The Menstrual Cycle (The Period)
As you come into puberty, you will experience your first menstrual cycle or period. A period is the process of your uterus shedding its lining, or the endometrium (or uterine lining). Every month, the lining inside of your uterus will thicken in preparation for pregnancy and supporting a fetus in the womb. When no pregnancy occurs, the lining is shed during the period, only to be replaced again during the next phase. This is the cycle and it typically repeats every 28-32 days.
In-Depth Video Explanation
A visual guide to understanding what happens each month.
Watch on YouTubeShorter overview video on periods and the menstrual cycle:
Watch on YouTubeAnother quick video on how the cycle works:
Watch on YouTubePhases of the Menstrual Cycle
Follicular Phase
This phase starts on the first day of your period and ends with ovulation (roughly day 1-14 in a 28 day cycle). The estrogen and FSH hormones in the body rise and cause the endometrium (or uterine lining) to thicken.
Ovulatory Phase
One singular egg is released from the ovaries into the fallopian tube around day 14 in a 28 day cycle. The egg will hang out in the fallopian tube for about 24 hours, and if it is not fertilized by a sperm cell it will die or dissolve.
Luteal Phase
If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone and estrogen hormones lower and one may experience symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS (roughly days 15-28). Symptoms may look like bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, headaches, mood changes, etc.
Menstrual Phase (The Period)
The uterine lining sheds due to the absence of the fertilized egg. Bleeding will occur anywhere from 3-7 days and one may experience cramping, mood swings, and tiredness. This phase overlaps with the follicular phase.
Note for New Menstruators
In your first couple of periods, your cycle may not happen on a regular schedule. This is called an irregular period and is very normal to experience during the first couple of periods.