a hormonal journey across the month
across a single menstrual cycle, several hormones rise and fall in a coordinated sequence, and following that sequence from start to finish can make the whole cycle feel much easier to understand. this article walks through the month roughly week by week, though remember that timing varies between individuals.
early in the cycle: menstruation and early follicular phase
day one of the cycle is the first day of a period. at this point, levels of oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, having fallen at the end of the previous cycle, which is what triggered the period in the first place. follicle stimulating hormone (fsh) begins to rise gently, encouraging a new group of follicles to start developing in the ovaries.
the run up to ovulation
as the follicular phase continues, one follicle typically becomes dominant and produces increasing amounts of oestrogen. this rising oestrogen thickens the womb lining and, once it reaches a high enough level, triggers a sharp surge in luteinising hormone (lh). this lh surge is the direct trigger for ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
after ovulation: the luteal phase
once ovulation has occurred, the structure left behind in the ovary begins producing progesterone, alongside continued but lower levels of oestrogen. progesterone rises through the first part of the luteal phase, helping to stabilise the womb lining in case a fertilised egg arrives.
the final stretch before a period
if pregnancy has not occurred, the hormone producing structure in the ovary breaks down towards the end of the luteal phase, causing both progesterone and oestrogen to fall. this drop is what signals the womb lining to shed, bringing on a period and marking day one of a new cycle.
a simple summary
- early cycle: oestrogen and progesterone are low, fsh gently rises
- middle of the cycle: oestrogen rises, then triggers an lh surge and ovulation
- after ovulation: progesterone rises to support the womb lining
- late cycle: progesterone and oestrogen fall if pregnancy has not occurred, leading to a period
why this pattern matters
this hormonal rhythm is what drives many of the physical and emotional changes people notice across the month, from shifts in energy and mood to changes in skin, appetite and sleep. because the exact timing and intensity of these shifts can vary between individuals, and even from cycle to cycle, getting to know your own pattern through gentle tracking can be genuinely helpful.
if your hormonal pattern feels significantly disrupted, or if symptoms linked to these changes feel difficult to manage, a healthcare professional can offer personalised advice and support.