To all young girls learning about their first period or menstrual cycle, we want you to know this: if you’re feeling confused, curious, or even a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. We know this stage can bring you plenty of questions or even make you feel anxious. 

According to an article by the World Bank, approximately 8% of Filipina students skip classes due to menstruation. Many of these young girls decided to stay at home due to severe discomfort and to avoid bullying and discrimination. 

The good news is that you’re not expected to have everything figured out right away. Puberty is full of changes, and it is definitely not a straight path. Every menstrual cycle is different, and understanding how your body changes over time can help you feel more confident every step of the way. 

What Is the Menstrual Cycle? 

The menstrual cycle is a natural process of your body to prepare for a possible pregnancy every month. If pregnancy does not happen, your body sheds the lining of the uterus. This shedding is what we call menstruation, or what most people simply refer to as their period. 

A period typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days, with 5 days being the average. However, this timeline varies quite a bit from person to person.

Once your period begins, a new menstrual cycle starts, and the process repeats itself month after month. Throughout these phases, you might experience different shifts in both your body and mind, such as changes in your energy levels, mood, skin, and appetite. 

How to Count Your Menstrual Cycle

Counting your menstrual cycle is easier than you might think. The first day of your period is considered Day 1 of your menstrual cycle. From there, keep counting each day until the day before your next period begins. Once your next period starts, that becomes Day 1 of a brand new cycle.

For example, if your period starts on July 1, and your next period begins on July 29, you would count the days from July 1 through July 28. This means your menstrual cycle is 28 days long.

So, does everyone’s cycle last 28 days? The answer is no. 

While 28 days is often used as a reference, it isn’t the only healthy cycle length. In fact, one study found that only 12.4% of women had a 28-day cycle, while 87% had cycle lengths ranging from 23 to 35 days.

The Apple Women’s Health Study also found that factors such as age, weight, race, and ethnicity can influence the length and pattern of a menstrual cycle. 

Some cycles are shorter, while others are longer, and that’s perfectly normal.

However, if your cycles are consistently very long, such as more than 40 days, or become unusually irregular, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. These changes may sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions.

The most important thing is getting to know what is typical for your body. Track your menstrual cycle regularly, so you’ll be familiar with your natural rhythm and better understand the changes you experience in every cycle. 

The 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle has four phases: period, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. As your hormone levels naturally rise and fall, you may notice changes in your energy, mood, skin, appetite, and even your emotions. 

However,  every menstrual cycle is different, so your experience may not be exactly the same as someone else’s.

1. Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase marks the beginning of your menstrual cycle and starts on the first day of your period. During this phase, your body sheds the lining of the uterus, which is why menstrual bleeding occurs.

As your hormone levels are at their lowest, you may feel more tired or stressed than usual. You may also experience cramps as your uterus contracts to shed its lining. While these changes can be uncomfortable, they’re a normal part of your menstrual cycle.

How to Care for Yourself During the Menstrual Phase

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Get enough rest and listen to your body’s needs.
• Try light exercise or gentle stretching if it feels comfortable, as it may help ease cramps.
• Apply a heating pad or warm compress to your lower abdomen for added relief.
• Practice good menstrual hygiene by changing your sanitary products regularly.

2. Follicular Phase

The follicular phase begins after your period and continues until ovulation. During this phase, your body prepares a new egg for release, and estrogen levels begin to rise.

As estrogen levels rise, you may begin to feel more energized and motivated than you did during your period. You may also notice positive changes, such as an improved mood, better focus, or healthier-looking skin.

How to Care for Yourself During the Follicular Phase

• Eat balanced meals to support your body’s changing needs.
• Stay active with exercise you enjoy.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Get enough sleep to help maintain your energy.

3. Ovulation Phase

During the ovulation phase, one of your ovaries releases a mature egg. This usually happens around the middle of your menstrual cycle, although the exact timing can vary from person to person.

Some people notice mild changes during this phase, such as increased energy, clearer cervical mucus, or slight discomfort on one side of the lower abdomen. Others may not notice any changes at all, and that’s completely normal.

How to Care for Yourself During Ovulation 

• Get enough rest if you’re feeling more tired than usual.
• Continue practicing good menstrual hygiene.
• Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated.
• Take time to slow down and listen to what your body needs

4. Luteal Phase

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until your next period. During this phase, progesterone levels rise as your body prepares for a possible pregnancy.

As these hormone changes take place, you may experience bloating, breast tenderness, food cravings, mood swings, lower energy, or acne. These are common symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), although not everyone experiences them the same way.

How to Care for Yourself During the Luteal Phase

• Eat balanced meals and limit foods high in added sugar or sodium if bloating is bothering you.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Keep moving with light to moderate exercise if it feels comfortable.
• Get enough rest and prioritize activities that help you relax.

When to Talk to a Doctor About Period Symptoms 

Most changes during your menstrual cycle are completely normal, and every person’s experience is different. However, if you notice symptoms that are severe, persistent, or different from what’s typical for you, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.

Some signs that should not be ignored include:

• Periods that are consistently very irregular or more than 90 days apart (unless you’ve recently started menstruating). 

• Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days or is unusually heavy. 

• Soaking through two or more pads or tampons per hour for two to three hours in a row. 

• Severe cramps that interfere with your daily activities or do not improve with self-care. 

• Bleeding between periods.
• Sudden changes in your menstrual cycle that continue for several months.

Feel More Confident About Your Menstrual Cycle

If you’ve just gotten your first period, we know this can feel like a confusing time. But remember, menstruation is a natural part of growing up, and every phase of your menstrual cycle is your body’s way of supporting your health.

We hope this guide has helped you feel more prepared and confident. Listen to your body, take care of yourself, and never hesitate to talk to a trusted adult or healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right.

For your period care needs, visit our official Shopee and Lazada store for products that support you through every cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Menstrual Cycle 

What is considered a normal menstrual cycle?

A normal menstrual cycle can vary from person to person. While a 28-day cycle is often used as an example, healthy cycles commonly range from 21 to 35 days in adults. It’s normal for cycle lengths to be less predictable during the first few years after your first period.

How long does a period usually last?

A period typically lasts 2 to 7 days. Some people have shorter periods, while others bleed for the full week. If your period regularly lasts longer than 7 days or is unusually heavy, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.

Is it normal to have an irregular menstrual cycle?

Irregular menstrual cycles are common during puberty because your hormones are still adjusting. However, if your periods remain very irregular, stop for several months, or suddenly change after being regular, you should consult a healthcare professional.

Can I exercise during my period?

Yes. Light to moderate exercise is generally safe during your period and may even help reduce cramps, improve your mood, and boost your energy.

Is consistent severe pain during menstruation normal? 

Mild cramps are common during your period, but severe pain that affects your daily activities is not. If your cramps are intense, keep getting worse, or do not improve with pain relief, consult a healthcare professional.

Can stress delay my period?

Yes. Stress can affect the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. This may cause your period to come later than usual or become irregular.

Can I take a bath while I have my period? 

Yes. Taking a bath during your period is safe and may even help relieve menstrual cramps. Just remember to practice good menstrual hygiene.

Can I see an OB-GYN while I have my period?

Yes. You can visit an OB-GYN during your period unless your doctor advises you to reschedule. If you’re unsure, contact the clinic before your appointment.