Your menstrual cycle iscontrolled by hormone signalsin the brain.

Each month, after the egg has matured, your ovary releases an egg (known as ovulation).

The egg then enters the fallopian tube and makes its way down to the uterus.

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It may be fertilized en route by a sperm.

This phase starts on the first day of your last period and continues until the day you ovulate.

The second part of your menstrual cycle is called theluteal phase.

This phase begins on theday of ovulationand lasts until your next period starts.

This is where you’re able to see how your hormones are controlling what is happening.

In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors.

Endotext [Internet].

South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.