Although the Follicular Phase starts on the first day of mensuration, it is considered the 2nd phase of your cycle and you’re in it until you ovulate.

During this time, the pituitary gland is releasing hormones that tell the ovaries to produce up to 20 follicles (cysts). Each of those house an immature egg and typically one of these follicles will mature.

Side note: When you hear cysts, you might think PCOS. We have cysts on our ovaries each month, so it is a combination of many symptoms that equate to a PCOS diagnosis, not just having cysts on the ovaries.

Over this phase the follicle is maturing and will typically around 13-14 days to do so.

If you have regular periods, you can generally estimate your ovulation by counting 14 days out from the day you started menstruation.

Estrogen is triggered during the Follicular Phase and the rise in estrogen is what stops too many eggs from maturing.

The uterus is also developing a thick lining during this time called the endometrium. It is made up of blood vessels and soft tissue.

Things to know + how to support your body during this phase:
🌒 Eat extra servings of healthy fat like avocado and olive oil because fats are the building blocks of hormones
🌒 After you have finished bleeding, you will have more energy, so this is a great time to work out hard or try something new
🌒 You may have a higher pain threshold
🌒 The boost of estrogen will have you feeling more social!
🌒 Avoid sugary foods if possible

How do you support yourself during your menstrual cycle? 👇🏼

This info may not apply to those on hormonal birth control
Want more info on the phases of your cycle? Episode #6 of Get Cliterate is alllll about it