What's happening in the period phase?
Your period is proof of your body doing something incredible
After your period ends, your body starts prepping for the next big event: Ovulation.
The main event of your cycle is here!
The second half of your cycle, it's all about "get ready... or reset"
Your uterus is saying goodbye to last month’s lining, that’s what causes bleeding. It’s totally normal, and it’s your body’s way of resetting for the next cycle.
Your brain is sending signals (via hormones) to your ovaries to grow tiny sacs called follicles. Inside each follicle is an egg, and one will become the star of the show later in your cycle.
This phase is short, just a day or so for one egg to be released from your ovaries.
Basically, it’s the two-week waiting room before your period decides to show up (or not!), often starring PMS as the uninvited, emotional guest.
Bleeding usually lasts 3–7 days, and hormones like estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, mood swings? Totally normal. You might also notice cramps, bloating, headaches, or sore boobs. You might feel tired, crave comfort or want to curl up with your favorite playlist, that's OK, listen to your body. Hydrate, snack smart and take it easy when you need to.
This phase usually lasts about 7–10 days, you might notice your mood lifting, your skin looking clearer, and your energy coming back (Thanks oestrogen!). No cramps here (phew), but you might still have light spotting right after your period. It’s all part of the process. You will feel more energetic and upbeat compared to period days, use this energy boost to do things you love.
Around the middle of your cycle, a follicle that has formed in one of your ovaries releases an egg and it travels into the fallopian tube. Your body might give you little signs that ovulation is happening: you might notice clear, stretchy discharge (kind of like egg whites), ovulation cramps (twinges in your lower belly) and usually extra energetic. This is the phase when you're most likely to get pregnant if sperm is around, so understanding it matters, especially if you're not looking to become pregnant. This phase is short but your fertile window lasts a few days before and after it.
A hormone, called progesterone rises to support your uterus lining and oestrogen is still around. In case fertilisation of the egg doesn't happen then both hormones will drop toward the end of this phase. Those hormone changes can bring noticeable symptoms (Hello PMS!) You might feel bloated, tired, moody, your boobs might be sore, mild cramps or even skin changes. Cravings? Totally normal, your body's using extra energy. This phase ends when your period begins and then your cycle starts all over again.
