Menstrual cycle: what are the phases of menstruation?

Menstruation accompanies women through a large part of their lives. Menstruation is a biological cycle regulated by hormonal mechanisms that not only help us understand fertility, but also health in general.

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the set of biological, physiological and hormonal processes and mechanisms that take place in a woman’s body and prepare it for a possible pregnancy. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries are involved in this cycle.

What happens is that the woman’s body prepares for ovulation and, if fertilisation does not occur, sheds the lining that has developed in the endometrium. In this cycle, oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH are the key hormones and the main drivers of the menstrual cycle.

How long does the menstrual cycle last?

It is normal for cycles not to be completely regular, especially during adolescence or perimenopause. But it is not only life stage and hormonal fluctuations that can influence the length of the menstrual cycle and its phases; it can also be affected and altered by stress, medication...

A normal menstrual cycle usually lasts between 21-35 days, with an average length of 28 days.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is made up of 4 phases that vary depending on the action of hormones, and this determines their duration and physiological characteristics.

Understanding the menstrual cycle can help us not only to avoid or encourage pregnancy, but also to better understand women’s health and wellbeing. Any change in timing, characteristics or symptoms may indicate that there is a condition, issue or disorder.

Menstrual phase (approximately day 1 to 5)

The menstrual phase is the one that begins with bleeding. This menstrual bleeding happens because, if pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium sheds the layer it had built up to prepare the woman for pregnancy, and expels it in this way. This shedding occurs due to a drop in oestrogen and progesterone. Menstruation usually lasts 3-7days.

Follicular phase (approximately day 1 to 13)

It begins from the moment bleeding starts and continues until ovulation. It is characterised by the appearance of a dominant follicle, which will mature and prepare to release the egg. Oestrogen levels rise, the endometrium regenerates and the body prepares for possible fertilisation.

Ovulation phase (approximately day 14)

Ovulation happens halfway through the cycle. The LH hormone causes the mature follicle to rupture, which releases the egg into the fallopian tubes.

These are the woman’s most fertile days, as the released egg can be fertilised within a period of 12-24 hours.

Luteal phase (day 15 to 28)

At this stage, the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum and progesterone production begins. This hormone is produced to keep the endometrium in perfect condition for the possible implantation of the fertilised egg.

If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and oestrogen and progesterone levels fall. The cycle then begins again, with bleeding starting.

The importance of hygiene during menstruation

Hygiene is essential for maintaining intimate health. It is recommended to wash the area daily 1-2 times a day with specific intimate cleansers that maintain the area’s pH and do not cause imbalances or irritation.

For menstruation, we recommend using compresas Ausonia. Their technology and materials allow absorption without discomfort, helping you feel dry. Their anatomical design provides comfort and protection, and neutralises odours.

Within the Ausonia range, we can find different pads to suit every need: day, night, different absorption levels, wings...

In addition, for every pack of Ausonia, we contribute 1 minute of research against breast cancer.