THE FOUR SEASONS OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Phase 1 Hormonal Changes

Progesterone and estrogen have their lowest levels in menstrual cycles. In reality, the sharp fall in these two hormones after the conclusion of your menstrual cycle is what triggers the menstrual cycle to begin and for the cycle to start anew!

Because estrogen boosts the serotonin levels in your body naturally, having the low levels of estrogen during the beginning of menstrual cycles could make you feel exhausted, sad, moody, and longing to be alone. (And it's perfectly normal! It's crucial to take some time for yourself during menses.)

Low levels of progesterone and estrogen stimulate your pituitary gland to make follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH will then signal your ovaries that it is time to begin maturing follicles in preparation for an egg's release.

The follicles growing in size begin producing more estrogen. This means that as soon as the menstrual cycle begins, the levels of estrogen slowly begin to increase, which encourages the rebuilding of the uterine liner (endometrium) when it has been removed during menstrual cycles.

Phase 2 Hormonal Changes

The levels of estrogen continue to rise until they reach their peak. The estrogen levels are highest just before ovulation.

The rising estrogen levels cause several visible changes prior to the ovulation stage:

• You're more positive and driven.
• You are more comfortable, social, and curious.
• You experience a rise in energy, mood, and the desire for libido.
• Your memory is getting sharper.
• All over your body, your tissues are plumping up, particularly your breasts, lips as well as your hips, and thighs. The skin of your face also plumps, smoothing wrinkles.
• You might be less hungry since estrogen is an effective appetite suppressant.

Estrogen encourages the proliferation of your endometrium (the liner of your uterus). The high levels of estrogen are responsible for the production of cervical mucus that protects sperm, which is like egg whites in your most fertile periods.

Phase 3 Hormonal Changes

At the end of Phase 2, increasing hormone levels cause the release of the hormone called luteinizing (LH) from the pituitary gland. This increases ovulation.

Between 24 and 36 hours between LH spikes, ovulation can occur.

Once the egg has been released from the follicle, ovarian structure is transformed into the corpus laurium, which is responsible for the release of progesterone.

Progesterone can have a variety of positive (and occasionally not-so-positive) effects:

• Progesterone can be thermogenic, thereby increasing the temperature of your body's basal zone throughout the second portion of your menstrual cycle. (This is the reason why the measurement of the basal body temperature is an essential element in the fertility awareness method and monitoring the menstrual cycle!)
• Progesterone is a hormone that makes you feel good! You'd like to be part of your neighborhood, care for others, and adore your spouse.
• Progesterone induces a sense of peace. Progesterone is a stimulant for GABA receptors in your brain. These receptors are responsible for relaxing your nervous system and decreasing anxiety.

Phase 4 Hormonal Changes

At week 4 of the cycle, both progesterone and estrogen begin to drop dramatically in the event that a pregnancy hasn't occurred. The drastic drop in the hormones that make us feel good often causes the feeling of wanting to stay away from social interactions and remain at home. It is possible to experience anger or sadness during an estrogen- and progesterone-deficient state.

The low levels of estrogen can also indicate that you have an increased appetite and desire higher amounts of carbohydrate-rich food. Carbs increase serotonin levels and help to make up for the absence of estrogen-related serotonin.