Most women are familiar with what is meant by a menstrual cycle, and they can probably pinpoint on a calendar when they’re likely to ovulate. However, it’s easy to mix these two very important cycles up, let alone be able to potentially identify when something is off or wrong.
Here, we’ll walk you through the phases of an ovarian cycle and introduce you to menopausal markers, as well as give you some information on when you may need to see your medical doctor if there’s an issue in any of these stages of your cycle. So, women’s health all the way!
The Difference Between Menstrual and Ovarian Cycles
The differences between these two cycles are a crucial part of helping you identify hormonal changes, as well as being a key part of helping you get pregnant if that’s your goal. It can also be helpful if you suspect you have cancer of the ovaries or the cervix, in which case you should seek support on a website like moffitt.org.
The ovarian cycle oversees the preparation of the endocrine tissues for the release of eggs, which is something that you’ll likely be monitoring if you want to have a child. The menstrual cycle, on the other hand, deals with the maintenance and preparation of the uterine lining, either to receive a fertilized egg or to shed the lining. The average length of both cycles is 28 days.
So, what exactly is involved in the lesser-known ovarian cycle?
Follicular Phase
If you were to have an ultrasound during the follicular phase, your doctor would see some lumps forming in your ovaries. This is normal and is, in essence, a sign that the ovaries are about to release an egg. The follicular phase involves the follicles in the ovary maturing and releasing an egg to be fertilized. This is the longest phase of the cycle and lasts from 14–21 days.
Ovulation
This occurs around day 14 and is when the egg is released from the ovary. It travels through the fallopian tubes to the womb to be fertilized or shed with the next menstrual cycle.
Luteal Phase
This phase occurs just after ovulation and results in an increase in progesterone as the body prepares for pregnancy. It can cause hormonal fluctuations and bloating, as well as a few mood swings. This phase ends when you have your menstrual cycle.
Menopausal Milestones
There are lots of cycles in a woman’s life, and once you hit a certain age (around 50), you’ll likely begin to go through menopause. This is divided into 3 phases:
Perimenopause
This is when your body begins to produce less estrogen, and it can occur anywhere from 8 to 15 years before you begin menopause. This can result in weight redistribution, hormonal fluctuations, and thinning hair.
Menopause
This is defined as when you stop having regular menstrual cycles. You may also experience vaginal dryness, night sweats, and excess hair growth.
Post-menopause
The last stage of menopause is post-menopause, and it’s defined as when you haven’t had a period for 12 months. After this, any bleeding, bloating, or cramping should be taken seriously and be explored by your medical doctor.
