What Your Biology Teacher Didn’t Tell You About Your Cycle (But Should Have)

Let’s be honest when we first heard about “periods” in school, most of us thought, “Oh god, not this again,” and buried our faces in our notebooks hoping the teacher wouldn’t pick us to answer anything. Fast-forward a few years and now our Google history reads: “Why do I want to fight everyone today?”, “Why am I crying over Maggie ads?”, or “Why do I feel like Beyoncé and a potato in the same day?”

Welcome to the fascinating (and slightly dramatic) world of the menstrual cycle a hormonal rollercoaster that runs our lives from the inside out, usually without us even knowing which phase we’re in. Let’s break down the cycle into its four main phases not like your biology textbook, but like your bestie explaining it over chai and chips.

Phase 1: Menstruation – Ghar More Periods-yaaa

Also known as: “Chums,” “That time of the month,” or “Do not test me today.”

Duration: Days 1 to 5-ish
What’s happening: The uterus is like, “Okay, no pregnancy? Cool, I’m shedding this lining.” Cue: bleeding, cramps, back pain, and a craving for every fried thing on Zomato or Swiggy, whichever is cheaper.

Your body is literally letting go of last month’s plans. And just like your mom during wedding season, it's cleaning everything out to start fresh.

You might feel:

• Tired, bloated, emotional (watching puppies on Instagram might lead to tears)
• Like you're leaking secrets and blood simultaneously
  
• Like cancelling everything except binge-watching your comfort show
  

What helps:

• Heat pads, ginger tea, and avoiding that one annoying friend who says, “It can’t be that bad.”
  
• Reusable pads, organic tampons, menstrual cups—find your comfy match.
• Rest. Period. You are not being lazy; you’re being biologically efficient.

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Phase 2: Follicular – Main Character Energy Incoming

Also known as: “She’s glowing for no reason” or “Main apni favorite hoon” 

Duration: Days 1 to 14 (starts with menstruation, overlaps a bit)
What’s happening: Your brain (the pituitary gland, to be precise) sends out FSH — follicle-stimulating hormone — to develop follicles in your ovaries. One lucky follicle becomes the queen egg. Meanwhile, estrogen levels are rising like your confidence post-cramps.

You might feel:

• More energetic, optimistic, and ready to clean your room (finally)
• Social, productive, and suspiciously happy
• Like you want to start a new hobby, job, or maybe a revolution
  

This is the best time to:

• Try new things (except bangs—maybe wait until ovulation)
• Go on dates, or swipe more confidently on apps
• Schedule important meetings, workouts, or any task that needs brainpower and social energy

Basically, you’re the heroine of your own film during this phase. Outfit? On point. Hair? Glorious. Mood? Sunny with a chance of world domination. 

Phase 3: Ovulation – Fertile AF (And You Might Text Your Ex)

Also known as: “Egg drop day” or “Hormonal hot girl hour”

Duration: Day 14 (give or take)
What’s happening: Your ovary releases the egg. Estrogen peaks. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. Basically, your body is like, “Let’s make a baby!” (even if you’re like, “Lol no thanks.”)

You might feel:

• Sexy, confident, and flirtier than usual
• Like dancing, socializing, or texting that one toxic guy (Don’t. Block him again.)
  
• More attractive (even your skin and voice can subtly change—science!)
  

Signs of ovulation:

• Clear, stretchy discharge (egg-white-like)
• Mild pain on one side of the lower abdomen (called mittelschmerz, which sounds like a German DJ)
• Increased libido
  

What helps:

• Harness this energy! Plan important events or presentations.
• Use protection if you’re not planning babies—this is your most fertile phase.
• Stay hydrated and maybe journal instead of texting that ex. Again.
  

Also read -  Safe & Important Personal Items for your Next Trip!

Phase 4: Luteal – Who Is She? Oh, It’s Me... PMS-ing

Also known as: “The storm before the next storm.”

Duration: Days 15 to 28
What’s happening: Progesterone rises to support a potential pregnancy. If no pregnancy happens, hormones dip and your body preps for the next period.

This is the phase where your inner Shahrukh and Shashi Tharoor fight—drama + complicated emotions.

You might feel:

• Bloated, moody, hungry enough to eat a biryani meant for four
• Like crying over things like socks being mismatched

• Low energy, anxious, and mentally preparing for war
  

Classic PMS symptoms:

• Mood swings (aka “Why did he breathe like that?”)
• Food cravings (hello, aloo paratha at midnight or choco fudge brownie)
• Acne, headaches, sore breasts, and that existential dread
  

What helps:

• Magnesium-rich foods (dark chocolate, nuts)
• Movement (not gym maybe, but try a dance break or yoga)
• Talking to friends who won’t say “Are you on your period?”
  

Think of this as your body's monthly protest march. Give it empathy, some samosas, and space to just feel.

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Real Talk: Why Should You Even Care About These Phases?

Because your menstrual cycle is more than just “that one week of bleeding.” It affects your mood, energy, appetite, social vibe, focus, and even your workouts.

And guess what? You can sync your lifestyle with your cycle—called cycle syncing—to optimize your routine like a boss. Imagine scheduling your most intense workouts during your follicular phase and taking it slow during luteal without guilt. Revolutionary, right?

In Conclusion: You’re Basically a Monthly Goddess

Each phase of your cycle brings something new — and not just cramps and cravings. You’re not “moody” or “too sensitive.” You’re a whole hormonal orchestra playing different tunes every week. Understanding your cycle means understanding yourself.

So next time someone asks, “Why are you acting like this?” — just smile and say, “I’m in my luteal phase, Rahul. Google it.”