Menstrual Cycles
A woman’s menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of her menstrual flow, since it follows closely to the hormone cycle a woman also goes through. The menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases, with two distinct phases called the Follicular Phase and the Luteal Phase. The length of each phase varies from woman to woman and cycle to cycle.
The 4 Phases of a Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Phase
1st-4th Days of the Month
Follicular Phase
5th-13th Days of the Month
Ovulation Phase
14th Day of the Month
Luteal Phase
15th-28th Days of Month
Menstrual Myths
- Every woman’s cycle is 28 days.This is true for some, however not all women follow a “regular” 28-day cycle. All women’s cycles are different and are constantly changing month to month.
- Every woman will or should bleed monthly. This too is untrue. Not all woman bleed every month for various reasons.
- Every woman will or should ovulate monthly. Not all women ovulate every month, which can be a sign of a bigger problem. You should consult a doctor if you are charting your ovulation cycle and not ovulating.
- If a woman bleeds, she’s not pregnant. There are numerous cases of women who continue to bleed throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Look for other pregnancy symptoms and signs to find out if you’re pregnant.
- A woman can not get pregnant while menstruating or ovulating. False. In fact, towards the end of your menstrual cycle, leading up to ovulation and during ovulation are a woman’s most fertile times.
