Important information about menstruation that both men and women should know well so that their relationship is built on knowledge, respect, affection, and understanding of difficult situations, and knowing how to support each other through them.
| 1. Menstrual phase (bleeding) | – It begins on the first day of bleeding. – The uterine lining sheds because pregnancy is not present. – Estrogen and progesterone levels drop. – It usually lasts from 3 to 7 days. – Hormones: are at their lowest levels. 🔹 (Mood): characterized by extreme lethargy and mental and physical fatigue. 🔻 Common symptoms: – A strong desire for isolation and rest. – A decrease in concentration and productivity, and a tendency towards – calmness after the period that precedes menstruation. – and mild feelings of sadness in the first few days due to the drop in estrogen. |
| 2. Follicular phase (preparation) | – It begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation. – The brain stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles containing immature eggs. – Estrogen levels rise, thickening the uterine lining. – One primary egg matures. – Hormones: Estrogen levels begin a gradual and rapid rise. 🔹 (Mood): This is the most psychologically fulfilling phase; the woman feels refreshed, optimistic, and emotionally stable. 🔻Common symptoms: – Increased physical energy and a desire for social interaction. – Increased pain tolerance and improved memory due to estrogen’s activation of the brain. – A significant decrease in feelings of anxiety and stress. |
| 3. Ovulation phase (Mid-cycle – Day 14) | – Occurring approximately midway through the cycle (day 14 of a 28-day cycle). – Vaginal discharge becomes clear, stretchy, and elastic, resembling egg white, just before ovulation. – Body temperature rises slightly and steadily upon waking (approximately 0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius) immediately after ovulation. – Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels surge. – The ovary releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube. – The egg is ready for fertilization within 24 hours. – Hormones: Estrogen levels peak, with a slight increase in testosterone. 🔹 (Mood): Self-confidence and attractiveness reach their highest levels. 🔻Common symptoms: – A noticeable increase in energy, drive, and assertiveness. – Increased libido due to natural biological factors. – Some women may experience sudden, mild, and fleeting anxiety as a result of the rapid hormonal surge. |
| 4. Luteal phase (Premenstrual – last two weeks) | – It begins after ovulation and continues until the end of the menstrual cycle. – The empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. – The uterine lining prepares to receive a fertilized egg. – Hormone levels drop, and menstruation begins if pregnancy does not occur. – Hormonal fluctuations: Progesterone levels rise first, then plummet along with estrogen if pregnancy does not occur. 🔹 Psychological state: This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and it is the most emotionally distressing and challenging phase. 🔻Common symptoms: – Extreme nervousness, irritability, and anger over trivial matters. – Severe and sudden mood swings, and a tendency to cry unexpectedly for no apparent reason. – Constant anxiety, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and intense cravings for sweets. |