The follicular phase –begins on the first day of your menstrual period and ends when ovulation begins. The follicular phase is where the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) gradually rises and stimulates your ovaries to produce small sacs, known as follicles, that contain undeveloped or immature egg cells to become more mature eggs[2].
The follicular phase can vary from woman to woman but usually lasts from 11 days to 27 days.
In addition to increased FSH levels during this phase, oestrogen levels also rise, causing the lining of the uterus to thicken before a mature egg is released from the ovary into one of the fallopian tubes[3]. The increase in oestrogen can lead to increased energy however, because everyone is different, some people have reported other symptoms during this phase[2][5]. If you have any medical conditions related to hormonal imbalance or take any hormonal birth control, then your symptoms during the follicular phase may be different to what is listed below.
Hormone levels: rise
Symptoms:mood and energy increases – women generally report having more energy, physical symptoms decrease
Ovulation – The ovulation phase is when a mature egg is released from an ovary which usually happens once a month. You are most likely to get pregnant/conceive during the time of ovulation if you have unprotected sex[5].
Hormone levels: peak
Symptoms: high energy and confidence, changes in temperature
The luteal phase – refers to the post-ovulation phase. This is where the released egg travels through the fallopian tubes to your uterus. The uterus lining continues to thicken in preparation for pregnancy[3][4]. If you fall pregnant, you won’t have a period. If you don’t get pregnant, you will have a period and the menstrual cycle resumes where the lining of your uterus starts to build up again and thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy[5].
Hormone levels: drop
Symptoms: bowel movement changes, headache, muscle and joint pain, sadness, mood swings, food cravings, anxiety, bloating, acne or breast tenderness[2].
What to do when you get your period
· Use period products like tampons, pads, menstrual cups or period underwear (whatever you feel comfortable with to help absorb the bleeding).
· Having a period kit ready which can comprise of having some painkillers, period products and a spare pair of underpants in case.
· Track your period by using a period tracker app to record the day your period started and any symptoms that arose
When to see your health practitioner
You should contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle. Examples of when to contact your healthcare provider are:
· Severe period pain that interferes with your quality of life
· Heavy bleeding
· Bleeding between periods
· Bleeding after sexual intercourse
· Changes in period patterns – for example, your periods come less than 21 days or last more than 8 days
· Irregular or missed periods
· You think you may be pregnant
· Blood clots are larger than a quarter
Please remember, that if you have any of these symptoms above that you find difficult to manage, please seek advice from your healthcare provider or if you require urgent care, please go to the nearest Emergency Department.
