Your Guide to Your Menstrual Cycle Without Taboos
When will your next appointments be? period ? Is it normal to have a little delay or, on the contrary, in advance? How calculate your menstrual cycle ? What is the average length of a period ? Hold a menstrual calendar Is it necessary? What is the best time of the month to get pregnant ? What is theovulation ? What is the luteal phase ? Why the follicular phase maybe painful? Regular cycle or irregular cycle, when to worry? Why do we suffer premenstrual symptoms ? What are the hormones which play a determining role in the female hormonal cycle?
The menstrual cycle or female cycle raises many questions! Find out in the Louloucup's Complete Guide to the Menstrual Cycle All the answers to your questions. In order to better know yourself and better understand your female body, this guide will allow you to better understand everything that can happen in your body throughout the month.
Made without taboo and as simply as possible, we answer all questions. The somewhat complex menstrual cycle governed by the hormones will no longer have any secrets for you!
The main sections of this guide to consult whenever you feel the need:
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PART 1. How the menstrual cycle works
Puberty, menopause, first periods, hormones, we'll go over the basics of our biology lessons and refresh your memory! -
PART 2. Hormones of the menstrual cycle
FSH and LH, estrogen and progesterone, understanding the importance of hormones and their actions will allow you to better understand all the cogs of the menstrual cycle. -
PART 3. The 3 phases of the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is divided into three very different phases that punctuate your month: the follicular phase with your period, ovulation, and the luteal phase. -
PART 4. Reasons for a disrupted menstrual cycle
Disorders, disruptions, various pathologies, we are interested in anything that can jam the machine! -
PART 5. Bonus: help yourself, find information, equip yourself to experience your menstrual cycle serenely
All our tips to help you better manage your hormonal cycle, in bulk: vaginal discharge during ovulation, heavy and painful periods, PMS during the luteal phase, the fertile window, food supplements, diet, exercise, etc.
How the menstrual cycle works
Le period is a well-established process that takes place in the female body.
It starts at the puberty, when the adolescent has her first period and is therefore fertile. This hormonal phenomenon et cyclic ends at the menopause when the woman stops having periods.
The menstrual cycle is crucial for procreation. It allows the woman's body to prepare for a potential fertilization. Relentlessly, he prepares the uterus again and again to receive a sperm meets, This cyclical phenomenon of around thirty days has several phases. If fertilization by a sperm does not take place (absence of sexual intercourse or contraception which prevents fertilization) then the cycle begins again.mature egg is destroyed and a new cycle begins with the arrival of new rules.
Let’s go back to the basics: ✨
Length of a menstrual cycle.
A menstrual cycle lasts in average 28 daysThis figure is only an average that should be taken as a guideline and not an absolute fact. In reality, very few women have periods so precisely, and every month! We are talking about a wide range between 21 and 45 days. From one cycle to another, the duration can change: 28 days, then 30 days, then 27 days, etc. During a woman's life, the menstrual cycle evolves, it stretches or shrinks. Finally, its duration can be influenced, modified by many external factors: diet, stress, illness, etc.
This 28-day cycle on average is divided into four phases: the with medium flows (from day 1 to day 5 approximately), the follicular phase (from day 5 to day 14), the ovulatory phase (around day 14 or day 15) and finally the luteal phase (from day 15 to day 28) which stretches from ovulation until the day before the next period.
Little reminder: the first day of the cycle corresponds to the first day of your period and therefore the last day turns out to be the day before your next period!
The menses, with medium flows ou period are periodic and temporary bleeding from the vagina composed of blood, vaginal secretions and cells from the uterine wall. Since there has been no fertilization of the egg, theendometrium (wall of the uterus) which had prepared for implantation disintegrates and is eliminated. The duration, but also theperiod intensity varies between 2 and 5 days usually, or even 7 days.
La follicular phase is the first part of the cycle, it includes menstruation, but also 7 to 8 days before ovulation. This is when we can observe the maturation of ovarian follicles.
La ovulatory phase starts in the middle of the month. A mature follicle detaches, an egg is released thanks to the rate ofluteinizing hormoneIt is at this key moment of the cycle that the woman is most fertile.
Finally during the luteal phasestyles, progesterone or estrogen high allow the development and thickening of the uterine lining. It is during this last phase that we can experience premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
Menstrual cycle hormones
To fully understand how the period , it is essential to know certain hormones. These are responsible for triggering the different stages of the cycle. Hormones are responsible for our periods, ovulation, but also premenstrual symptomsIf just one malfunctions (for whatever reason) then the whole balance of the cycle is upset.
Before going any further, here is a little dictionary:
The ovarian follicles are a kind of "bags" that appear during menstruation in the ovary thanks to the FSHEach follicle contains one oocyte or egg. Only one ovarian follicle reaches maturity.
This elected official, named the Graafian follicle then releases theovum. It's ovulation.
Le yellow body is what remains of the mature follicle once it has burst to release the egg at the time of ovulation. Even when emptied, it plays a very important role. It secretes a hormone, progesterone, which is essential for both implantation of the egg in the uterine cavity if there is fertilization and for the triggering of the next period if there has been no fertilization.
FSH and LH
During menstruation, thepituitary gland, located in the skull, in thehypothalamus created the FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone.
As its name suggests, FSH is the follicle stimulating hormone. During each cycle, FSH has a specific mission: to make the follicles in the ovary. Each follicle contains an egg. A follicle can be compared to a sort of sac filled with fluid. One follicle will become dominant and only one will reach maturity. The other follicles created disappear. All of this takes place during the first phase of the hormonal cycle, during the follicular phase between days 1 and 15.
Luteinizing hormone or LH is also produced from the brain, by the anterior pituitary gland, a lobe of the pituitary gland. LH plays a major role in the female cycle. The LH peak is reached around day 15. This triggers ovulation: thanks to LH, the mature follicle ruptures and the egg is released.
Estrogen and progesterone
The estrogen and progesterone are female sex hormones.
Estrogen increases during the follicular phase, it is produced by the follicles about ovary. At the time of ovulation, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This hormone is secreted by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is what remains of the follicle after ovulation.
These two hormones act on theendometrium, the inner wall of the uterus, in order to receive the fertilized egg. It is thanks to these two hormones that the lining thickens.
The three phases of the menstrual cycle
The follicular phase (day 1 to 14)
The follicular phase can be divided into two parts. The with medium flows, a period of between 2 and 5 days (always on average) of blood loss. Followed by a period of several days (12 to 9 days, depending on the length of menstruation) where follicles develop in the ovaries and the uterine cavity thickens and prepares for potential fertilization. While FSH awakens the follicles in the ovary, estrogen prepares the uterus.
Menstruation and menstrual flow
Le menstrual flow represents the intensity of the period. Every woman is different, so every menstrual flow is different: color, duration, intensity, texture, etc.
When we talk about menstrual flow, way ", we are particularly talking about the flow that we have once our menstrual cycle is established and stable. A teenage girl's periods are not stabilized while a pre-menopausal woman's periods are irregular.
On average, menstrual flow represents between 2 and 5 tablespoons of blood, or between 30 and 70 mL of blood per cycle.
Here's a general guideline:
- light flow: 30 mL/cycle
- average flow: 30 to 50 mL/cycle
- heavy flow: 50 to 70 mL/cycle
- very heavy or hemorrhagic flow: more than 70 mL
These markers help us determine the absorption capacities of menstrual protections such as the cup or the pair of period panties.
It is completely normal to feel like you are losing more blood. This is why using the menstrual cup to help determine how much blood we loose during a cycle.
It is often more abundant during the first two days of your period, giving way to very red blood. Little by little, the color of the blood changes to give way to more pink, brown, or even black blood, as the bleeding is lighter.
Similarly, menstrual flow may be thinner, thicker, with clots, or more viscous.
These alterations are totally normal, because many elements can interfere with the menstrual flow:
- age,
- contraception,
- the stress,
- certain medical treatments, etc.
The hormonal contraceptives (pill, contraceptive implant or hormonal IUD) tend to reduce the intensity of periods when, on the contrary, the IUD or copper IUD tends to make them more abundant and more liquid.
So, don't panic: it's normal. ! :)
LEXICON OF MENSTRUAL FLOW:
Hemorrhagic flow
or very heavy menstrual flow. Hemorrhagic menstruation occurs when periods last more than a week and it is necessary to change sanitary protection every two hours, for several consecutive hours. If you think you are prone to hemorrhagic flow, we advise you to consult a healthcare professional: midwife, doctor or gynecologist.
Amenorrhea
or it is the absence of periods. This case can be caused by eating disorders, intensive exercise, certain medications or certain diseases such as polycystic ovaries, thyroid problems, etc.
Oligomenorrhea
or light periods. Losses are less than 30 mL/cycle.
Spotting
or light bleeding outside of your period. Not to be confused with oligomenorrhea, spotting can be due to a hormonal imbalance, consult your doctor in case of spotting.
The ovulatory phase (Day 14)
Under the influence of the LH hormone, the mature ovarian follicle released the egg, marking the end of the follicular phase. This is the starting signal forovulation.
For its part, thanks to estrogen and progesterone, the uterus is also ready. The uterine lining is thick so that the potential fertilized egg can attach and become an embryo. All the lights are green for fertilization. The egg then takes about 24 hours to travel between the ovary and the fallopian tube.
If the sperm meets, then fertilization will take place. If the meeting between sperm and egg does not take place (no sexual intercourse, contraception), the egg continues its journey to the uterus to be dissolved there.
Physically, the ovulatory phase or period of ovulation happens as follows:
- by the appearance of the cervical mucus. Why? Because to accommodate the sperm, the cervix has to open slightly. Cervical mucus is essential for easier transportation of sperm into the uterus. So don't panic; it's completely natural to have vaginal discharge ou white discharge at the time of ovulation. Moreover, its texture and intensity evolve over the course of the cycle. You can wear a menstrual thong to stay dry.
- by a rise of basal temperature (waking temperature). Body temperature increases slightly to allow sperm to survive longer. Women trying to get pregnant are encouraged to take their temperature to know when they are ovulating and when they are fertile. This is a good indicator.
Ovulation is short: between 16 and 32 hours. Some women may feel a pinch or slight pelvic pain during this time. This may be due to the follicle rupturing and the fluid leaking out. Finally, it's good to know that it's a myth that there's an alternation between the two ovaries: one month the left ovary, the next month the right ovary, and so on. On the contrary, the phenomenon seems more random.
The Luteal Phase (Day 14 to 28 or more)
After ovulation, the period enters its final phase, the luteal period. The body awaits fertilization and prepares. yellow body is left behind by the mature follicle that produces progesterone again and again to prepare the endometrium.
When a sperm's fertilized egg does not visibly manifest, the corpus luteum dies, causing a drop in progesterone levels and the signal to shed the endometrium. A new cycle can then begin.
It is during the luteal phase that we observe PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome.
All about PMS 💫
Premenstrual syndrome affects many menstruating women. These are physical and psychological symptoms that occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle. PMS is simply due to a variation and fluctuation of hormones. Nothing serious or worrying in itself, even if in some cases PMS can be more severe and disabling, we then speak of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Physical and psychological PMS
irritability and bad mood
anxiety attacks and emotional hypersensitivity
gloomy mood and low libido
headaches, acne
bloating, hot flashes
weight gain, food cravings
breast pain
To limit these symptoms, we recommend reducing your consumption of processed industrial foods (bad sugar), salt and caffeine to make room for physical activity which will allow you to generate endorphins (the feel-good hormone) and relax.
We can also take the time to hold a PMS journal for at least 2 cycles in order to identify the symptoms which recur frequently, even systematically. We will get to know each other all the better and this will allow us to read between the lines to know when our rules are showing up.
Are you suffering from premenstrual symptoms? Don't hesitate to share your experience with your doctor, your medical professional or even your gynecologistThese healthcare professionals must be competent to answer all your questions and offer you various solutions. If you don't find the support you expect, persevere; it is essential to be heard.
If you think you may have PMDD,TDPM France association is here to help you!
Don't forget, from puberty, a gynecological follow-up regular is essential.
The different disorders of the menstrual cycle
You will have understood it female cycle is influenced from start to finish by various hormone secretions that have a butterfly effect on your entire body and organism. Just one small anomaly in the process and everything can be turned upside down. Why can a menstrual cycle be disrupted? Longer, shorter, pain, what are the disorders that can be encountered?
Cycle disorders: irregular periods
It is completely normal to experience cycles that are not exactly the same. Not all of them will be exactly the same length. Various factors impact a cycle: stress, psychological shock, illness (a simple flu causes an imbalance), a vaccine, weight loss, etc. We are talking about irregular periods when you have, for example, a 25-day cycle, then a 35-day cycle, then a 23-day cycle with varying periods: 2 days, then 5 days, then 8 days.
Le postpartumstyles, puberty or the pre-menopause are times in life when periods will naturally be irregular.
Contraception impacts the menstrual cycle
Starting contraception can obviously disrupt the regularity of your periods for a few cycles. Depending on the woman, some contraceptives will be more suitable than others.
Hormonal contraceptives can have side effects, including weight gain, decreased libido, acne, and spotting. Others completely eliminate periods.
Ovulatory pain and ovulation disorders
Hypothyroidism, PCOS, hyperprolactinemia or even stress, tobacco or diet can interfere with ovulation and make a anovulatory cycle (i.e. without ovulation).
Also, thepainful ovulation is a reality for some women. The fluid in the follicle at the time of its rupture can irritate the peritoneum. LH levels can also cause cramps. Not all doctors agree.
When should you worry?
If you experience severe pain, sudden changes (sudden heavy periods), or a combination of pain (lower back, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse), we recommend that you seek medical help. It's not normal to be in pain!
If the problems are psychological: fatigue, weariness, sadness, apathy, irritability, hypersensitivity, nervousness, consult a doctor! A hormonal imbalance is most likely the cause of your condition. A gynecologist, but also an endocrinologist, can be of great help.
PART 5. Bonus: help yourself, find information, equip yourself to experience your menstrual cycle serenely
You just got your first periods or you are a woman who has been menstruating for several years? It doesn't matter! It is important to take care of yourself, to listen to yourself, to know yourself. While it is completely natural to have your period, it is important to take the time to know your menstrual flow and the nature of your period. It is important to equip yourself with quality menstrual products, ecological alternatives to classic hygienic protections and traditional. It is important to listen to yourself, slow down when necessary, eat well and take care of your health.
Teenager, first period, puberty
Are you a teenager and you're experiencing your first period? Are you experiencing your first menstrual cycle? Talk about it with those around you. Big sister, cousin, aunt, mom, nurse of college, it is important to discuss these changes you are going through. You should not be alone.
A menstrual routine for self-care
During our periods, if they are painful, intense, and tiring, we slow down. We take advantage of this time of the month to slow down the hectic pace of daily life. We prefer calm and loose clothing. We hydrate ourselves, massage our stomach. We use a hot water bottle if necessary. We can swim or take a bath to relieve uterine cramps. You can also, of course, take suitable painkillers to soothe period pain.
Heavy and tiring periods due to the copper IUD?
The copper IUD is a suitable form of contraception for many women. However, it causes periods that are not always easy to manage: longer than normal, more intense, and sometimes more painful, menstruation with a copper IUD can be tiring. How can you cope?
- With good, highly absorbent, high-quality sanitary protection so you don't have to worry about leaks or saturation. We recommend menstrual panties for very heavy flow ou a hemorrhage Louloucup. They are perfect for this particular case.
- By taking appropriate painkillers. Your gynecologist or your medical professional will be able to prescribe what is right for you.
- By slowing down, hydrating yourself, resting, avoiding stress.
Finally, we would only advise you to review your contraception if it is too disabling / painful / restrictive to live with!
Our bodies deserve quality menstrual equipment
Whether you choose reusable towels, a menstrual cup, a menstrual swimsuit, or period panties (or perhaps all three), choose quality menstrual products that respect your body and your privacy!
- The menstrual thong or menstrual thong is perfect for absorbing vaginal discharge during ovulation. Indeed, at this point in the cycle, you may (but not always) experience quite thick and translucent discharge. In order to be comfortable and not to dirty your traditional lingerie, do not hesitate to put on absorbent panties. Menstrual lingerie can of course be used at any time of the cycle and not just during your period!
- The our period swimsuit is ideal for absorbing light to medium flows. You can enjoy the pool stress-free and without worrying about leaks. No more irritating and polluting tampons!
- Many women choose to use the cup for the day and to spend a menstrual panties for the night. It's the best combination for healthy and effective protection day and night. The menstrual cup is a small, invisible reservoir made of medical silicone that collects your blood for six consecutive hours without any problem. The cup is the perfect menstrual protection for athletes and active women. In the evening, put on your ultra-comfortable washable period panties. Oeko-Tex organic cotton for a peaceful, stain-free night's sleep. Prefer heavy-duty protection for heavy flows; the absorbent membrane rises high in the front and back of these models for optimized absorption.
Menstrual shirts, menstrual cups, menstrual panties or menstrual thongs, find all the Louloucup products in our online store!
PMS during the luteal phase: knowing and controlling them
Irritation, hunger, lack of energy, weariness, low morale, premenstrual symptoms are very numerous, variable and more or less intense. Signs of the luteal phase, they occur several days before the arrival of the new period and are caused by the drop in hormones. Let off steam, listen to yourself, take care of yourself, take time and avoid stress, manage SPM is not simple.
Diet and rules
To help your body during menstruation, eat well. Avoid saturated fats, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and fatty foods (fried foods, cold cuts). Prioritize slow-release carbohydrates, omega-3s, and magnesium (fish, dark chocolate, lentils, hummus, oats, etc.)
We can also rely on food supplements based on magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin E or even yarrow, feverfew or cinquefoil.
Sport and rules
If you can, continue your exercise during your period. Brisk walking, swimming, yoga, or fitness—the choice is yours! Regularity will help you achieve a welcome balance throughout your cycle. If you're more tired during your period (and that's normal, don't feel guilty!), a gentle Pilates, yoga, meditation, or sophrology session is perfect.
Relieve period pain
The uterine cramps that accompany our menstrual cycle can be truly painful. Pain in the back, stomach, pelvis, and thighs varies in intensity from woman to woman, and can even lead to vomiting.
To relieve period pain, here are some tips that might save you next month:
Try to be active, keep up your workout if you can. Walk, swim, in short, move! Physical activity stimulates blood circulation, increases oxygen levels, and releases endorphins to create a sense of well-being.
Avoid stress and cold, which tighten your muscles, and opt for warmth and massages instead. A nice warm bath, a hot water bottle, and a hot drink can be a valuable help.
Need more information? Don't hesitate to consult our FAQ or our journalThis blog is a wealth of information, tips, and advice! Don't hesitate to take a look. For more specific questions about our products, don't hesitate to contact our customer service !
