Understanding the Monthly Cycle
Your menstrual cycle runs on roughly a 28-day schedule, though this varies between individuals. Every month, your ovaries release an egg during ovulation, whilst your uterus prepares by thickening its lining to potentially support a fertilised egg.
If the egg isn't fertilised by sperm, both the egg and the thick uterine lining are shed during your period. This entire process is controlled by four crucial hormones working in sequence.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) kicks off the cycle by making eggs mature in your ovaries. Luteinising Hormone (LH) then triggers the release of that mature egg. Meanwhile, oestrogen and progesterone work together to maintain the uterus lining, keeping it ready for a potential pregnancy.
Key Point: Think of these hormones as a relay team - each one passes the baton to trigger the next stage of your cycle.
