menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
Menstrual phase
The menstrual cycle starts with menstrual bleeding (menstruation), which is the shedding of the uterus lining from the body through the vagina and lasts about 3 to 7 days. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and you’ll experience cramps, mood swings, bloating, food cravings, tender breasts, and irritability. Resting, yoga, stretching, and walking are some ways to make this time manageable. I liken this phase to a mix of when Beyoncé was getting ready for Coachella and was eating that apple like it was her last supper and when she hit the Britney Spears in the “Hold Up” video.
RELATED: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Not Your Regular PMS
Follicular phase
The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation (there is some overlap with the menstrual phase. During this phase, the pituitary gland stimulates the ovaries by releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of 3 to 30 follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg, but only one healthy follicle will fully mature into an egg. The rest of the follicles will be reabsorbed into the body. The maturing follicle causes an increase in estrogen and stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken to prepare for pregnancy. The length of this phase varies, but on average, it lasts about 13 or 14 days. I liken this phase to regular country Houston-bred Beyoncé (the version we hardly see); during this phase, we’re all just living our normal lives.
Ovulation phase
Ovulation begins with the Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulating the release of a mature egg from the ovary. The egg travels through the fallopian tube towards the uterus to be fertilized by sperm. If no sperm is present for about 24 hours, the egg will die (but sperm can live up to 5 days in the body). There are about 6 days that pregnancy can occur (fertile window), starting 5 days before ovulation and ending 1 day after ovulation (this varies for everyone). The entire phase typically lasts only for 12 to 24 hours and happens about 14 days before the start of the next period. Some noticeable symptoms of ovulation are an increase in basal temperature and a thick discharge (has the texture of egg whites). Due to an increase in hormones, many women and menstruating people experience an increase in libido (ovulation horny is persistent, you hear me). This phase is “Partition” Beyoncé through and through, y’all know the lyrics.
Luteal phase
The luteal phase starts after ovulation and lasts for 14 days, ending before the next menstrual cycle. It begins with the follicle releasing the egg and it changes into the corpus luteum, producing progesterone and estrogen. The body prepares for pregnancy, however, when pregnancy does not occur the corpus luteum will shrink and be reabsorbed into the body causing the lining of the uterus to shed. Then a new menstrual cycle will start. I can only describe this phase as Beyoncé sitting courtside at basketball games looking all confused and distraught, cause girl why I gotta go through this every. single. month?!?!
Closing
Whew! That was a lot, but I hope that we all have a better understanding of what is happening in our bodies every month. If you’re still confused, no worries reproductive health is an entire science. Remember, you know your body better than anyone, so protect it, and always advocate for yourself. Please be sure to consult with a medical professional, preferably an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN) or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant, for more information, a diagnosis, or treatment.
Be on the lookout for more articles from “SPEAK UP!” interns. If you are or know of any Black college-aged and enrolled women interested in advocating against tobacco cessation on HBCU campuses, please visit Save a Girl, Save a World (SAGSAW) for more information.
Aravia Patterson, MPH, is a 26-year-old intern with SAGSAW/SPEAK Up! She is currently a Ph.D. Student at the University of Louisville studying Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences.