The menstrual cycle is a monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. It involves several hormones, each playing a specific role at different times during the cycle, which typically lasts around 28 days.

a) Follicular Phase (preparation for ovulation):

This phase begins on the first day of your period. At this time, your brain releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone tells your body to produce two other hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH starts the process of maturing an egg within the ovaries. Meanwhile, the growing follicles (think of them as little houses where eggs grow) start to make estrogen. This hormone has two main jobs: it thickens the lining of the uterus, creating a nice, comfy place for a potential baby to grow, and when there's enough of it, it triggers the release of more LH. This process leads to what's known as the 'LH surge'.

b) Ovulation:

The LH surge is a signal that triggers the most mature follicle in the ovary to burst and release a ripe egg. This usually happens around the middle of your cycle, around day 14.

C) Luteal Phase (post-ovulation):

After the egg is released, the ruptured follicle closes up and forms something called the corpus luteum. This structure starts producing a lot of progesterone, another hormone. Progesterone helps make the lining of the uterus even more hospitable for a potential pregnancy.

If the egg isn't fertilized by sperm, it disintegrates, and the corpus luteum also breaks down. This leads to a drop in progesterone levels, which causes the thickened lining of the uterus to shed - this is what we know as a menstrual period. The cycle then starts all over again.

In summary, each month, your body, directed by these hormones, prepares an egg for potential fertilization and readies the uterus to support a pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the lining of the uterus is shed, marking the start of a new cycle. Understanding these hormonal changes and phases can provide useful insights into your body's rhythms, fertility, and overall health.