Understanding Your Monthly Cycle
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There are four phases that characterize a woman’s cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
The average monthly cycle is between 28 to 35 days, although it is possible for some women to experience longer or shorter cycles. If you are concerned about the length of your cycle, it is important to speak with your OBGYN – they can order bloodwork to determine whether there are underlying fertility issues.
Generally speaking, the phases last through the following cycle days (CD):
CD 1-7: Menstruation
Uterine lining from your previous ovulation phase is shed and follicles begin to develop in preparation of your next ovulation phase.
CD 1-11: Follicular Phase
Your hormone levels rise to help develop follicles and thicken the uterine lining.
CD 12-17: Ovulation
You will experience a peak surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) which will trigger the main follicle to release its egg for fertilization within the next 24-36 hours (on average).
CD 18-28+: Luteal Phase
The released egg travels to the uterus to either implant or be released during your next menstrual cycle.
To help you track and better understand your monthly cycle, we have created a very handy pair of charts free for your use to download and print – it’s great for hole punching to keep in your daily planner (may need folding) or for your TTC journey journal!
› Understanding Your Monthly Cycle
Cycle Tracking
The Two Week Wait
› Understanding Your Monthly Cycle
Cycle Tracking
The Two Week Wait
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SingleMomsByChoice.org is run by single moms by choice for single moms by choice, dedicated to helping educate, enlighten and empower women who are thinking about or who have decided to have a child “on their own” through donor insemination, egg or embryo donation, adoption or other assisted means.
