Maria Katrina Paras

The DIfferent Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Article (news)

<p>When we think of the <strong>menstrual cycle</strong>, we often focus only on our<strong> period</strong>—the days of bleeding that last a few days each month. But your period is only one part of a much more complex and dynamic cycle. In reality, the menstrual cycle is a month-long journey that is far from your uterus. It impacts your mood, energy levels, skin, metabolism, and even brain function. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17556671376641.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Although the topic of women’s reproductive system is still taboo, which raises the question: So why don’t more of us know this?</p><p>Unfortunately, menstrual health education often stops at “you bleed once a month.” However, gaining a deeper understanding of what happens during the cycle can empower individuals, especially women, to work their bodies instead of against them. It is crucial to talk about it, as it helps reduce shame, confusion, and misinformation about what happens every month. </p><p>Let’s debunk each phase of the menstrual cycle, what’s happening in women’s bodies, and why it matters.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Feeling the Flow: The Menstrual Phase </strong></div><p>The menstrual phase begins on the first day of your period. It starts when the egg from the previous cycle isn’t fertilized, causing a drop in estrogen and progesterone. This signals the body to shed the thickened uterine lining, which exists as menstrual blood.</p><p>Common symptoms include cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings, though these vary by person. This phase is your body’s way of resetting. Prioritizing rest and self-care now can ease discomfort and set a positive tone for the rest of your cycle.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755667292862Menstrual Phase.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The Menstrual Phase</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Feeling Energized: The Follicular Phase </strong></div><p>As this phrase overlaps with menstruation and continues after your period ends, the follicular phase starts on day 1 as well. During this phase, estrogen levels start to rise, stimulating the growth of follicles in the ovaries. Eventually, one of these follicles matures into an egg in preparation for ovulation.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755669063167Follicular Phase.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The Follicular Phase</span></span></span></div><p>As hormone levels increase, many women begin to feel more energized, clear-headed, and motivated. Mood often improves, and skin may appear radiant. This is a natural “building phase—both physically and emotionally—making it an ideal time to start something new, set goals, or take on more demanding physical activity.</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/wellness/2025/5/6/what-is-perimenopause-and-why-are-women-getting-it-earlier-1711" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Vagina Talks: A Wellness Guide to Perimenopause</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Feeling Magnetic: The Ovulatory Phase</strong></div><p>Suddenly, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg, a process that lasts approximately 24 to 48 hours. If not fertilized, the egg dissolves. During this time, you may feel confident, social, and energized, with clearer skin and a higher sex drive. Even if you’re not trying to conceive, knowing when ovulation occurs can help with family planning, managing hormonal changes, and scheduling important events when you’re naturally at your best.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMXzHYyMAlH/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A10734588.9%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/wellness/2025/8/1/the-state-of-male-fertility-today-1526" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: The New Generation of Males Is Dealing With Infertility—What&#x27;s Causing It?</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Feeling Moody: The Luteal Phase</strong></div><p>After ovulation, progesterone rises to prepare the uterus, but if fertilization does not happen, hormone levels fall, triggering your period. During this time, you might notice PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, fatigue, or cravings, and feel more reflective. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNifsnguzdi/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A10438618.2%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>It’s essential to practice self-care—rest, manage stress, and nourish your body with essential nutrients like magnesium. Remember, these changes are natural hormonal shifts, not personal flaws.</p><div><br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755667611513SnapInsta.to_531322054_18525856867020528_9009153860111865557_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNUNOVGPzvD/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Via @theperiodlab on Instagram</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></div><p>Understanding your menstrual cycle is about more than tracking your period; it’s about tuning into your hormones and supporting yourself through each phase. This awareness can boost mental health, improve productivity, help spot health issues, reduce period stigma, and strengthen your connection with your body. Embracing your cycle means living in sync with yourself.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLxbJzEMd0t/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A10188983.3%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1221" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>Let’s debunk each phase of the menstrual cycle, what’s happening in women’s bodies, and why it matters.</p>

Let’s debunk each phase of the menstrual cycle, what’s happening in women’s bodies, and why it matters.

Ladies, We're Not Crazy: Debunking the Menstrual Cycle One Phase at a Time

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Ladies, We're Not Crazy: Debunking the Menstrual Cycle One Phase at a Time

Sophia Ancheta

Published August 20, 2025 02:00 PM PHT

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Updated August 20, 2025 02:12 PM PHT

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