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Hormones and The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle or period is a natural process and is roughly around 28 days. It is regulated by hormones in your body which rise and fall throughout your cycle. Here's a brief look at what these hormones do during your period.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Oestrogen
At the beginning of your cycle your brain produces a hormone called FSH which causes the ovary to produce an egg. This process also results in the production of another hormone, oestrogen, which thickens the lining of your womb so that it can support the egg in case of a pregnancy.
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
As the egg develops in the ovaries, oestrogen levels will continue to rise. When they are high enough, the brain produces the hormone LH
which causes the egg to be released from your ovary. This is known as ovulation. When the egg is released it travels down your fallopian tube to get to your womb.
Progesterone
After ovulation, your body will produce another hormone called progesterone which works with oestrogen to prepare your womb in case an egg is fertilised. If the egg is not fertilised the levels of this hormone drop and this leads to the loss of the lining of your womb which has been building up. This is the first day of your period.
