Before beginning it is essential to understand that menstrual cycle and period are two different things.  Former being a process and latter being one stage in that process.

So the cycle goes-

1] Follicular or Proliferative phase

2] Ovulation

3] Luteal or Secretory Phase.

1st PHASE

-Uterine Cycle:

a) Menstruation (the period):It occurs from the start of vaginal bleeding until its cessation and involves the shedding of the uterine lining- endometrium. Estrogen and progesterone(hormones) levels are low during this phase, causing the lining to release.

b) Proliferative Phase: Occurs after menstruation until ovulation. Uterine lining thickens under the influence of rising estrogen levels.

-Ovarian Cycle:

a) Follicular Phase: It involves  development of multiple follicles in the ovaries out of which one dominant follicle matures preparing to release an egg.



2nd PHASE

It occurs midway through the cycle when the dominant follicle releases an egg into the fallopian tube. High estrogen levels trigger a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) which further leads to ovulation.

3rd PHASE

-Uterine Cycle:

a) Secretory Phase:It extends from ovulation until the start of the next period and here the endometrium is prepare to either support a pregnancy under the influence of rising progesterone levels or break down for menstruation

-Ovarian Cycle:

a) Luteal Phase: In this phase the follicle turn into a corpus luteum which produces progesterone and estrogen to support a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur then the corpus luteum breaks.

Now that you know about these, i hope you can help the women in your life and stay tuned for more information.