Edited on 1st June 2026

The Menstrual Phase: What Happens During Your Period?

The menstrual phase is the part of the menstrual cycle that most women know best — their period.

While menstruation is often associated with bleeding and cramps, there's actually much more happening inside the body during this time. Hormone levels shift, the uterus sheds its lining, and many women experience changes in energy, mood, and physical comfort.

Understanding what's happening during this phase can help you support your body and feel more prepared for the days ahead.

  • What Is the Menstrual Phase?

    The menstrual phase is the first phase of the menstrual cycle.

    It begins on the first day of your period and typically lasts between 3 and 7 days, although every cycle is different.

    During this time, the body sheds the uterine lining that was built up during the previous cycle. This is what causes menstrual bleeding.

    Hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest point during menstruation. These hormonal changes can contribute to some of the symptoms many women experience throughout their period.

Common Symptoms During Your Period

Every woman experiences menstruation differently.

Some women experience only mild discomfort, while others may find their symptoms affect their daily routine.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Lower back discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Headaches
  • Mood changes
  • Breast tenderness
  • Difficulty concentrating

For many women, symptoms are most noticeable during the first few days of their period.

Why Do Period Cramps Happen?

Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus contracts to help shed its lining.

These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher prostaglandin levels can lead to stronger contractions and more intense cramping.

This is why period pain can sometimes feel:

  • Sharp
  • Tight
  • Heavy
  • Aching

The discomfort may be felt in the lower abdomen, lower back, hips, or even the upper legs.

Why Energy Often Feels Lower During Menstruation

Many women notice they feel less energetic during their period.

This is completely normal.

The combination of hormonal changes, blood loss, disrupted sleep, and physical discomfort can leave the body feeling more tired than usual.

Rather than pushing through exhaustion, many women find it helpful to slow down slightly, prioritise rest where possible, and listen to what their body needs.

Supporting Your Body During the Menstrual Phase

While there is no single solution that works for everyone, small self-care habits can help make your period more manageable.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water may help reduce bloating and support overall wellbeing during your cycle.

Prioritise Sleep

Quality sleep gives your body time to recover and may help improve energy levels throughout your period.

Gentle Movement

Light activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga can help some women feel more comfortable during menstruation.

Nourish Your Body

Eating balanced meals and maintaining regular eating patterns can help support energy levels during your cycle.

Use Heat for Comfort

Heat has been used for generations to help ease menstrual discomfort.

Many women find that warmth helps create a soothing sensation around the lower abdomen and lower back during cramping episodes. Whether it's a warm bath, heating pad, or another form of heat therapy, warmth remains one of the most trusted approaches to period comfort.

The Challenge With Traditional Period Relief

While many women rely on heat during their period, the reality is that cramps don't only happen when you're at home resting.

They happen:

  • During work
  • While studying
  • During travel
  • While running errands
  • In the middle of everyday life

Traditional methods like hot water bottles and heating pads can be comforting, but they often require you to stop what you're doing.

For many women, the goal isn't simply finding relief.

It's finding comfort that fits into their day without disrupting it.

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Key Takeaways

  • The menstrual phase begins on the first day of your period.
  • Hormone levels are at their lowest during this phase.
  • Common symptoms include cramps, fatigue, bloating, and lower back discomfort.
  • Rest, hydration, gentle movement, and heat therapy may help improve comfort.
  • Understanding your body's needs during menstruation can help you better support yourself throughout your cycle.

Want to learn more about the menstrual cycle? Explore our guides on the Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal phases to better understand how your body changes throughout the month.

Learn about the other phases of the menstruation cycle

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