Hormonal health
The 4 Main Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
A typical cycle lasts about 21 to 35 days and is driven by hormones.
1. Menstrual phase (your period)
This is the first day of your cycle.
The uterine lining, which had prepared for a possible pregnancy, is shed and leaves the body as menstrual blood.
This usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
2. Follicular phase (getting ready)
After your period, the ovaries prepare an egg.
Under the effect of FSH, several follicles grow and one becomes dominant.
At the same time, the uterine lining starts to thicken again.
3. Ovulation (fertile window)
A surge in LH triggers ovulation.
The dominant follicle releases a mature egg that can be fertilized for about 24 to 48 hours.
Ovulation usually happens around 14 days before the next period.
4. Luteal phase (after ovulation)
The empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum and produces progesterone.
Progesterone stabilizes the uterine lining in case a pregnancy begins.
If there is no pregnancy, progesterone levels fall and a new period starts.
Estrogen and Progesterone: Your Two Key Hormones
Estrogens
Help rebuild the uterine lining.
Support ovulation.
Protect bones, influence cholesterol, skin and hair.
Progesterone
Dominant after ovulation.
Stabilizes the uterine lining.
Can affect mood, sleep, body temperature and PMS symptoms.
These hormones do not only act on fertility, they also influence energy, sleep, appetite and general well-being.
When Your Cycles Become Irregular
An “irregular cycle” can mean:
Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
Periods that come at very different intervals each month
Very heavy, very light or missed periods (without pregnancy)
Some common causes are:
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Long or unpredictable cycles, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain and sometimes difficulty conceiving.
If you recognize these signs, speak to your doctor.
Hypothyroidism (slow thyroid)
Irregular periods plus tiredness, feeling cold and weight gain can suggest a thyroid problem.
A simple blood test can confirm it.
Stress and weight changes
Strong stress, restrictive diets or rapid weight gain or loss can disturb ovulation.
Stable weight, a balanced diet and stress management often help.
When to see a doctor
Consult your gynecologist if you notice:
Very heavy bleeding
Severe pelvic pain
Sudden changes in your usual cycle
Repeated missed periods without pregnancy
Tracking your cycle with an app or calendar is very useful. Bring this information to your consultation.
Is It Dangerous Not to Have Your Period on Continuous Contraception?
This is the question that started this article:
“Is it dangerous not to have my period when I take my pill continuously?”
What is continuous contraception?
It means taking the pill, patch or ring without the usual break, so that you do not have a withdrawal bleed.
This can be used for comfort or to manage conditions like painful periods or endometriosis.
What happens in the uterus?
With continuous hormonal contraception, the uterine lining does not build up in the same way as in a natural cycle.
There is no “trapped blood” and the uterus does not need a monthly “cleaning.”
Studies show that using hormonal contraception for a long time does not harm future fertility.
When you stop it, your natural cycles usually return after a short adjustment period.
Is it safe for everyone?
For most women without specific risk factors, not having periods because of continuous contraception is considered safe and can improve quality of life.
However, the choice must always be personalized and discussed with a gynecologist who knows your medical history.
Understanding your menstrual cycle helps you:
know what is normal for you,
spot warning signs early,
make informed choices about contraception.
If you have irregular cycles, intense pain, or questions about continuous contraception, talk to your gynecologist. Your cycle is a vital sign of your health, and you deserve clear, calm, science-based answers.
