Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: Phases and Hormones Explained
Written by Shelby Hale for Mira | Medically reviewed by Katerina Shkodzik, M.D., OB-GYN
The human body continuously goes through cycles all the time. And here at Mira, one of our favorite cycles is… the menstrual cycle!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the stages of the menstrual cycle – including what happens during each stage, how hormones drive key processes, and what this means for your fertility and hormone health.
The Menstrual Cycle Stages Explained
Menstruation
The first phase of the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase, which begins with menstruation (i.e. your period).