What happens during the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle?

The follicular phase begins on the first day of the menstrual cycle. Here are the symptoms that occur at this stage and what you can expect:

During your menstrual cycle, you must have noticed a series of changes your body experiences each month. You may experience cramps, bloating, breast softness, and mood swings. With the exception of vaginal bleeding, these symptoms can last for 3-5 days. However, the end of the bleeding does not mean that there will be no further changes in your body for the rest of the month. The menstrual cycle continues for a longer period without a conclusion at the end of the period. It starts from one day of your period and continues until your next one arrives. The follicular phase is the phase that accounts for the first half of the menstrual cycle. Read on to learn more about this stage of your menstrual cycle.

What is the follicular phase?

In most cases, the menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. According to a study published in StatPearls in 2022, the average length of this cycle is 28 days. The second phase of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase, begins with a period. In the first stage there is a slight overlap, which is the menstrual stage. You get a period in both phases, but in menstruation, the eggs from the previous cycle will not fertilize.

“During the follicle phase, the follicles in the follicle grow and mature under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH,” said Dr. Shobha Gupta, a gynecologist and in vitro fertilization expert. Hormones produced in the pituitary gland control sexual development and fertility in women as well as men. “In the follicular phase, the body equips to release eggs. Estrogen levels also increase, thickening the endometrium for the chance of pregnancy,” says an expert.

What do you think about the follicular phase?

Some of the follicular phase symptoms are as follows:

Higher energy levels: As estrogen rises, metabolism and stamina improve and you feel more energetic.
Feel better: “Increasing serotonin levels helps to boost your mood and reduces irritability and anxiety,” experts say. A 2023 study published in Brain Science showed that women showed a significant increase and decrease in positive mood (anxiety, depressed, fatigued) dimensions during the follicular phase.
Increase in libido: Higher estrogen levels, especially as ovulation approaches, can lead to increased sexual urges.
Glowing skin: “Estrogen helps to promote collagen production,” says experts. This can lead to sharper and more radiant skin.
Mild menstrual cramps: Some people experience mild menstrual cramps and fatigue at the start of this stage of their bleeding menstrual cycle.

Long follicular phase

The average follicular phase usually lasts for about 16 days. Also, a survey published in the Journal of Women’s Health in 2010 shows that ranges from the 11th to the 27th.

Longer follicular phases can be caused by:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome:PCOS is a general health condition that causes hormonal imbalances. “This can delay ovulation or lose immunity, which can lead to longer this phase,” says Dr. Gupta.
Thyroid disorders: Underactivity (hypothyroidism) or overactivity (hyperthyroidism) Thyroid destroys follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen levels, affecting the length of this stage of the menstrual cycle.
Stress and lifestyle factors: Chronic stress, poor diet, excessive exercise, or lack of sleep can all alter hormone production and slow ovulation.
Poor ovarian sanctuary: If the ovaries are not responding well to FSH, it may take some time for the follicle to mature, prolonging this stage.

If ovulation occurs, a slightly longer follicular phase may not be a problem. “However, if the phase is too long, you can show inadequate or inconsistent egg development, making it less likely that you will become pregnant,” experts say.

Short follicle phase

A short phase, usually less than 10 days, means that the egg does not have enough time to mature properly. “This can affect the quality of the egg and have a negative impact on the chances of pregnancy,” experts say.

Here’s why this phase is short:

Aging (decrease in ovarian sanctuaries): As you get older, your FSH levels increase and stimulate egg development faster. This reduces the length of this phase.
Hormonal imbalance (low estrogen, high FSH): Low estrogens can speed up follicle development and reduce early ovulation and egg quality.
Specific medical conditions: Ovarian dysfunction or past surgery can affect ovarian function and lead to irregular or short cycles.

If you experience any menstrual cycles, you should consult a doctor.

Permanent aovulation (not ovulating regularly)
Severe menstrual pain
If the cycle often exceeds 35 days
It’s difficult to get pregnant after 6-12 months.
If the follicular phase is consistently less than 10 days, this may be a sign of ovarian deficiency.
Signs of hormonal imbalance, such as hair loss, acne, or excessive weight changes.

Understanding the menstrual cycle, especially the follicular phase, is important to maintain reproductive health and overall well-being. A balanced follicular phase ensures proper egg development and prepares the body for pregnancy. If you have a pregnancy plan, make sure this phase is not too long or too short.

How does follicular phase affect mood?

Follicular phase plays an important role in mood regulation, primarily due to the gradual rise in estrogen levels. You may feel less like you as estrogen and progesterone have fallen from the previous cycle for the first few days. In the mid- to late follicular phase, estrogen increases mood and improves serotonin and dopamine levels.

How is the follicle phase different from the corpus luteum phase?

The follicular phase begins with menstruation and ends with ovulation. At this stage, estrogens are governed by promoting egg development and endometrial growth. The mood is generally good and energy levels increase. The luteal phase begins after ovulation and is governed by progesterone, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Do you experience bleeding during the follicular phase?

Yes, menstrual bleeding occurs at the beginning of the follicular phase. This is your body’s way of draining the lining of the previous cycle when pregnancy is not occurring. The first few days of the follicular phase coincide with menstruation. This is completely normal, marks your body’s natural renewal cycle and prepares for potential pregnancy in the upcoming ovulation stage.