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THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

It’s nearing that time of the month and we all are familiar with a term that we often blame for our ‘red devil’ – HORMONES. Based on this, we can already identify that there is an underlying imbalance of these chemicals that control and regulate physiological processes for every activity of life, such as digestion, metabolism, development, reproduction and emotion.

But, how do you know that you have a hormonal imbalance? Following my explanation below of the normal hormonal shifts (swipe left), my next post will focus on a major hormonal imbalance referred to as OESTROGEN DOMINANCE, which contributes to Part 2 of my series: Menstrual Irregularities.

2 PHASES IN 1 CYCLE:

Phase 1 : FOLLICULAR PHASE

Days: 1 – 13

Hormones Involved:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (pituitary hormone)

• Oestrogen (ovarian hormone)

Mode of Action: Stimulates Ovulation

FSH

• Secreted gradually via pituitary gland to stimulate growth of follicle

• Peaks at day 14

OESTROGEN

• Secreted gradually via developing follicles to thicken uterine lining and prepare for implantation

• Peaks at day 14

• Increases gradually between days 21 – 27

Phase 2 : LUTEAL PHASE

Days: 14 – 28

Hormones Involved:

• Luteinizing Hormone (pituitary hormone)

• Progesterone (ovarian hormone)

Mode of Action: Prepares Uterus for Pregnancy

LH

• Surges via pituitary gland when oestrogen is highest at day 14 to rupture most mature follicle and release ovum (egg) OVULATION

Your optimal fertile window

Most oral contraceptive pills block this surge and prevent ovulation

PROGESTERONE

• Secreted gradually via ovaries during follicular phase

• Peaks at day 22 to receive and implant fertilized ovum, and maintain cushioned uterine lining for pregnancy (if conception occurs)

• Declines then dips to shed uterine lining with venous blood and form menstrual flow MENSTRUATION (if conception/implantation does not occur)

Must be maintained during pregnancy

CYCLE RESTARTS

THE NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE

As females, it is important to understand what our bodies were structured and…