Cycle phases explained

The cycle starts on day one

Cycle day one is the first day of menstrual bleeding. From there, your body moves through phases that can vary in length from person to person and from cycle to cycle. The Office on Women's Health notes that a typical cycle is often described as lasting between 24 and 38 days, while changes across life stages and individual variation are common.

The four common phases

Cycle phases can vary in length and experience from person to person.

Menstruation

This is the bleeding phase. Tracking flow, cramps, headaches, digestion, and mood can help you notice what is typical for you.

Follicular phase

This phase begins with your period and continues as the body prepares for ovulation. Some people notice a shift in energy, cervical fluid, or symptoms as ovulation gets closer.

Ovulation

Ovulation is when an ovary releases an egg. Apps can estimate timing from your past cycles, and signs like cervical fluid, basal body temperature, and ovulation tests can add even more context to that estimate.

Luteal phase

The luteal phase comes after ovulation and before the next period. This is when some people notice breast tenderness, mood changes, cravings, bloating, sleep changes, or lower energy.

What Dela tracks

Dela is designed to connect what you log with where you may be in your cycle: flow, symptoms, mood, sleep, fertile signs, temperature, and notes. The goal is not to fit your body into the idea that every cycle lasts 28 days. The goal is to make your own rhythm easier to understand.

When to ask for care

Consider talking with a clinician if bleeding is unusually heavy, pain interrupts daily life, cycles change suddenly, periods stop unexpectedly, or something simply feels wrong for you.

Sources

• Office on Women's Health: Your menstrual cycle
• Merck Manual Consumer Version: Menstrual cycle