What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle?

Last reviewed June 1, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineThe menstrual cycle has four phases: menstrual (days 1-5, your period), follicular (days 1-13, an egg matures), ovulation (around day 14, the egg is released), and luteal (days 15-28, the uterine lining is maintained), each driven by predictable shifts in estrogen and progesterone.

Your menstrual cycle is divided into four distinct phases, each with its own hormonal changes and effects on your body.

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)

This is your period - the phase most people are familiar with. The uterine lining sheds because pregnancy didn't occur in the previous cycle.

What happens:

• The lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina
• You may experience cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood changes
• Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest

Duration: Typically 3-7 days

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-13)

This phase overlaps with menstruation and continues after your period ends. Your body begins preparing for the next potential pregnancy.

What happens:

• The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Several follicles begin developing in your ovaries, each containing an egg
• One follicle becomes dominant and continues to mature
• Estrogen levels rise, causing the uterine lining to thicken
• You may feel more energetic and have an improved mood

Duration: About 11-13 days (varies most between individuals)

3. Ovulation Phase (Day 14)

The shortest phase - this is when your body releases a mature egg.

What happens:

• A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg
• The egg travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus
• This is your most fertile time
• You may notice clear, stretchy cervical mucus

Duration: 24-48 hours (the egg survives about 12-24 hours)

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

The final phase before your next period begins.

What happens:

• The empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum
• Progesterone rises to maintain the uterine lining
• If the egg isn't fertilized, the corpus luteum breaks down
• Progesterone and estrogen drop, triggering PMS symptoms
• Common symptoms: bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, food cravings

Duration: Usually 12-14 days (the most consistent phase)

Femora's cycle ring dashboard shows you exactly which phase you're in, color-coded for easy reference: red for menstrual, pink for follicular, purple for ovulation, and indigo for luteal.