The Four Phases of Your Cycle
1. Menstruation (winter): The first phase of the cycle begins on day one of menstruation and usually lasts about 3-7 days. During this phase, the endometrium is shed and removed from the body in the form of menstrual blood.
2. Follicular phase (spring): After menstruation, the follicular phase begins, which usually lasts about 7-14 days. During this phase, the body stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries in preparation for ovulation.
3. Ovulation phase (summer): The ovulation phase usually occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle, about 14 days before the start of the next period. During this phase, a mature egg is released from one of the follicles in the ovaries and is ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell.
4. Luteal phase (fall): After ovulation, the luteal phase begins, which usually lasts about 10-14 days. During this phase, hormones such as progesterone and estrogen are produced to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, leading to the onset of menstruation and the start of a new cycle.
For optimal fertility, it is crucial that the luteal phase lasts long enough. For this, it is important that the progesterone peak is high enough, so that the fertilized egg has enough time to implant itself in the uterine wall. However, this phase is sometimes too short, which complicates the process of fertilization and pregnancy. Chasteberry*, present in Pure Cycle, helps to increase this peak, which prolongs the luteal phase. This makes the body better prepared for a possible pregnancy.
Your Cycle During Hormonal Contraception
Using hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills, can alter a woman's natural menstrual cycle. Instead of going through the typical four phases of the cycle, these methods keep hormone levels constant throughout the month. In this artificial cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels remain relatively stable, which can make menstrual bleeding lighter and less painful.
On the other hand, using hormonal contraception stops your body from producing natural hormones, which can affect various aspects of your health, such as mood, libido and menstrual patterns.
Both the natural and artificial cycles have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important for women to be aware of these differences and to be well-informed before making a choice about contraception. Every woman has the right to decide for herself which method suits her best, but it is essential to strive for an informed choice that takes into account individual needs and health.
Are you looking for a natural support to balance your menstrual cycle?
Discover Pure Cycle, our product specially developed to help you regulate your menstrual cycle and promote healthy hormonal balance.
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