The Woman's Hormonal Cycle Explained

A woman's hormonal cycle is very complex. This cycle, also known as the menstrual cycle, consists of several phases and involves multiple hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the uterus is prepared for pregnancy.

When there has been no fertilization, Everything is cleared out, and the cycle begins again. Different hormones have different functions in this process. In this article, we'll try to clearly explain how the female hormonal cycle works.

Of course there are exceptions, but in general, women who do not use hormonal contraception have their own natural hormonal cycle.

This lasts an average of 28 days, but a cycle of between 21 and 35 days is also considered normal. The female hormonal cycle can be divided into four phases: menstruation, follicular phase (pre-ovulation), ovulation and luteal phase (pre-menstruation)[ 1 ].

The uterus, ovaries, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland are responsible for hormone changes and release. Hormones can be seen as the communication channel between the brain and reproductive organs, initiating processes in the body. Therefore, different hormones are present in different phases of the cycle.

A woman's hormonal cycle begins with menstruation, the period of bleeding, which typically lasts 3 to 7 days. Menstruation begins when the hormones estrogen and progesterone have decreased. In response, the uterine lining that has built up is shed.

At the same time, the follicles containing eggs in the ovaries begin growing again. One such egg will "pop" in the next cycle. Menstruation is therefore also the follicular phase, but you'll read more about this later.

Menstruation is often compared to winter. Women often feel tired and don't feel like doing anything. Practically speaking, you're also busy collecting blood, and you may experience cramps. You might want to withdraw a bit and schedule quiet or no activities.

In summary, ovulation is:

• Period of bleeding
• Follicles grow
• Hormones: Low
• Season: Winter
• Feeling: Withdrawal and low energy

Menstruation stops and the follicular phase continues. This means that the follicles containing the eggs continue to grow under the influence of the hormone FSH.

These follicles release the hormone estrogen, which makes the cervix more receptive to sperm. Each woman's cycle, one follicle in the ovary fully develops. When this happens, significantly more estrogen is suddenly released, triggering ovulation.

Pre-ovulation is similar to spring. It's a period of rebuilding and a kind of "new beginning." Women often feel more energetic, more attractive[ 2 ], and more eager to do things. Sex drive increases because you're now fertile, and your body doesn't want to miss out on the chance to get pregnant!

In short, the follicular phase is:

• Period of development of follicles with egg cell
• Fertility
• Hormones - FSH, estrogen
• Season - Spring
• Feeling - Energy and confidence

This is also called ovulation, which lasts about a day. When a follicle is fully developed, significantly more estrogen is released.

The pituitary gland recognizes this and releases the hormone LH. This causes the follicle to open and release the egg. It travels from the ovary to the fallopian tube. Ovulation occurs around day 14 of a woman's cycle, with the first day of her menstrual cycle being day 1.

Ovulation is often compared to summer. There's often still plenty of energy, a higher sex drive, and a greater desire to go out. Yet, it's not all fun and games. Many women feel their ovulation, and that can be quite painful. Common ovulation symptoms include cramps, bloating, and breast tenderness.

In short, ovulation is:

• The ovulation
• Hormones - Estrogen, LH
• Season - Summer
• Feeling - Energy and zest for life

The journey of the ruptured egg from the ovary, through the fallopian tube, to the uterus occurs in the luteal phase. The empty follicle (corpus luteum) is currently producing the hormone progesterone.

Progesterone and estrogen work together to prepare the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. They also temporarily inhibit the hormones that ensure the continued development of remaining eggs in the ovaries.

Because if there is a pregnancy, another ovulation won't be necessary! If fertilization doesn't occur, progesterone and estrogen levels drop again, triggering menstruation.

Premenstruation is similar to autumn. It's also called PMS week, because many women experience it during this time. PMS[ 3 ] is premenstrual syndrome, which can cause physical symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings.

In short, the luteal phase is:

• Preparing for pregnancy after ovulation
• Possible PMS
• Hormones - Progesterone, Estrogen
• Season - Autumn
• Feeling - Tired and irritable