1.     Menstruation (bleeding)

What happens/purpose: Your body sheds the lining of the uterus to prepare for a potential pregnancy. This shedding and the bleeding is called your period, and period products such as tampons, pads, underwear and cups are used to absorb the blood.

Common symptoms: Cramps, fatigue, bloating, mood swings.

Irregular symptoms: Severe cramps, excessive bleeding and passing clots.

Hormonal activity: Decreases in oestrogen and progesterone levels triggers the shedding of the uterine lining. This decrease can lead to mood swings, fatigue and physical discomfort such as cramps and bloating.

When to see a medical professional:

• If you experience severe cramps that are not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication

• If you have excessive bleeding (soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours)

• If you pass large clots frequently

2.     Follicular (this can overlap with menstruation)

What happens/purpose: Ovarian follicles mature and oestrogen levels rise to prepare the body for ovulation. The lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Common symptoms: Increased energy, clearer skin and improved mood.

Irregular symptoms: Intense fatigue, debilitating headaches (menstrual migraines), severe mood swings.

Hormonal activity: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates follicle growth, leading to a rise in oestrogen. Increased oestrogen helps thicken the uterine lining and has a positive effect on mood, energy levels and skin clarity. However, fluctuations in hormones can sometimes cause headaches of fatigue.

When to see a medical professional:

• If you experience debilitating headaches or severe mood swings

• If you have intense fatigue that affects your daily life

3.     Ovulation

What happens/purpose: Your body releases the egg from an ovary, this is your body’s peak fertility window for conception.

Common symptoms: Slight pelvic discomfort, mild cramps, spotting (light bleeding), increase in cervical mucus (increased discharge).

Irregular symptoms: Severe cramps, excessive bleeding and passing clots.

Hormonal activity: A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the egg and oestrogen peaks to support the ovulation process. The hormonal surge can lead to increased cervical mucus, mild pelvic discomfort and spotting. Some menstruators might feel a heightened sense of well-being while others might experience cramps or mood changes.

When to see a medical professional:

• If you experience severe cramps or excessive bleeding during ovulation.

4.     Luteal

What happens/purpose: Corpus luteum (a temporary hormone-secreting structure) forms and produces progesterone. This prepares the uterine lining for potential embryo implantation, which maintains early pregnancy if it occurs.

Common symptoms: PMS, breast tenderness, mood swings, food cravings, fatigue.

Irregular symptoms: Intense breast tenderness, extreme mood swings (PMDD) and debilitating fatigue.

Hormonal activity: Progesterone increases to support the thickening of the uterine lining and can cause mood swings, irritability and food cravings. Breast tenderness and fatigue are also common as the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Moderate levels of estradiol – a form of oestrogen – are also produced, which influence mood and energy levels.

When to see a medical professional:

• If you experience intense breast tenderness or extreme mood swings

• If you have debilitating fatigue that affects your daily activities