Shannon Menstrual Cycle

I can help you see the differences clearly and in a way that feels simple and respectful.

Your cycle is divided into four phases, and each one has its own purpose, hormones, and effects on how you feel.

Here’s how they differ from one another:

🌑

1. Menstrual Phase

—

“Reset”

  • When: Days 1–5 (approximately)

  • What’s happening: The lining of your uterus (endometrium) is released through your period because no pregnancy occurred.

  • Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.

  • Body focus: Cleansing and resting so the body can start fresh.

  • How you might feel: Low energy, need more sleep or quiet time.

🌱

2. Follicular Phase

—

“Growth and Renewal”

  • When: From the first day of your period until ovulation (roughly Days 1–13).

  • What’s happening: Your brain releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). Several follicles in the ovaries begin maturing eggs; one becomes dominant. Estrogen rises, thickening the uterine lining again.

  • Hormones: Estrogen increases; FSH active.

  • Body focus: Preparing a new egg and rebuilding the uterine lining.

  • How you might feel: Rising energy, clearer thinking, better mood.

☀

3. Ovulation Phase

—

“Release”

  • When: Around Day 14 (mid-cycle).

  • What’s happening: A sudden LH (luteinizing hormone) surge causes the dominant follicle to release its egg. The egg travels through the fallopian tube, ready for fertilization.

  • Hormones: LH peaks; estrogen high.

  • Body focus: Fertile window; body is open to conception.

  • How you might feel: Social, confident, sometimes warmer body temperature.

🍂

4. Luteal Phase

—

“Nurture and Let Go”

  • When: Days 15–28 (after ovulation until your next period).

  • What’s happening: The empty follicle turns into the corpus luteum, releasing progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone and estrogen drop, signaling the uterus to shed its lining again.

  • Hormones: Progesterone dominant, then declines.

  • Body focus: Stabilize and then release the lining.

  • How you might feel: Calmer at first, then more tired, sometimes moodier right before your period (PMS).

Summary of Differences

  • Menstrual Phase: Resetting phase with low hormone levels, shedding of the uterine lining, and new follicle development.

  • Follicular Phase: Growth phase characterized by rising estrogen levels, rebuilding of the uterine lining, and egg maturation.

  • Ovulation Phase: Release phase with peak LH and estrogen levels, egg release, and the uterus prepared for implantation.

The menstrual cycle phases are menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase is characterized by specific hormone levels and uterine and ovarian actions.