What is The Menstrual Cycle?
When dealing with women’s hormones, it is important to have a sound understanding of the female menstrual cycle. I always find that if I am able to understand what is happening in my body, than I am more likely to know how to support and am motivated to make the changes.
Key things to know
Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next period starts
Oestrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) all play a key role
Hormone signals are sent between the brain and reproductive system
The first half of your cycle (follicular phase) sheds and builds the lining of the uterus and prepares an egg to be released
The second half of your cycle (luteal phase) maintains integrity of the lining and prepares the body to accept a fertilised egg, or sends signals to prepare for a new cycle
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle
Follicular Phase
The start of your period is the first day of a new cycle and the beginning of the follicular phase. The purpose of this phase is the prepare the endometrium lining and prepare to release an egg (ovulation). Oestrogen is predominant in this phase and peaks just before the egg is released.
The pituitary gland produces FSH which signals your ovaries to prepare an egg for ovulation. Each ovary will have multiple follicles at different stages of development during the menstrual cycle. The largest follicle then becomes the dominant follicle and is prepared to be released at ovulation. The dominant follicle produces and release oestrogen as it grows. When oestrogen levels are high enough, they signal the brain and cause an increase in LH. LH then halts the production of oestrogen and starts the process of ovulation.
Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the follicle that contained the egg transforms into a corpus luteum and produces progesterone as well as oestrogen. As oestrogen levels begin to decline, progesterone increases and can cause premenstrual symptoms as a result of changing hormones. Some women may experience sore breasts, mood changes, acne or headaches. Progesterone signals the body to stop thickening the endometrium and instead prepare it for possible implantation.
If the egg is fertilised, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone to support the pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum will begin to break down and oestrogen and progesterone will begin to decline. Prostaglandins are also released during this phase and their role is to cause the uterine muscle to contract, otherwise known as ‘cramps’. Cramping helps the body to expel the endometrium lining, but in the case of pregnancy, the prostaglandins are inhibited. The drop in oestrogen and progesterone, along with the cramping of prostaglandins, is what causes menstruation.
The Role of Nutrition
So, how can we use this information to help balance our hormones and have a regular cycle, or achieve pregnancy?
When analysing a client’s cycle, it is important to take note of when ovulation is occurring, if it is successful and the length of each phase. These key findings will help tell us if there is a hormone imbalance. For example, if a client is ‘spotting’ or having small amounts of blood before their period then it is likely that they’re lacking progesterone and the endometrium lining is not holding its integrity. We can then use nutrition and lifestyle changes to help correct the balance and increase the chances of the egg successfully implanting and the lining holding.
If you’re wondering if nutrition and lifestyle changes could support your menstrual cycle then book in for a free discovery call.
