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Menstrual Cycle Phases

Meaning

The Menstrual Cycle Phases describe the distinct, recurring physiological stages in the female reproductive system, orchestrated by a complex, fluctuating interplay of sex steroid and pituitary hormones. The cycle is typically divided into four primary phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase, each with specific hormonal profiles and corresponding changes in the ovaries and endometrium. A clear understanding of these phases is essential for monitoring reproductive health, optimizing hormonal balance, and integrating lifestyle and nutritional strategies with an individual’s unique biological rhythm. These phases collectively govern fertility and profoundly influence systemic health.