Periods, also known as menstruation, are a natural part of life for people with uteruses, marking the body’s preparation for potential pregnancy. Each month, the menstrual cycle completes a series of phases, from menstruation to ovulation, driven by a combination of hormonal and physical changes. Understanding the menstrual cycle helps people navigate their health more effectively, reducing the stigma around periods and empowering informed health choices.
The Menstrual Cycle Explained
The menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, although this varies from person to person. It is divided into four main phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Each phase plays a distinct role in reproductive health.
The first phase, menstruation, is the shedding of the uterine lining when no pregnancy occurs. This phase is the beginning of each cycle and typically lasts 3-7 days. During this time, managing hygiene properly is crucial, and initiatives that focus on menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns work to ensure people have access to necessary information and resources.
Menstruation: Shedding the Uterine Lining
Menstruation is the phase during which the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding through the vagina. This process expels tissue and blood that had built up in preparation for pregnancy. Access to adequate menstrual products during this time is essential, which is why many organizations support feminine hygiene product donations to make these products accessible to everyone. These efforts aim to break the stigma around menstruation and allow young people to manage their periods confidently.
With campaigns promoting awareness of sanitary napkins, more individuals are educated about using products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Educational efforts ensure that everyone has the information needed to make the best choice for their personal comfort and health.
The Follicular Phase: Preparing an Egg
The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation. During this time, the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate follicles in the ovaries to grow. One of these follicles matures into an egg, which the body prepares for release. For young people, understanding this stage promotes menstrual health awareness and helps normalize discussions about how the body functions.
Support from community initiatives, such as feminine hygiene donation drives, can further ensure that menstrual products reach those who need them. These efforts provide crucial resources, making it possible for individuals to focus on education and personal development without interruptions caused by a lack of menstrual products.
Ovulation: The Release of the Egg
Ovulation occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, typically on day 14 in a 28-day cycle. At this point, a mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, where it may encounter sperm for fertilization. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the cycle progresses to the luteal phase, where hormone levels prepare the body for menstruation once again.
Raising sanitary napkin awareness ensures that individuals understand the products available to them throughout their cycles, allowing them to maintain hygiene and comfort at each stage.
The Luteal Phase: Preparing for a New Cycle
The luteal phase occurs after ovulation and lasts until menstruation begins again. During this phase, hormone levels rise to prepare the body in case of pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t happen, hormone levels drop, signaling the body to shed the uterine lining and start a new cycle.
Understanding each phase of the menstrual cycle is essential for managing menstrual health. Programs that donate women’s hygiene products and provide awareness about sanitary napkins empower people to care for their bodies without embarrassment or fear.
Help Us Empower Menstrual Health Education with the Utpat Foundation
We are Nishka Utpat and Kaanchi Utpat, founders of the nonprofit charity Utpat Foundation in Hamilton. Our mission is to raise menstrual health awareness and support young people by providing access to essential products. The foundation organizes feminine hygiene product donations and works to reduce the stigma around periods through education.
Get in touch with us to support this important mission.
