Secrets of the female cycle how hormones control our bodies
The female cycle is a fascinating interplay of hormones, where estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone work together to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy.
This cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days, with an average of around 28 days, but varies significantly from person to person, making it unique to each woman. Throughout this time, the interaction of these key hormones drives three main phases: the proliferative, ovulatory, and luteal phases. How do these phases affect our bodies, and what happens behind the scenes of this intricate process? Let’s take a closer look.
Knowing your cycle is not just about understanding your body—it’s a path to greater freedom and harmony in daily life.
The three phases of the female cycle
From birth, a woman’s ovaries contain around 1 to 2 million oocytes, but by puberty, this number drops to approximately 300,000–400,000. From puberty onwards, about 10 to 20 follicles begin maturing each month, but usually, only one becomes dominant and reaches ovulation.
Proliferative phase: growth and preparation
The proliferative phase starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the uterine lining, which was shed in the previous cycle, begins to regenerate. Estrogen plays a key role in this process by stimulating the growth of a new uterine lining, creating optimal conditions for a fertilized egg to implant.
At the same time, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increases, triggering the maturation of ovarian follicles. Although several eggs begin to develop, only one typically becomes dominant and prepares for ovulation.
Ovulation: the key event of the cycle
Ovulation is the moment when the dominant follicle releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube, where it begins its journey toward the uterus. This typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but it can range between days 12 and 16, depending on individual cycle length.
The egg remains viable for fertilization for about 24 hours. If sperm is present during this time, conception may occur.
Luteal phase: the final stage of the cycle
After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Luteinizing hormone (LH) helps maintain the function of the corpus luteum, ensuring stable progesterone levels.
If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels decline, triggering menstruation, during which the uterine lining is shed. Many women overestimate the amount of blood lost during menstruation, but studies show that the actual volume is usually between 30 and 60 ml—far less than it may seem. A loss of more than 80 ml may indicate heavy menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia.
How hormones influence daily life
Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH levels can significantly impact a woman’s well-being and emotions. Some may experience physical discomfort such as abdominal pain or headaches, while others may feel more fatigued or emotionally sensitive.
Tracking your cycle using a menstrual calendar is a great way to understand how hormonal changes affect your mood and energy levels. Many doctors recommend bringing a cycle tracker to medical appointments, as it helps identify patterns and find the best ways to manage any uncomfortable symptoms.
Why knowing your cycle matters
Being aware of your menstrual cycle allows you to take better control of your health and detect any irregularities early. Understanding how your body changes throughout the cycle can improve overall well-being, help manage discomfort, and empower you to make informed decisions about your health and daily activities.
