Your Menstrual Cycle

Wondering what your cycle is, and what it means for you and your body? Understanding your menstrual cycle can improve your menstrual health, well-being, and sex life.

We explain your menstrual cycle in simple steps, to give you the information you need to know, and want to find out.

Menstrual cycle simply explained

The menstruation cycle is a series of natural processes that your body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. Your period cycle is controlled by hormones, which rise and fall at different stages. Menstruation cycle length is around 28 days. All women are different, so your own period cycle length may be shorter or longer.

Fem repro diagrams-2 Pink-gold

Cycle Starts

Your body: The first day of your period is the start of your cycle. Your uterus lining breaks down and you begin menstruation.

You: During menstruation you may feel a bit low and have aches or pains, have a look at our page on PMS for some easy feel-good tips.


Your body: Two weeks later your ovaries release an egg, and your uterus thickens. This is ovulation.

You: You are most likely to get pregnant at this time of the month, so take care and remember to use contraception.

Cycle Ends

Your body: If the egg is not fertilized it will leave your body, and menstruation begins.

You: Choosing the right hygiene product will help you manage your period. We recommend Ruby Cup (surprise!) as the best solution for women, check it out.

Know your menstruation cycle, change your life

Understanding your monthly cycles can improve your life. Knowing which time of the month you are most fertile, most sensitive and have the highest libido can make some great changes to your lifestyle.

So we break it down, what are the first things you need to know about your cycle?

  • When am I most likely to get pregnant?

    You are most fertile during ovulation, which is around 2 weeks after the first day of your period. So take extra care!

  • When can I have sex?

    You can have sex at any time during your cycle, but to be safe, always use contraception. Many women find that period sex can lead to mind-blowing orgasms! To orgasm your way through your period, have a look at our Period Sex blog post.

  • How can I plan around my period?

    Hot date? Girls holiday? Important meeting? You can track your menstrual cycle days to get the most out of your month. Check out our easy to use Period Calculator so you can plan when to book your girlfriends holiday, and time that date for the perfect day!

Periods don’t have to be a pain strong independant women who knows her menstrual cycle

Menstruation is an important part of being a healthy woman, and it doesn’t need to be a problem. Your period usually lasts between 2-7 days, and your flow may vary. If you are worried about your period flow, have a look at our sections Heavy and Irregular Periods to answer your questions.

Ups and downs are common. Here you can find some exercises and suggested activities to combat PMS and Menstrual Cramps.

Learn more

Do you have more questions or concerns? We have put together helpful pages to answer your period questions. Have a look at our additional links, below, which will guide you through starting your first period, period problems or help you to get started with a menstrual cup: