Any other kind of bleed is either an anovulatory bleed or a pill-bleed — neither of which are real menstrual cycles. Ovulatory cycles are the only way to make progesterone which is important for women’s general health, and not just for making a baby.

An ovulatory cycle has a follicular phase and a luteal phase. The follicular phase is the pre-ovulatory phase when oestrogen (estradiol) is made. The luteal phase is the post-ovulatory phase when progesterone is made. See graph below.

An anovulatory cycle does not have a luteal phase or progesterone. Instead, it has only a long follicular phase and estrogen and then eventually a breakthrough bleed. See graph below.

Pill-bleeds are not periods. A bleed on the pill is a withdrawal bleed from contraceptive drugs. There’s no ovulation or even attempt at ovulation so there’s no estradiol or progesterone. See graph below.

To sum up;

Ovulation = egg is released = progesterone

Anovulation = no egg released = no progesterone

On the pill = no egg released = no progesterone & no oestrogen

I’ll do another post on progesterone and it’s importance soon

The post Ovulatory Cycle V’s Anovulatory Cycle appeared first on Enhance Wellness.

It is controlled by 4 main hormones,
Estrogen & Progesterone which are produced by the Ovaries, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which are produced by the Pituitary gland.

Follicular Phase:
The first stage of the cycle, which includes the period bleed in the first week. This phase lasts from day 1 of your period until you ovulate (release an egg from ovary)!
The hormones Estrogen & FSH are released during this phase which causes the uterus lining to thicken, and prepares the ovaries for releasing an egg. This follicular phase is ultimately preparing the body for pregnancy.

Ovulation:
This is when the ovary releases an egg. It is typically 14 days after your period begins if you have a 28 day cycle, but can vary depending on the length of your own cycle!
It is around this time that you can become pregnant. Your body will release a surge of LH, FSH & Estrogen just prior to this!

Luteal Phase:
The time between ovulation and the beginning of your next period – approx 14 days, no matter what the length of your cycle!
A little mass of cells called the Corpus Luteum is formed in the ovary just after ovulation and it starts to produce Progesterone predominantly.
One of two things can happen here:

1. Fertilisation occurs (pregnancy).
2. Fertilisation does not occur and the Corpus Luteum breaks down, levels of Progesterone & Estrogen will decrease which will lead to the onset of your next period bleed.

I hope this helps you to understand your cycle a little better!

The post Your Menstrual Cycle appeared first on Enhance Wellness.