The menstrual cycle is a natural process that punctuates the lives of millions of women. Yet, many still don't fully understand how it works, its different phases, or the hormonal changes that accompany it.

Understanding one's cycle allows for better listening to one's body, recognizing certain symptoms, and adopting appropriate solutions to experience periods more serenely.

In this complete guide, let's discover the different phases of the menstrual cycle, the hormones involved, possible symptoms, and solutions for healthy and body-respecting menstrual hygiene.

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle corresponds to all the hormonal changes that occur in the body between the first day of menstruation and the start of the next menstruation. Its average duration is 28 days, but it can generally vary between 21 and 35 days depending on the woman.

During this cycle, the body prepares each month for a possible pregnancy. The cycle is controlled by several hormones produced by the ovaries and the brain, including:

• estrogens
• progesterone
• follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• luteinizing hormone (LH)

These hormones regulate the maturation of the egg and the transformations of the uterus.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic)

The 4 phases of the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is generally divided into four main phases.

1. The menstrual phase: menstruation

The menstrual phase corresponds to menstruation, which is the shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur. It is often during this phase that a girl's first period occurs, an important step in her life. Understanding this moment allows her to experience it with more serenity and confidence. To gently accompany this stage, discover our dedicated article: 👉 first period: simple guide for teenagers.

The duration of menstruation varies from one woman to another, but it is generally between 3 and 7 days. This duration can change over time, especially during adolescence or due to hormonal changes. 👉 Find out more in the dedicated article how long do periods last

During this period, some women may experience:

• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• headaches
• decreased energy

These symptoms are related to the release of substances called prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions. 👉 What foods can worsen menstrual pain?
(Source: National Institutes of Health)

2. The follicular phase

This phase begins at the same time as menstruation and lasts until ovulation.

During this period:

• the ovaries prepare several follicles
• an egg begins to mature
• estrogens gradually increase

Estrogens also stimulate the thickening of the uterine lining.

Many women experience during this phase:

• more energy
• better concentration
• a stable mood

3. The ovulatory phase

Ovulation corresponds to the release of an egg from the ovary.

It generally occurs around the middle of the cycle, around day 14 in a 28-day cycle.

The egg can be fertilized for approximately 24 hours.

Certain signs can indicate ovulation:

• more abundant cervical mucus
• slight pain in the lower abdomen
• increased libido

This period also corresponds to the fertility window.

4. The luteal phase

After ovulation, the body enters the luteal phase.

During this phase:

• progesterone increases
• the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy

If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop and menstruation begins.

Some women may experience:

• fatigue
• irritability
• breast tenderness
• cravings

These symptoms are often associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

👉Discover what to eat during your period to feel better
(Source: Mayo Clinic9

Hormones that influence the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is orchestrated by a complex hormonal balance.

The main hormones involved are:

Estrogens

They play an important role in:

• egg maturation
• endometrial thickening
• energy and mood

Progesterone

It prepares the uterus for pregnancy and increases after ovulation. When progesterone drops, menstruation begins.

FSH and LH

These hormones produced by the pituitary gland control ovarian activity and trigger ovulation.

Symptoms related to the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle can be accompanied by various physical or emotional symptoms.

Among the most common premenstrual symptoms:

• menstrual pain
• fatigue: why are you tired during your period?
• bloating
• breast tenderness
• mood swings
• headaches

Every woman experiences her cycle differently. Some experience few symptoms while others may be more sensitive to hormonal variations.

Some women also experience cravings before their period. 👉 We explain this phenomenon in our dedicated article.

Menstrual pain: why does it appear?

Menstrual pain, called dysmenorrhea, is very common. But why do we have painful periods?

They are mainly caused by uterine contractions that allow the uterine lining to be expelled.

These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, substances produced by the body. When their level is high, the pain can be more intense.

According to medical estimates, more than half of women suffer from menstrual pain at some point in their lives.

👉 To learn more, discover our article on how to relieve menstrual cramps naturally.
(Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

The importance of good menstrual hygiene

Adopting good menstrual hygiene is essential to preserve intimate health.

This includes:

• regularly changing protection
• choosing safe products
• using breathable underwear
• washing with gentle, adapted products

Proper menstrual hygiene helps limit irritation and discomfort. 👉Discover how to choose healthy menstrual protection?

Different menstrual protections

Today, several solutions exist to manage periods.

The most common are:

• sanitary pads
• tampons
• menstrual cups
• menstrual panties: how do they work?

Some studies have shown that certain disposable protections may contain traces of chemical substances from manufacturing processes. 👉 what you really need to know about these harmful substances for your health

(Source: ANSES report)

That's why more and more women are turning to more natural and sustainable alternatives. 👉Menstrual panties vs tampons: which protection to choose?

Menstrual panties: healthier and more sustainable menstrual protection

More and more women are now looking for solutions that respect their body and the environment. Menstrual panties are designed to absorb menstrual flow while remaining comfortable. Their functioning is based on several absorbent and breathable textile layers.

Sherydane menstrual panties are designed to offer healthy, comfortable protection that respects the body and the planet. They offer a reusable alternative for experiencing your periods with complete peace of mind and reducing your mental load.

Among their advantages:

• reusable
• more ecological
• comfortable
• no chemicals, no added harmful substances
• made in France

👉 Discover Sherydane organic menstrual panties, free of toxins, endocrine disruptors, and PFAS.

Learning to better understand your cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle is an important step in taking care of your health.

Observing the phases of the cycle allows for a better understanding of:

• its energy variations
• its emotions
• the body's signals

By learning to listen to your cycle, it becomes easier to adopt adapted solutions to experience your periods with more serenity.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic - Mayo Clinic - National Institutes of Health - ANSES - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Frequently asked questions about periods and the menstrual cycle

How long do periods last?

Periods usually last between 3 and 7 days, but this can vary depending on the woman. A complete menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days, although a duration between 21 and 35 days is considered normal.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic)

At what age do first periods begin?

First periods generally appear between 10 and 15 years old. The average age is around 12 years old, but there are normal variations depending on genetics and body development. Discover a recent study on the subject 👉 Increasingly early periods: a public health issue

(Source: Mayo Clinic)

Is menstrual pain normal?

Many women experience pain during their periods, known as dysmenorrhea. It is caused by uterine contractions. If the pain becomes very intense or debilitating, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

What is the healthiest menstrual protection?

There are several menstrual protections: pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or menstrual panties. Some women today prefer reusable alternatives without controversial substances to limit exposure to certain components present in disposable protections. That's why Sherydane has designed and developed toxin-free menstrual panties, made in France, to give women the power to choose what's best for their bodies.
(Source: ANSES report)

Key takeaways about the menstrual cycle

• the menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days
• it consists of 4 main phases
• hormones influence energy, mood, and symptoms
• menstrual pain is common but can be alleviated
• today there are several menstrual protections adapted to each woman's needs.