2/4 The Menstrual Cycle. The follicular phase

After discussing menstruation last week, let's continue our discovery of period . Let's focus this time on the follicular phaseThe menstrual cycle has several phases: the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase (or ovulation) and the luteal phase.

The period are part of the follicular phase. As menstruation is an important event of the hormonal cycle, we decided to make it a separate article.
However, the follicular phase is not just about with medium flows. What happens in our body at this specific moment of the cycle? Can we feel certain symptoms? What is the follicular phase for? What does “follicular” mean?

Loulou continues to unravel for you the female cycle. We believe that it is essential to know everything that happens in our body. This is essential to know ourselves, to understand ourselves, to calm our doubts, our anxieties, in short to better live our daily life as a woman!

The follicular phase in the menstrual cycle

Let's continue our exploration of the period . The female cycle is a cyclical process that repeats itself tirelessly. It undeniably begins again and again and has the objective of preparing the woman's body for a potential fertilization.

The menstrual cycle consists of several phases. Usually, it is said that a cycle takes place on 28 days. In reality, it varies significantly. This is normal. It is never exact and precise. So it can be a little shorter (25 days) or a little longer (35 days). Whatever the length, the follicular phase is located at the beginning of the cycle and usually corresponds to the first fourteen days.

Fourteen days, or the equivalent of approximately half the female hormonal cycle. These fourteen days always begin with menstruation and always end with theovulation, which is another phase of the cycle. Here too their duration varies from one woman to another, from one cycle to another. On average, the periods last a short week, between 3 and 6 days.

Remember that a hormonal cycle always begins on the first day of your period. With the arrival of your period, a new cycle begins and therefore a new follicular phase.

Follicular phase Q&A

✤ What happens during the follicular phase?

During the follicular phase, theendometrium is expelled because there was no fertilization in the previous cycle. In other words, menstruation or menstrual bleeding occurs. This happens because the levels ofestrogen and progesterone are low. At the end of the period, everything starts up again for the umpteenth time.

The follicular phase is also called pre-ovulatory phase. In other words, everything is in place to prepare for ovulation, which will take place around the 14th day of the cycle.

THEhypothalamus releases a hormone GnRH. This in turn stimulates the pituitary gland (another gland in the brain). L'pituitary then secretes some FSH, a hormone essential for stimulating follicles.

In your ovaries, many follicles have been present since your birth. They carry oocytes. We can imagine a follicle as a bag. With the secretion of FSH, these follicles wake up and become agitated. They are stimulated. Only one manages to pull through and emerge mature, the dominant follicle. We call it the Graafian follicle. It releases an egg that is ready to be fertilized. This is no longer the follicular phase but ovulation.

The mature follicle produces estrogen. These begin to prepare the uterus for potential fertilization of the egg. Estrogen levels peak 24 hours before ovulation.

✤ How long does the follicular phase last?

On an average cycle of 28 days, the follicular phase normally lasts 14 days. However, it is the phase of the menstrual cycle that can vary the most. So it can lengthen or shorten. This is why it can be difficult for some to know when they are ovulating exactly (and therefore difficult to get pregnant). In pre-menopause, the follicular phase tends to shorten.

Doctors consider a follicular phase to be short if it lasts less than 10 days. In this case, the released oocyte will not have had time to mature properly.

On the contrary, a follicular phase is considered long when it has more than 25 days. In this case, the cycles are longer. The woman concerned has fewer ovulation windows in the year than a woman with a normal 28-day cycle. the PCOS is one reason among others.

✤ What symptoms can be experienced during the follicular phase?

Diametrically opposed, you can feel different states during this phase. When you have your period, you may feel very tired or have some pain more or less intense in the lower abdomen or lower back. Not all women experience these manifestations. And that can change from cycle to cycle.

Once your period is over, you feel lighter. You have moreEnergy, you are in a good mood and full of good positive vibes. The estrogen levels increases little by little over the days, it's normal. It's really the most serene and positive moment of the cycle. No pain, no SPM, no bad mood. You don't know any cravings, you are motivated to do sports and you stay more focused on your tasks.

✤ Can you get pregnant during the follicular phase?

This is not the time of the cycle when you are most fertile, however, be careful, your ovulation can occur earlier than expected. Always keep in mind that it is important to protect yourself whatever the time of your cycle, if of course, you are not looking to get pregnant.

✤ What problems can the follicular phase experience?

As you will have understood, the follicular phase refers to the process of formation of a oocyte viable, reliable and fertile. However, its path is strewn with pitfalls and may encounter several obstacles.

Already, the follicular phase can be compromised if there is a failure in the brain glands, pituitary and hypothalamus. If the hormonal secretion necessary for the proper development of the follicles does not occur or is insufficient, then the process is corrupted.

The SPOK, which we have already discussed, is the first reason forinfertility in the world. The follicular phase can encounter difficulties in the event of stress, jet lag, significant weight loss or gain. A early menopause can also be a reason.

Whatever the problem, it is absolutely necessary to talk about it to a competent health professional. Solutions exist to better live your menstrual cycle.