What happens during a cycle?

A menstrual cycle lasts an average of 25 to 35 days. Within this physiological range, variations are often normal, but changes in regularity, duration, or pattern can be clinically relevant and warrant attention and observation.

Door uw cyclus en de bijbehorende symptomen systematisch in kaart te brengen, krijgt u inzicht in uw persoonlijke cycluspatroon. Dit helpt u om normale variaties beter te onderscheiden van mogelijke afwijkingen, zoals oligomenorroe, polymenorroe of een structureel onregelmatig cyclisch verloop.

De menstruatiecyclus bestaat uit drie opeenvolgende fasen, die worden gereguleerd door een zorgvuldig samenspel van hersen- en ovariumhormonen (de HPO-as). Deze hormonale schommelingen beïnvloeden niet alleen de werking van de eierstokken en de baarmoeder, maar hebben effect op het hele lichaam. Zo kunnen zij onder andere invloed hebben op uw energieniveau, temperatuurregulatie, stemming en lichamelijke gewaarwordingen.

Op die manier vormt de menstruatiecyclus een samenhangend fysiologisch proces, waarin verschillende lichaamssystemen via hormonale regulatie nauw met elkaar verbonden zijn.

1. Follicular phase
   The cycle starts with menstruation, during which the uterine lining is shed. Estrogen and progesterone are low, which can be accompanied by lower energy. In the ovary, an egg begins to mature in a follicle. This follicle produces estrogens, preparing the body for a possible pregnancy: the uterine lining thickens and the cervical mucus changes. Estrogen gradually rises, and many women experience more energy, mental clarity, and a better overall feeling.
2. Ovulation phase (release)
   The egg is released by an LH surge. During this phase, a woman may notice a typical vaginal discharge for several days: cervical mucus. It becomes thinner, clearer, and more elastic under the influence of estrogen from the mature follicle. This mucus helps sperm pass through the cervix and can also nourish them and allow them to survive longer. Moreover, this change is often easily recognizable because the mucus feels and looks distinctly different than at other times in the cycle. This is the most fertile period, which is often accompanied by a feeling of increased vitality.
3. Luteal phase
   After ovulation, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone further prepares the body for a possible pregnancy by supporting the uterine lining and closing the cervix. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum disappears, hormone production decreases, and the uterine lining is shed – the new cycle begins.
   By understanding and closely monitoring the body signals “biomarkers”, relevant abnormalities can be recognized at an early stage and treated if necessary.