Menstrual Cycle - What really happens?

By Pharm

Many have asked that explain the diagram below to aid their understanding 

So, let’s have it:

Every month, a woman’s body goes through a process that prepares it for pregnancy. Whether or not you are planning for one. 

✍🏽 Day 1–5: Menstruation (Your period)

This is when bleeding happens. The body sheds the inner lining of the womb (called the endometrium) because pregnancy didn’t occur. 

This phase begins on Day 1 of the cycle and can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. You may feel tired, experience cramps, or notice changes in your mood. 

This phase marks the start of a brand-new cycle.

✍🏽 Day 6–13: Womb rebuilds and egg prepares

Once bleeding stops, your body starts getting ready again. The womb builds a fresh lining in case pregnancy happens. 

Meanwhile, the ovaries begin to prepare several eggs, and one will become dominant. This is called the follicular phase. 

Estrogen rises and helps you feel more mentally sharp, energetic, and emotionally balanced.

✍🏽 Day 14: Ovulation (Fertile window)

Ovulation is when the mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. 

This is the best time to get pregnant. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your next period, not necessarily on Day 14 for everyone.

How to calculate ovulation:

- Take your cycle length (e.g. 28 days)

- Subtract 14 days → 28 − 14 = Day 14 is your ovulation day

– If your cycle is 25 days, ovulation is likely around Day 11 (25 − 14)

– If it’s 30 days, ovulation may be around Day 16 (30 − 14)

The egg survives for 12–24 hours, but sperm can live up to 5 days. So sex a few days before ovulation can still lead to pregnancy.

✍🏽 Day 15–28: Waiting and preparing

After ovulation, the egg is either fertilized or not. During this time, the ovaries release more progesterone, helping the womb lining become thicker and ready for a baby. 

If fertilization does not happen, hormone levels slowly drop. This phase lasts about 14 days. Some women may feel sleepy, bloated, or moody during this time, this is part of premenstrual symptoms (PMS).

✍🏽 Everyone’s cycle is not 28 days

Some women have shorter or longer cycles, like 25, 30, or even 35 days, and that’s okay. 

The most important thing is whether your cycle is regular for you. Stress, travel, illness, or weight changes can affect cycle timing temporarily.

Recap

– Period: Day 1–5

– Egg grows: Day 6–13

– Ovulation: Day 14 (or 14 days before next period)

– Body waits: Day 15–28

– New period begins = new cycle

Understanding your monthly cycle is not just for women trying to get pregnant, it helps you track mood changes, physical symptoms, and overall health. 

Your body is giving you a signal every month. Learn to listen.