The menstrual cycle: how does it work?

From your first period until the menopause (between the ages of 45 and 50), your body will go through a new menstrual cycle every month, except during pregnancy. Are you wondering what this is? We’ll explain how it works, and you’ll see just how magical your body is!

1 menstrual cycle = 4 essential phases

Put simply, the menstrual cycle is a period that begins on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next period. It’s thanks to this cycle and its hormones that you’ll be able to have children whenever you want.

From your first period onwards, every month or so, your body enters a new cycle. The length of the cycle varies from woman to woman. On average, it lasts 28 days and is made up of 4 phases:

menstruation: the blood flows, the lining inside the uterus (uterine mucosa) breaks down and leaves the body through the vagina in the form of blood ;
the follicular phase: just after menstruation, the lining of the uterus rebuilds itself;
ovulation: your body produces an egg, which can be fertilised if you have sexual intercourse. Ovulation is the most fertile phase of your cycle;
the luteal phase: the lining of the uterus becomes thicker, preparing to receive the fertilised egg if sexual intercourse has taken place. This phase is also known as the premenstrual phase.
Because of the hormones, at each phase of the cycle you feel changes in your body, your energy, your mood, your sleep and even your appetite. This is perfectly normal, just like the seasons in nature.

Listen to your body, note what you notice and adapt to each phase. You’ll see that, with time, you’ll be able to recognise each stage and your needs. As well as the changes you feel throughout your cycle, did you know that each phase has its own superpower?

Each phase of your cycle has its own superpower!

A woman’s menstrual cycle is as magical as the moon. In fact, many cultures make a link between menstruation and the lunar cycle.

But back to you! You need to see your female cycle as a treasure to be discovered. Each of its phases gives you superpowers. It’s a little different for every woman. Don’t hesitate to write down everything you notice in your Weerwi app or in your diary.

Here are the superpowers you’ll usually find:

During your period: you’re a magician, you can create lots of things. You need to take some time for yourself;
After your period: you’re a superwoman, a warrior, you’re full of energy and anything seems possible;
During your ovulation phase: you’re an influencer, you like to look pretty and you communicate a lot;
After ovulation: you’re a mother hen, you protect the people you love;
Before your period: you’re a queen, you have a clear vision and you make decisions easily.
So what do you think?

Understanding all this helps you to feel better about yourself, and to adapt your organisation to your different energies and superpowers. So you can do things… at the right time!

You should also be aware that your cycle can change and move with the times and your emotions.

Observe, take note and seek advice if you’re worried.

To find out more about irregular menstrual cycles, read this article (link to article: Irregular cycles). And to find out more about your superpowers, read this one (link to article: your superpowers)!