The menstrual cycle is a unique process that prepares the body for fertilization. It is regular and occurs monthly in women of reproductive age. The nature of the functioning of the reproductive system in women is closely related to the activity of the hormonal system.
The monthly cycle includes:
- ovarian cycle;
- uterine cycle.
In turn, the cycle that occurs in the ovaries is divided into phases:
- follicular;
- ovulatory;
- luteal
The uterine cycle consists of stages:
- menstrual;
- proliferative;
- secretory.
The ovaries and uterus have different functions, however, due to certain hormones, their cycles develop simultaneously and are dependent on each other.
The cervix is the organ that connects the vagina and the uterine cavity. Its main functions are drainage and barrier. Moreover, on different days of the cycle, the cervix functions differently, adapting to the cycle of the ovaries and uterus.
When it comes to planning pregnancy and using the calendar method of birth control, it is necessary to know favorable and unfavorable days for conception during the cycle.
As a rule, you can find out about fertile days using:
- a graph of the so-called basal temperature, where measurement data is recorded;
- monitoring the nature of vaginal mucus;
- rapid tests showing ovulation;
- tracking individual symptoms: tension in the mammary glands, abdominal pain, headaches, and so on.
The changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle also affect the cervix. Accordingly, the cervix has its own cycle, which is manifested in the variability of its tone, as well as its location in the vagina. Depending on the period of the cycle, the epithelium, the size of the external pharynx, the acidic environment, and the nature of the mucus change.
These changes help in determining the days of the cycle that are successful for fertilization. Observation of the cervix is an important method, especially if the assessment of mucus is difficult.
Menstrual cycle: description
The menstrual cycle is understood as a time period, the beginning of which is the first day of the appearance of menstruation, and the end is the day before the arrival of the next menstruation. This process is repeated every month for all women in normal health, excluding breastfeeding and pregnant women.
Every month, nature prepares a woman for the possible conception of a child and does everything to ensure that the child finds himself in favorable and comfortable conditions in which he can develop and grow harmoniously.
When a girl is born, there are many eggs in her ovaries (about two million), but by the time of puberty a maximum of four hundred thousand remain. Typically, one egg is wasted during one cycle.
It is impossible to imagine a regular menstrual cycle without the participation of hormones and brain structures of the head. The sequence of phenomena that are observed during a normal cycle is explained by the close relationship between the functioning of the endometrium, hypothalamus, ovaries and anterior pituitary lobe. Its duration is on average 28 days. However, a cycle that lasts between 21-35 days is also normal. On the 22nd day of the menstrual cycle, we will tell you what phase it is below.
How to calculate ovulation
Gynecologists use a formula to calculate ovulation. Subtract 14 days from the length of the cycle. This method indicates the approximate day the egg is released and helps determine the days on which additional methods should be used to determine the favorable day of conception.
If a girl does not know when ovulation occurs in a 28-day cycle, then the formula should be applied: 28-14=14. Therefore, ovulation will occur on the 14th day of the cycle. The error of this method is 2 days. Consequently, ovulation occurs from the 12th to the 16th day of the cycle. In women with a short cycle, favorable days for conception may occur immediately after the end of menstruation.
If the cycle is not constant and the period varies slightly, then the average for the last six months is taken as the cycle length. This will help you find out the approximate days of ovulation and use additional methods.
Features of the ovulatory phase
The second phase of the menstrual cycle refers to the onset of ovulation, which is caused by the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the female body. This circumstance causes the destruction of the follicle, as a result of which the finished egg enters directly into the uterine tube. It is this period of time that is most successful in order to conceive a child. The duration of the ovulation phase is determined individually; it can last from 16 to 32 hours.
Nagging pain in the lower abdomen, emotional instability - many women are forced to deal with these symptoms on the first or second day. It is also possible that you will experience a headache.
Basal temperature
To determine the timing of ovulation in a 28-day cycle, basal temperature should be measured. To find out the normal temperature for the body, it is necessary to take measurements a few days before ovulation. To ensure the reliability of the result, manipulations should be carried out in the morning, after waking up, at the same time, without getting out of bed. The thermometer is inserted to a depth of 4-5 cm.
When plotting a graph, it will become clear that before ovulation the temperature drops and then rises. Ovulation will occur between a decrease and an increase in temperature. This way you can find out the exact day for conception.
The data should be plotted on a graph and connected with lines. The benefits of the drawing will appear after a few months, when it will be possible to determine the day of ovulation. The graph is a clear example of temperature changes and shows that on certain days of the cycle there is a sharp jump. This method is time consuming but accurate.
What phase is the fifth day of the cycle?
This is still the same follicular stage, but the woman’s well-being gradually returns to normal, along with it her mood improves, and irritability goes away.
From the seventh to the eleventh day, almost all women experience an excellent mood. This period is characterized by satisfaction, big plans for the future, and high performance.
So, let's figure it out, on days 22 and 23 of the cycle, what is the phase?
Other signs
At the next stage, you can observe the next signs of pregnancy appearing on the 24th day of the cycle with a 30-day cycle. These include:
- Lack of menstruation at the scheduled time - on the 30th day of the cycle (amenorrhea). True, it can also manifest itself as a result of any disease or dysfunction in the sexual sphere. The absence of menstruation may also be associated with the onset of menopause or occur while breastfeeding the baby.
- An increase in basal temperature to a level of more than 37 degrees, which signals the presence of successful conception. Measurements should be taken every morning to obtain reliable information about the presence of pregnancy.
- Increased toxicosis, which manifests itself most strongly during this period, when the next menstruation was supposed to begin. At the same time, regular morning sickness, severe salivation, and vomiting may be present.
- The manifestation of cyanosis of the vaginal lining and an increase in the size of the uterus can only be determined by a doctor during examination by a gynecologist.
Luteal phase - what you need to know about it
The periods of the menstrual cycle and hormones are closely interrelated, due to which the next phase is distinguished. Ovulation ends and is replaced by the luteal stage. The duration of this period is on average two weeks, it ends when the next menstruation arrives. The preparation of a woman's body for pregnancy does not stop, so it can still occur.
In the first three to four days of this phase, the girl enjoys excellent health, is distinguished by her efficiency and vigor.
Tests and ultrasound for ovulation
To determine favorable days for conception, ovulation tests are sold in pharmacies without a prescription. There are 5 pieces in one package, enough for a cycle. They are similar in use to pregnancy tests and react to the appearance of LH hormone in the urine. To determine the date of ovulation in a 28-day cycle, you should start using the test on the 10th day of the cycle. An increase in the amount of the hormone is indicated by the darkening of the second strip of the test. Thus, at home you can calculate the most favorable days for conception.
Another way to determine when ovulation occurs in a 28-day cycle is ultrasound. The examination begins on the 10th day of the cycle. On the 12th day, the growth of the corpus luteum is determined. On the 14th day, they find out whether ovulation has occurred or not. An additional study is prescribed on the 17th day to confirm the release of the egg. The doctor determines the condition of the ovaries in three ways:
- Transvaginally. The doctor determines what happens to the follicles through the vagina. No special preparation is required for this procedure, but it is better to cleanse the intestines first.
- Transabdominal. External ultrasound, which shows the degree of follicle maturation. You should drink liquid before the procedure, since the test is performed on a full bladder. In terms of the reliability of the result, this method is inferior compared to the first.
- Transrectal. Research is rarely used. Causes discomfort.
What phase occurs on the 21st day of the cycle?
This is the same luteal period, but the condition of the woman’s body begins to deteriorate sharply, which is due to natural processes in the body and should not come as a surprise.
In the absence of fertilization of the egg, the high concentration of progesterone and estrogen stops. The female body is gradually preparing for the onset of the next period. Premenstrual syndrome, which has gained sad popularity, is rightfully considered the most negative period in the life of all women.
One week after conception
On the eighth day after fertilization, if the woman had a regular cycle, the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. As a result, ruptures of one or more vessels are possible. Therefore, the discharge tends to be stained with blood. Thus, the selections receive a certain color:
- Bloody. The discharge is a colorless liquid with clots or streaks of blood, not voluminous and short-term. However, you need to be careful, because if the bleeding is prolonged and is not expected to stop, plus it is supplemented by painful sensations in the lower abdomen, these are alarming symptoms that indicate health problems. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor and carry out diagnostic procedures.
- Burgundy, closer to brown, discharge after ovulation, if conception occurred a week ago, is the norm. This color can be explained quite simply: in a certain group of women, the blood clots rather than leaves the uterine cavity.
Norm of progesterone by day of the menstrual cycle
The rate of progesterone in women is determined depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. Each phase will have its own meaning. In the luteal phase, progesterone reaches its maximum levels - this indicates the beginning of ovulation and uterine preparation for egg implantation.
If the hormone level is low at this time and fertilization occurs, a spontaneous miscarriage will occur. Women who are planning a pregnancy should therefore monitor progesterone levels during the second phase of the cycle.
The doctor prescribes a blood test on days 22-23 of the cycle, but for a more detailed picture it is recommended to take blood tests several times in a row to monitor the dynamics. So what level of the hormone is normal? It must be said that there will be significant differences in rates among women taking hormonal contraceptives. Each stage of the cycle has its own standard values:
- From days 1 to 15 – from 0.97 to 4.73 nmol/l.
- From 17 to 22 days of the cycle – from 2.39 to 9.55.
- From 22 to 29 days – from 16.2 to 85.9.
- from 1 to 15 days – up to 3.6 nmol/l.
- from 17 to 22 days of the cycle in the luteal phase - from 1.52 to 5.45.
- from 22 to 29 days – from 3.01 to 66.
- from 1 to 13 weeks of pregnancy - from 14.9 to 107.9;
- from 14 to 27 – from 61.7 to 159;
- from 28 to 41 – from 17.3 to 509.1.
But not all women will have them exactly like this.
Normal indicator for those taking hormonal contraceptives:
During the postmenopausal period, a woman's hormonal level should be in the range of 0.32-2.51.
If pregnancy occurs, the hormone increases rapidly, and the pregnant woman will have the following indicators:
The hormone level suddenly decreases two days before birth, reaching a value of 2.3. This is necessary so that the uterus is able to contract and thereby stimulate labor. However, the amount of progesterone will still be high, since it is involved in stimulating milk production.
What discharge after ovulation, if conception has occurred, is considered normal?
According to doctors, it is impossible to independently determine pregnancy in the early stages. But, nevertheless, most women claim that they truly determined their position by seemingly insignificant changes and impulses.
Every woman monitors her health after conception with special attention. Women are especially worried during their first pregnancy. One of the first questions a woman asks is what discharge after ovulation, if conception has occurred, is normal?
After the birth of a new life has occurred, the quality and volume of vaginal discharge from a woman differs significantly from that of a non-pregnant woman. In this case, the discharge changes with increasing gestational age. Conventionally, according to time and nature, they are divided into three stages.
Undoubtedly, each person is individual. And what is considered normal for one may in no way affect another. So, some women do not notice changes in the body and find out about pregnancy already at a decent age.
Increased and decreased progesterone levels: what does it affect?
Hormone deficiency primarily affects the female reproductive system. If the rate of progesterone is reduced in the luteal phase, the fertilized egg is not able to attach to the uterine walls, dies and is naturally released simultaneously with the endometrium, and menstruation occurs.
With a reduced amount of the hormone in the first trimester, a miscarriage occurs, since the uterus sharply contracts and the endometrium is not sufficiently ready to hold the amniotic egg. However, if the problem is only progesterone, it can be solved with special means that are prescribed by a gynecologist.
The hormone content decreases due to the presence of the following disorders in the body:
With a decrease in progesterone levels, the level of estrogen also changes - it increases, and as a result the woman experiences:
Estrogen should normally be in the range of 11-191 pg/ml. During menopause in women, its content is 5-90 pg/ml.
If the level of progesterone in the female body is elevated, the following conditions may be the causes:
Immediately after the birth of a new life
Conditional first stage of pregnancy. After fertilization, progesterone levels increase. And he, in turn, colors the discharge immediately after ovulation, if conception has occurred, white. White, almost transparent, odorless discharge is considered normal. They report the formation of a mucus plug.
In exceptional cases, women find creamy discharge after ovulation if conception has occurred. Such discharge is more abundant, more sticky and similar to the white of a raw chicken egg. It is worth noting that these discharges are also normal.
Causes of failure to ovulate
Ovulation in a 28-day cycle occurs on the 14th day, but sometimes the process occurs earlier or later. If the failure occurs once, the cause may be a cold, stress, heavy physical activity, or the consequences of an abortion. A permanent shift in ovulation is caused by:
- hormonal disorders;
- functional failure of target cells;
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- ovarian depletion;
- lack of sensitivity of ovarian receptors to hormonal molecules;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- operations of the uterine cavity or ovaries;
- inflammatory processes of the reproductive system;
- endometriosis;
- a brain tumor;
- hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
- decrease in sex hormones;
- genetic predisposition;
- taking hormonal and steroid drugs.
