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Menstrual Cycle

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1 

Your Period

Your uterus lining sheds during this time. It contains blood, mucus, and some cells from your uterus lining.

2

The Follicular Phase

Begins on the first day of your period and lasts for about 13-14 days. During this phase, your hormone levels fluctuate and cause the lining of your uterus to thicken and follicles to grow on the surface of the ovaries. Typically only one of these follicles will turn into a mature egg!

3

Ovulation

Around day 14, a mature egg is released from an ovary. This typically happens once a month, 2 weeks prior to your next period. This is when you are most likely to get pregnant if you are having unprotected sex during this time. 

4

The Luteal Phase

After ovulation, the egg flows through the fallopian tubes to your uterus. At this point, the uterus lining continues to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. If you do become pregnant, you won’t have a period. If you don’t get pregnant, the cycle begins again!

Periods and Premenstrual Syndrome

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Common Period Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from person to person, and in the level of severity as well. Here are some of the most common symptoms.

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  • Tender breasts

  • Bloating

  • Fluid retention

  • Muscle aches

  • Joint pain

  • Headaches

  • Acne

  • Abdominal cramps

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Lower back pain

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Low energy/fatigue

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

According to the Mayo Clinic, premenstrual syndrome, which is defined as  a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their period, is typically thought to be caused by changes in hormones, chemical changes in the brain or existing depression. It’s estimated that 3 out of 4 women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome. Here are some of the common symptoms

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  • Tension or anxiety

  • Depressed mood

  • Crying spells

  • Mood swings and irritability or anger

  • Appetite changes and food cravings

  • Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

  • Social withdrawal

  • Poor concentration

  • Change in libido

  • Joint or muscle pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain related to fluid retention

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Breast tenderness

  • Acne flare-ups

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Alcohol intolerance

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