Every month, women face the onset of menstruation, a time many find uncomfortable, either because they have learned to see things this way or from their own experiences. The changes that occur at each stage of the menstrual cycle are part of a natural phenomenon, and these steps can be very different from each other.
Understanding what we can feel in each of them will help us open the door so that the menstrual cycle is not a negative of our well-being.
- In addition to menstruation.
- Which is perhaps the best known phase for having very obvious characteristics and also because it is the one that arouses the most interest in advertising.
- We also have the follicular phase.
- The ovulation phase and the luteal phase.
- We will talk about each of them.
- See what it is and what steps we can take so that it does not negatively affect our daily lives.
Remember that the menstrual cycle is an organic process, and that knowledge will also improve our communication with our body: we will be able to identify more signs and interpret them better.
There are four phases of the menstrual cycle. In each of them there is a specific production of hormones and neurotransmitters, so thanks to this production we can describe with some precision what happens in each phase.
The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends one day before the next, knowing that this varies from woman to woman, it can be said to last between 21 and 35 days.
It is inevitable that changes in our hormones will have an emotional impact, hormones affect the chemical balance of our brain and therefore do the same indirectly in our mood.
The phases of the menstrual cycle affect most of a woman’s emotions and behaviors, so during menstruation there is a decrease in the level of estrogen, a hormone that affects the excitability of the nervous system.
When the estrogen level drops, it also lowers the amount of neurotransmitters like encephalins, endorphins and serotonin, the same ones that make us feel good. Estrogen reduction also reduces levels of estradiol, a hormone that influences sexual appetite. Along with this, there are also lower levels of progesterone, a hormone that affects nerve tension and irritability.
We could use that phase to focus on ourselves. It’s a time of introspection. As a result, related activities, such as writing, tend to be more fluid, it’s also a good time to make decisions that require a little analysis and calmness.
The duration of the follicular phase, the first phase of the menstrual cycle, varies from woman to woman, in addition, it will depend on the growth of the váric follicles, which begins on the day menstruation arrives and ends with the release of the váric follicles. egg At this stage, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone is produced, which activates estrogen production.
The amount of estrogen gradually increases at this stage, especially estradiol, which biologically results in an increase in neurotransmitters such as encephalins, endorphins and serotonin, and until day 11 of the cycle the regions associated with the reward system are activated.
What happens at the biological level is reflected on a psychological level, at this stage increases the feeling of happiness and sexual desire, in addition we gain more strength and energy by increasing estradiol.
This step is an unprecedented opportunity to start projects, by activating reward systems, this is a phase that promotes planning and achieving goals, at this point it will be easier to feel than the effort invested has been profitable.
The next phase of the menstrual cycle is the ovulatory phase. When the egg completes its maturation process, the pituitary gland causes an increase in luteinizing hormone, which is responsible for ovulation. The egg can be fertilized by a sperm within 12 to 36 hours. , which leads to pregnancy if fertilization is achieved, or otherwise periods.
What is the process At this stage estrogens increase and enzymes are produced that allow the degradation of follicular tissue, allowing the egg to mature and release; At this stage, sexual desire and energy increase thanks to the increase in estrogen plus the influence of oxytocin and serotonin In addition, it is a moment of reproduction, because that is when we are most likely to become pregnant.
To enjoy this phase, we can see reproduction in a different way than literally, for example, by putting all our energy into being creative it will also help to sink projects, we can also share and give our love and support to those who need us in this way, nurture our goals and identify with others.
The last phase of the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase, so after ovulation the yellow body is released, a structure containing the developing egg, if the yellow body has not been implanted stops producing progesterone. the uterus will detach, resulting in the next period.
A week before menstruation, estrogen and progesterone decrease, so we can cope with the famous PMS, the premenstrual tension, during which we may feel:
There are cases where symptoms may appear more intensely and premenstrual dysphoric disorder may also occur, studies of its impact indicate that between 3% and 8% of women are affected.
In fact, a study by Uriel Halbreich and collaborators, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, found that the deterioration and quality of life of people with this disorder are similar to what happens in dysthymic disorder.
Even if we have to deal with an avalanche of emotions, it is possible to enjoy this phase. It’s time to release all our burden, a good idea is to express our thoughts and feelings, as this will help reduce tension, so it’s a great opportunity to let go what doesn’t benefit us.
We could set aside our pessimistic vision of the menstrual cycle and see it as an opportunity to connect with ourselves, with our bodies and with our minds.
The follicular phase can become a period of reflection and decision, the ovulatory phase at a moment of expression, the luteal phase a moment of release and the menstrual phase in a period of emotional growth.
Every phase of the menstrual cycle manifests itself through our body and mind. Knowing them helps us learn more about ourselves and turn change into great benefits. The menstrual cycle has many parts; not everything is negative and depends on the perspective we use to see it.