Can you name the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle— without googling? Most of our interviewees couldn’t and that’s okay! We are not here to judge, but to educate. This gap in knowledge is a reflection of how rarely menstrual health is explained in a clear and complete way.
The menstrual cycle is typically divided into four phases, each driven by hormonal changes in the body:
- Menstrual Phase
This is when bleeding occurs. The uterus sheds its lining, resulting in a period that usually lasts between 3 and 7 days. Hormone levels are at their lowest during this phase. - Follicular Phase
This phase begins on the first day of the period and continues after bleeding stops. The body releases hormones that stimulate the ovaries to prepare an egg, while the uterine lining starts to rebuild. - Ovulation
Ovulation happens when one ovary releases an egg, typically around the middle of the cycle. This is the phase when pregnancy is most likely to occur, though timing can vary from person to person. - Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the body enters the luteal phase. Hormones work to support a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, hormone levels drop and the cycle starts again with menstruation.
Understanding these phases helps demystify what’s happening in the body throughout the month—not just during a period. Through Juno Talk, we aim to make this kind of knowledge more visible and accessible, because understanding the cycle is a powerful step toward understanding overall health.
healthline.com/health/womens-health/stages-of-menstrual-cycle
