—so it’s always good to keep track and consult with your Aussie-based healthcare doctor or nurse practitioner if you have concerns.

What is the Function of the Menstrual Cycle? 

The menstrual cycle is a natural process in the female body that serves several key functions, primarily related to reproduction and health. Here’s a breakdown of its main functions:4

  • Reproduction: The most well-known function of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the body for pregnancy each month. It involves the thickening of the uterus lining to ready it for a potentially fertilised egg. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, this lining is shed as a discharge of blood and tissue through the vagina, which is what happens during a menstrual period.
  • Hormonal Regulation: The menstrual cycle is governed by a complex interplay of hormones that not only regulate the cycle itself but also influence many other aspects of health, including bone density, skin health, and even mood.
  • Natural Detoxification: The shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation helps to remove toxins and old cellular debris from the body. This natural cleansing process is part of why regular menstrual cycles are considered an indicator of good reproductive health.

What Hormones Influences the Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is orchestrated by a symphony of hormones that play crucial roles at various stages. Here’s a look at the key players:5

  1. Oestrogen: This hormone ramps up during the first half of the cycle, helping to thicken the uterine lining and prepare the body for a possible pregnancy.
  2. Progesterone: Levels of progesterone rise after ovulation, maintaining the lining of the uterus and playing a critical role if pregnancy occurs. If not, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation.
  3. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Released by the pituitary gland, FSH is crucial at the start of the cycle. It stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles, each containing an egg.
  4. Luteinising Hormone (LH): This hormone also comes from the pituitary gland and surges mid-cycle to trigger ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary.

These menstrual cycle hormones are not only vital for reproduction but also affect many areas of health, from mood swings to bone density. Understanding their interplay can help you manage your health more effectively.

The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Explained

We often consider the menstrual cycle as just the time of the month when we bleed, but it’s more dynamic. Throughout the cycle, your body undergoes hormonal shifts that orchestrate physical and emotional transformations, in addition to period blood colour changes.

Let’s explore what happens during the four key phases of the menstrual cycle:5

1. Menstruation (Days 1-5)

Physical changes: Your uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding. You might experience cramps, bloating, tender breasts, and fatigue.

Hormonal changes: Oestrogen and progesterone levels are low.

What happens biologically: This is the phase most people associate with the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy hasn’t occurred, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds, resulting in bleeding composed of blood and tissue.

Blood colour:6 You might see a range of colours during this phase, from bright red to dark brown or even black.

  • Bright red: This is fresh blood and usually indicates a heavier flow.
  • Dark red or brown: This is older blood that has had time to oxidise (react with oxygen). It’s often seen towards the end of your period.  
  • Black: This can be alarming, but it’s usually just very old blood. However, if you see black blood consistently or have other symptoms, it’s best to check with your doctor.  

Emotional symptoms:8 Some women report feeling more emotional or irritable during this time, which could be linked to fluctuating hormone levels.

Typical duration: 3-7 days

Top 3 management tips:

Do you suffer from intense menstrual pains or cramps that disrupt your everyday tasks? Try our endometriosis quiz to find out if you need help. 

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14)

Physical changes: Your body is preparing for a potential pregnancy. The uterine lining thickens, and you might notice increased energy levels and a clearer complexion. Cervical mucus becomes thinner and more slippery to aid sperm travel.

Hormonal changes: FSH increases initially, then decreases as oestrogen rises.

What happens biologically: This phase overlaps with menstruation. The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating the growth of several follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs) in the ovaries. One follicle becomes dominant and matures, producing oestrogen. The rising oestrogen levels cause the uterine lining to thicken and prepare for a potential pregnancy.

Discharge colour:7 You might not see any blood during this phase, as your body is building up the uterine lining. However, some people experience light spotting or a pinkish discharge, especially around ovulation.

Emotional symptoms:8 Many women feel a boost in mood and libido as oestrogen levels rise.

Typical duration: About 14 days, but can vary considerably.

Top 3 management tips:

  • Embrace your increased energy with exercise and healthy foods.
  • This is a good time for tackling challenging tasks.
  • Enjoy connecting with others and feeling more outgoing.

3. Ovulation (Around Day 14)

Physical Changes: You release an egg! Some women experience mittelschmerz (a slight pain on one side of the lower abdomen), changes in cervical mucus (it becomes even more slippery, like egg whites to help sperm reach the egg), a slight increase in basal body temperature, and heightened senses (like smell and vision12).

Hormonal changes: LH surges, followed by a smaller surge in FSH. Oestrogen peaks just before ovulation.

What happens biologically: A surge in luteinising hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the dominant follicle in the ovary. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilised if sperm is present.

Blood colour:7 You may notice a small amount of light red or pinkish blood among signs of ovulation. It is often mixed with cervical mucus, which can make it appear lighter in colour.

Emotional symptoms:8 You might feel more confident, social, and even more attractive around ovulation.

Typical duration: The ovulation cycle itself is a brief event, lasting only 12-24 hours. The egg is viable for fertilisation for about 12-24 hours after its release.

Top 3 management tips:

  • If trying to conceive, this is your most fertile time or fertility window.
  • Pay attention to your body’s signals and prioritise well-being.
  • Harness your peak in creative energy and inspiration.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

Physical Changes: Progesterone takes centre stage, preparing the uterine lining for implantation. This can cause breast tenderness, bloating, and changes in appetite. Your body temperature remains slightly elevated.

Hormonal changes: Progesterone levels rise, while oestrogen levels initially decline then rise again before falling.

What happens biologically: The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilised egg. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone to support the early pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels and the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation).  

Discharge colour:9 Luteal phase discharge is typically white or off-white. It may also have a slightly yellow tinge.

Emotional symptoms:8 This is when PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can kick in for many women. Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, food cravings, and difficulty sleeping.

Typical duration: About 14 days, but can vary.

Top 3 management tips:

  • Manage PMS with magnesium-rich foods and stress reduction.
  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
  • Light exercise can help with mood and energy levels.

Wrapping It Up!

Understanding your menstrual cycle is more than anticipating your period. It’s about connecting with your body, recognising its rhythms, and using that knowledge for a healthier, empowered life. By tuning into your cycle’s phases, you can anticipate changes and manage symptoms proactively.

Remember, every woman’s cycle is unique. Stress, illness, significant weight changes, and certain medications can affect the menstrual cycle. Don’t hesitate to track your own experiences and reach out to your qualified healthcare provider in Australia with any questions or concerns.

FAQs on Menstrual Cycle

1. How long does a normal period last?10

You may be asking yourself: “Is a three-day period normal?” or “How many days between periods is normal?” The answer: A typical menstrual cycle might vary quite a bit from person to person, but generally, periods last anywhere from four to eight days. It’s perfectly normal for yours to be shorter or longer; everyone’s body is unique.

2. At what age does menstruation typically begin?11

On average, menstruation starts between the ages of 11 and 14, but it’s perfectly normal for periods to begin as early as 8 or as late as 17. Everybody is unique, so there’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal.”

3. What are symptoms of getting your period?3

Besides bleeding, you might experience:

  • Cramps: Pain in your lower abdomen.  
  • Bloating: Feeling full and tight in your belly.  
  • Mood swings: Feeling more emotional than usual.  
  • Tender breasts: Your breasts might feel sore or swollen.  
  • Headaches: Some people experience headaches before or during their period.  
  • Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual.

4. What is considered an irregular period?3

Irregular periods include:

  • Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.  
  • Missing periods frequently.
  • Bleeding for more than 8 days.
  • Bleeding much heavier or lighter than usual.

5. How much should I bleed during my period?11

Most people lose about 1 to 5 tablespoons of blood during their period. It might seem like more because it’s mixed with other fluids.  

6. How do I track my period?3

  • Calendar or app: Mark the first day of your period each month. Many period tracking apps are available.  
  • Note any symptoms: This can help you recognise patterns and identify potential issues.

7. When should I worry or be concerned about my period?2,3

See a doctor if you experience:

  • Sudden changes in your period.
  • Very heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour).  
  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Severe pain.
  • Periods that stop for more than 3 months (if you’re not pregnant or menopausal).

It’s always best to talk to your Aussie-based doctor or nurse practitioner if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle and hormones. They can provide personalised advice and support.

References

  1. UNICEF. FAST FACTS: Nine things you didn’t know about menstruation. Unicef.org. Published May 25, 2018. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/fast-facts-nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-menstruation
  2. Better Health Channel. Menstrual cycle. better health channel. Published 2012. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle. 
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases. Cleveland Clinic. Published December 9, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
  4. Oyelowo T. Menstrual Cycle – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Sciencedirect.com. Published 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/menstrual-cycle
  5. Dr. Hala Bastawros MD. Hormones of the Menstrual Cycle. iastate pressbooks pub. Published online December 12, 2023. https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/humanreproduction/chapter/female-hormones-on-menstrual-cycle/
  6. What Does the Colour of Your Period Mean? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-the-color-of-your-period-mean
  7. First Fertility. 10 Causes of Mid-Cycle Spotting | The Fertility Institute of New Orleans. The Fertility Institute. Published August 30, 2020. https://fertilityinstitute.com/10-causes-of-mid-cycle-spotting/
  8. Li D, Zhang L, Wang X. The effect of menstrual cycle phases on approach–avoidance behaviours in women: Evidence from conscious and unconscious processes. ProQuest. 2022;12(10):1417. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101417
  9. Cleveland Clinic. Luteal Phase Of The Menstrual Cycle: Symptoms & Length. Cleveland Clinic. Published April 11, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24417-luteal-phase
  10. Office on women’s health. Menstrual cycle tool. womenshealth.gov. Published March 16, 2018. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle
  11. NHS. Starting your periods. nhs.uk. Published April 9, 2018. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/
  12. 17.Renfro KJ, Hoffmann H. The relationship between oral contraceptive use and sensitivity to olfactory stimuli. Hormones and Behavior. 2013;63(3):491-496. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.01.001