The Menstrual Cycle Explained Simply (and Why It Matters for Fertility)

Samantha Gallier
Sep 4
3 min read

Most of us were taught in school that the menstrual cycle is “your period once a month.” And that’s about it. 🙄 But the truth is, your cycle is a carefully choreographed dance of hormones that affects way more than just your period. It impacts your mood, energy, skin, digestion, and—most importantly—your fertility.

Understanding your cycle can help you:

Spot your fertile window (the days you can actually get pregnant).
Recognise signs of hormonal imbalances early.
Work with your body, not against it.

Let’s break it down into the 4 phases in simple terms.

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5 approx.)

This is the phase everyone knows—the bleeding part. But it’s also your body’s way of resetting. Hormones are at their lowest, which explains why you might feel tired, crave comfort, or want to hibernate under a blanket.

👉 Tip: Rest when you can, nourish with warming foods (think soups, stews, bone broth), and don’t over-schedule yourself.

2. Follicular Phase (Day 1–14, starting with your period but continuing after it ends)

Oestrogen begins to rise, and your energy often does too. Your brain feels sharper, your mood lifts, and your body is preparing eggs for ovulation.

👉 Tip: This is a great time for new projects, planning, and workouts that require more energy.

3. Ovulation Phase (Around Day 14 in a 28-day cycle)

This is your body’s fertility “prime time.” Oestrogen peaks, luteinising hormone (LH) surges, and one lucky egg is released. Cervical mucus becomes stretchy and clear—nature’s way of making conception easier.

👉 Tip: If you’re trying to conceive, this is the window to focus on!

4. Luteal Phase (Day 15–28)

Progesterone rises to support a potential pregnancy. If conception doesn’t happen, hormone levels drop toward the end of this phase, leading to PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, or cravings.

👉 Tip: Focus on self-care—early nights, balanced meals, and gentle exercise help your body through the transition.

Why This Knowledge Matters

Cycle awareness isn’t just for people trying to conceive. It’s a tool for:

Hormonal health: spotting imbalances like PCOS or endometriosis.
Mental health: understanding mood shifts.
Lifestyle planning: syncing your energy with your natural rhythm.

And for those on a fertility journey—whether naturally or through IVF—knowing your cycle phases can make the process less confusing and more empowering.

Ready to Learn More?

Your cycle is your body’s monthly report card. The more you understand it, the more control you gain over your health and fertility. 🌸

There are many great tools you can use to help track and understand your cycles, I would recommend:

Mira- basically a at home lab which tracks your temperature and hormone levels by simple urine samples! Use code 2SAMG15 for 15% off! (If you are a client of mine, message me for a bigger discount!)- Mira Fertility Tracker - Accurate Fertility Tracking and Monitoring – Mira Fertility Shop
Tempdrop- Takes the faff out of manually taking your temperature every morning (great for people who forget or don't have consistent wake up times!). This is a simple arm band you wear at night which will track and record your temperature! Get 10% off with this link- https://tempdrop.refr.cc/default/u/samanthagallier?s=sp&t=cp

✨ If you’d like support in understanding your own cycle—or want to explore fertility and hormone diagnostics—book a Fertility Diagnostic Consultation with me. Together, we’ll map out your cycle, check your hormones, and create a plan that works for your body.