Understand the Phases in the Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is a natural thing experienced by a woman. Although it has been experienced since I was a teenager, not all women know what really happens in the body during the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles are changes in a woman's body, especially in the reproductive organs. Menstruation occurs when the lining of the uterine lining (endometrium) is thickened due to the absence of fertilization of the egg. Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman, can occur between 23-35 days, but the average menstrual cycle is 28 days.

Hormones That Affect Phases in the Menstrual Cycle

Basically, the menstrual cycle is divided into several phases that are regulated by five hormones in the body. The hormones in question include:

  • Estrogen

    • Hormones produced in the ovary play an important role in the body, especially in ovulation in the female reproductive cycle. The hormone estrogen also plays a role in adolescent body changes during puberty and is involved in the re-formation of the lining of the uterus after menstrual periods.

  • Progesterone

    • This hormone works in conjunction with estrogen to maintain the reproductive cycle and maintain pregnancy. Similar to estrogen, progesterone is also produced in the ovaries and plays a role in thickening of the uterine wall.

  • Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-GnRh hormone

    • Produced by the brain, this hormone helps stimulate the body to produce follicle stimulating hormones and lutein hormones.

  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)

    • The egg and ovulation process are produced by the ovary thanks to stimulation from this hormone.

  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

    • This hormone functions to help the egg in the ovary mature and ready to be released. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland in the lower part of the brain.

Phases in the Menstrual Cycle

    First Phase - Menstruation

    The first phase of the menstrual cycle usually takes 3-7 days. At this time, the lining of the uterine lining breaks down into menstrual blood. The amount of blood that comes out during menstruation ranges between 30-40 ml in each cycle. On the first day until the 3rd day, menstrual blood that comes out will be more. At this time, usually women will feel pain or cramps in the pelvis, legs, and back. Pain in the abdomen that is also often felt in the first days of menstruation is triggered due to contractions in the uterus. This uterine muscle contraction occurs due to an increase in the hormone prostaglandin during menstruation. The strong contractions in the uterus can cause oxygen supply to the uterus does not run smoothly. Because of this lack of oxygen, cramps or abdominal pain are felt during menstruation. Although it causes pain, the contractions that occur during menstruation actually function to help push and remove the lining of the uterine lining which breaks down into menstrual blood. The decay of the lining of the uterine lining is also caused by a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. At the same time, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) begins to increase slightly and provokes the development of 5-20 follicles (pockets containing ovaries) in the ovary. Of the several follicles that develop, there is only one follicle that continues to develop to produce estrogen. It is during this menstrual period that your estrogen hormone will be at a low level. So do not be surprised if you are emotionally easier to be angry or offended during menstruation.

    Second Phase - Pre-ovulation and Ovulation

    In the pre-ovulatory phase, the lining of the uterine lining which once decays will begin to thicken again. The lining of the uterine lining is quite thin, so sperm can pass through this layer easily and can last for approximately 3-5 days. The process of thickening of the uterus is triggered by an increase in hormones. Maybe you had thought that ovulation always occurs on the 14th day after the first cycle. But in fact each woman's ovulation is not the same, depending on each menstrual cycle and several factors, such as weight loss, stress, illness, diet and exercise. If you are planning to have a baby, it helps you have intercourse with your husband during the period of ovulation until ovulation. Because, this is the best time for fertilization to occur. In addition, sperm can last for about 3 to 5 days in the uterus.

    Third Phase - Pre Menstruation

    In this phase the lining of the uterine wall thickens. This is because the follicles that have ruptured and excrete eggs, form the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then produces progesterone which makes the lining of the uterine wall thicker. If fertilization does not occur, you will begin to experience premenstrual symptoms (PMS), such as emotional changes that are more sensitive and changes in physical conditions, such as breast pain, dizziness, fatigue, or bloating. In addition to these symptoms, the corpus luteum will degenerate and stop producing progesterone. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone and estrogen levels will decrease, the lining of the uterine lining will also decay until it becomes menstrual blood.
If you experience irregular menstrual cycles, menstruation for more than 7 days, or no menstruation for 3 months in a row, consult your obstetrician immediately. The doctor will do an examination to find out your condition. That way, any irregularities that emerge can be immediately detected and given the right treatment.

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