For many women, understanding their menstrual cycle is a puzzle that resembles a series with many twists and turns, where it can sometimes be difficult to keep track between two seasons. Knowing your body and how it works is the best way to feel comfortable and at peace with yourself. Today, Sisters Republic suggests that you better understand the follicular phase of your cycle to help you see more clearly!
1- The role of the follicular phase in the menstrual cycle
Between the puberty and the Menopause "A new menstrual cycle begins for women every 25 or 32 days, except in the case of pregnancy. The ovarian cycle is divided into several phases. The first is called the follicular phase, and Sisters Republic is preparing to reveal all its secrets to you!"
Ovarian follicle, what is that?
The ovaries are the two gonads that are located on both sides of the uterus at the end of the fallopian tubes be located. The ovaries contain a reserve of about 500,000 Follicle - like so many heirs to the throne! Fortunately, the whole world measures no more than 25 thousandths of a millimeter in diameter.
Each of these follicles has only one wish: to be selected to become the next egg cell deliver! This egg will then slide through the fallopian tubes like on a slide and make itself comfortable in the uterus, waiting to be fertilized (or not). The Follicle genesis is just the beginning of a series of trials in the great competition for reproduction.
The folliculogenesis, what is it for?
The follicular phase begins on first day of menstruation. During this maturation phase, which is also referred to as "folliculogenesis", certain gametogene Follicle activated to enlarge. They are developing. 14 Roofs languages in which they go through different stages:
- primordial follicles
- primary follicles
- secondary follicles
- Tertiary follicle (preantral, then cavitary)
- mature follicle (preovulatory follicle or Graafian follicle)
Similar to a squire being knighted, the follicles climb the career ladder. But of the thousands of follicles that begin the sexual maturity are available, reach450 only a few reach maturity. When all others have been eliminated, the dominant Graafian follicle is about two centimeters language. He then provides a fertilization-ready egg cell free, which is about 120 micrometers in size. This process is called ovulation designated.
2- What is the relationship between the follicular phase and menstruation?
The follicular phase affects the entire menstrual cycle and the female reproductive system! First, the rhythm of folliculogenesis is regulated by hormones. Second, the resulting ovulation leads to changes in the uterus and the cervix. The Menstruation is a direct consequence of this process!
The follicular phase and the hormones
The schedule of the ovarian cycle is determined by hormones produced by two glands to be secreted at the base of the brain:
- the Hypothalamus, which is for LH-RH (or GnRH) is responsible for
- that Pituitary gland, which for FSH is responsible
How do these hormones interact with each other and what exactly do they do? The hypothalamus releases a Neurohormon from which the pituitary gland is stimulated. This then produces a follicle-stimulating Hormone. This is what activates the growth of primordial follicles!
As soon as the follicles awaken, they set Estrogen free. These hormones increase the fluid density in the Graafian follicle until the follicle wall breaks and releases the egg. The follicle that has released the egg transforms into the corpus luteum. This cell structure produces a new hormone: Progesterone. It causes the endometrium thickens, which is supposed to receive a possibly fertilized egg. When an egg cell meets a sperm, the implantation process. The Embryo adheres on the uterine wall - the beginning of a pregnancy!
The follicular phase and premenstrual syndrome
An egg cell has approximately 24 hours time, to be fertilized by a sperm. That is a very short time! If it does not encounter a male gamete, it deteriorates and the corpus luteum degenerates in turn. It will later be in the form of bleeding eliminated.
This reduction leads to a decrease in estrogen levels. This hormonal fluctuations are felt in some women as premenstrual syndrome noticeable. A few days before menstruation, they may be affected by physical and psychological discomfort. Among the Symptoms belong:
- Tension in the breasts
- stomach pain
- Headache
- fatigue
- nausea
- irritability
- hypersensitivity
"If you are affected by this phenomenon and your quality of life is suffering as a result, you should talk to your doctor about it!"
The Follicular Phase and Dysmenorrhea
Why does menstruation start at the same time as the follicular phase? Before the uterus rebuilds a healthy lining, it sheds the lining it built up in the previous cycle! If fertilization does not occur, the hormonal fluctuation affects the endometrium. In the first five days the ovarian cycle empties the uterus of its old mucous membrane in the form of blood loss through the vagina. Then the uterus needs nine days, to build a new one.
The uterus leads contractions through, to shed their old mucous membrane. These are often responsible for menstrual pain, which is also referred to as "Dysmenorrhoe"be referred to. The menstrual pants from Sisters Republic can help you alleviate certain symptoms and experience your menstruation better! Also, visit our other articles to learn more about natural and medicinal remedies."
