Pre-ovulation - the second phase of menstrual cycle

As we talked about in previous posts, the menstrual cycle is a biological process that is repeated regularly in a woman body, starting from the first menstruation (menarche) until the last menstrual period (menopause). It has a periodical character.The menstrual cycle begins with menstruation. After this phase, follicular or pre-ovulation phase occurs.

Menstruation - the first phase of menstrual cycle

The first day of your menstruation is the day 1 in your menstrual cycle (CD1). The period usually lasts anything from 3 to 7 days. You may feel cramps, because the hormones in your body are forcing your womb to shed the lining that was built up in the previous cycle.

What is going on in your body during menstruation

Thanks to the production and combination of hormones such as the follicle-stimulating hormone, the luteinizing hormone, estrogens and progesterons, several changes occur during the menstrual cycle. These hormones play role in the release of the egg and also of the growing of the lining of uterus.

Uterus anticipates that the egg will be fertilized and grow into a baby. So in preparation, it grows a sponge-like layer of tissue and blood cells, called endometrium, which is meant to provide safety, warmth and nourishment to the baby for the nine months of pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the endometrium breaks down and flows out through your vaginal opening in the form of bleeding.

Cheap, healthy and eco-friendly solution for your menstruation - the mooncup

The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup, around two inches long and made from soft medical grade silicone. It is worn internally a lot lower than a tampon but, while tampons and pads absorb menstrual fluid, the Mooncup collects it. This means it doesn’t cause dryness or irritation, and also that it collects far more (three times as much as a ‘super-absorbent’ tampon’!).

I started to use the mooncup, because the Mooncup is reusable, you only need one. I really didn't like throwing my money into toilet every month. And it not only saves you money, but also helps the environment.

I recommend to learn more about the Mooncup before buying it

You can also watch this video how to use it - I found it very helpful

This video is from the official Mooncup page

Menstrual cycle - all you need to know about menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a biological process that is repeated regularly in a woman body, starting from the first menstruation (menarche) until the last menstrual period (menopause). It has a periodical character.

The menstrual cycle is a process in which the woman's body prepares for the fertilized egg, and pregnancy. A woman is able to conceive and carry a child from about 14 to 45 years. Experts call this a reproductive or a fertile period. Menstrual cycle of women is a very complex process which leads to changes in the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and vagina and is controlled by numerous hormones.

4 phases of menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle has 4 phases - menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, lutheal phase. 

1. Menstruation - the first phase of menstrual cycle
In the first phase of the menstrual cycle a bleeding occurs. The uterus gets rid of its lining. This process is repeated every month, when a woman is not pregnant. Bleeding lasts five days in average.

2. Follicular phase - the second phase of menstrual cycle
During this phase the pituitary gland in  braing produces hormones that cause the formation of other hormones in the ovaries. Hormones from the ovaries cause that the uterus begins to form a new lining. This is the beginning of preparations for the fertilized egg. 


3. Ovulation - the third phase of menstrual cycle
The egg gradually matures in the ovary, where it is surrounded by several layers of cells that make up a pouch called a follicle. Inside the follicle there is a tube that contains egg and also a fluid. With the gradual maturation of the egg, the amount of fluid in the follicle increases. The surface of the follicle cells becomes thinner and eventually breaks. During one menstrual cycle, usually one egg matures in a follicle.  After the rupture of the follicle, the mature egg is washed into the abdominal cavity toward the fallopian tube. This is called ovulation. The released egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus.If not fertilized during this trip, it disappears.


4. Lutheal phase - the fourth phase of menstrual cycle
During this phase of the menstrual cycle, hormones work to further build up the lining of your womb in preparation for a fertilised egg. If the egg is not fertilized, the thick uterus starts to break down, and your body sheds the lining. This is the start of your period and the beginning of your next  menstrual cycle.


If the egg has been fertilised, it may successfully implant itself into the womb lining. This usually takes place about a week after fertilisation.