In fact, there’s something different happening to your body practically every day of the cycle.
And it’s generally the same for all women at least those that aren’t on birth control.
(Here are some otherreasons your period might be irregular, besides birth control.)
Photo: Kristian Scheffler / EyeEm/Getty Images
Days 1 to 3
Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period.
(Use one of thesehandy period tracking apps to keep track.)
So why, exactly, are you bleeding?
The quicker it’s expelled, the closer to bright red it will be.
(Here’s more on what the color of your period blood means.)
Days 7 to 10
This is the day we all wait for.
Over several days, these little follicles grow and prepare to release an egg.
This increase in hormones causes the lining of your uterus to thicken in preparation for harboring a fertilized egg.
And, eventually, one follicle will be recruited and mature in preparation for ovulation, says Gottfried.
Day 14
Your egg is released from the follicle-welcome to ovulation!
So how long are you fertile?
But it is known that you’re most fertile the day your egg is released, says Streicher.
(Here are morethings ob-gyns wish women knew about their fertility.)
Since you’re several days removed from ovulation, your progesterone levels are likely skyrocketing.
Curious if you and your partner have conceived?
Days 20 to 23
You’re now entering PMS territory.
Keep in mind, though, that you’re probably not eating as much you think you are.
(Try theseholistic PMS treatments to manage your symptoms.)
Days 27 to 28
The good news?
Your PMS symptoms should pretty much be gone by now.
The bad news is the bleeding starts very soon if you’re not pregnant.
(Break out the tampons and Midol,again!)
