Understanding the Menstrual Cycle in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The menstrual cycle is a natural but complex process your body goes through each month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. It’s measured from the first day of one period to the day before your next period.

While the average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, many healthy people in Grand Rapids and across Michigan have cycles that are shorter or longer.

  • Teenagers may have cycles that last up to 45 days
  • People in their 20s and 30s often have cycles between 21 and 38 days

Every body is different, and some variation is normal.

The 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Healthcare providers in Grand Rapids (including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health) generally describe the menstrual cycle in four main phases:

  1. Menstruation (your period)
  2. Follicular phase
  3. Ovulation
  4. Luteal phase

Understanding these phases can help you track your cycle, manage symptoms, and know when to seek care from a Grand Rapids OB/GYN or primary care provider.

Menstruation: When You Have Your Period

What happens during your period?

Your period (menstruation) is when the lining of your uterus (endometrium) sheds and flows out through your vagina. This menstrual fluid contains:

  • Blood
  • Mucus
  • Cells from the lining of your uterus

Most people bleed for 3 to 7 days. It’s common to have:

  • Heavier flow in the first 1–2 days
  • Lighter flow or spotting toward the end

In Grand Rapids, some people notice their period symptoms feel worse in winter, when it’s colder, darker, and activity levels may be lower. Cramps, fatigue, and mood changes can feel more intense when you’re already dealing with Michigan’s long, cold winters.

The follicular phase (starts with your period)

The follicular phase begins on the first day of your period and usually lasts about 13–14 days.

During this phase:

  • Your brain releases hormones that signal your ovaries to develop follicles (tiny sacs containing immature eggs)
  • Several follicles start to grow, but usually only one follicle fully matures into an egg
  • Hormone levels (especially estrogen) rise, causing the uterus lining to thicken and prepare for a possible pregnancy

Tracking this phase using a period app or calendar can be helpful, especially if you’re planning pregnancy or managing conditions like PCOS or irregular periods. Many Grand Rapids clinics offer help with cycle tracking and fertility awareness.

Ovulation: When the Egg Is Released

What is ovulation?

Ovulation happens when a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries. This usually occurs:

  • Once a month
  • About 14 days before your next period (not always day 14 of the cycle—this depends on your total cycle length)

After the egg is released, it moves into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm.

When are you most likely to get pregnant?

You are most likely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex in the days leading up to ovulation and on the day of ovulation. This is often called your fertile window.

If you live in Grand Rapids and are trying to conceive, OB/GYNs and fertility specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health can help you:

  • Identify your fertile window
  • Understand ovulation tests
  • Address irregular cycles that make ovulation harder to predict

Luteal Phase: After Ovulation

What happens after the egg is released?

After ovulation, the menstrual cycle enters the luteal phase:

  • The empty follicle in the ovary turns into a structure called the corpus luteum
  • The corpus luteum releases hormones (especially progesterone)
  • These hormones cause the uterus lining to thicken even more, preparing it to support a pregnancy

If pregnancy occurs

If the egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus:

  • Hormone levels stay high
  • The uterus lining is maintained
  • You do not get your period

If pregnancy does not occur

If the egg is not fertilized:

  • The corpus luteum breaks down
  • Hormone levels drop
  • The uterus lining sheds, leading to your next period
  • Your menstrual cycle then starts again

Many people in Grand Rapids notice premenstrual symptoms (PMS) in this phase, such as:

  • Bloating
  • Breast tenderness
  • Mood changes or irritability
  • Cramping and fatigue

If these symptoms are severe, they may be part of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

When Periods Are Considered Irregular or Concerning

Some changes in your cycle are normal, especially for teens, people after pregnancy, or those approaching menopause. However, certain patterns may signal a problem and should be checked by a doctor in Grand Rapids.

Talk to a doctor if you notice:

  • Your period patterns change suddenly, without a clear reason
  • Your periods last more than 8 days
  • Your periods come less than 21 days apart (very frequent periods)
  • Your periods come more than 2–3 months apart, and you are not pregnant
  • Your bleeding is very heavy, such as:
    • You need to change your pad or tampon more often than every 2 hours
    • You pass large blood clots
  • You bleed between periods or
  • You bleed after sexual intercourse
  • Your cramps or symptoms are so painful they affect your daily life, work, school, or sleep

In the Grand Rapids area, you can schedule an appointment with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • An OB/GYN at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A community clinic or Kent County Health Department resource if you need low-cost or sliding-scale care

Local Factors That Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle in Grand Rapids

Living in West Michigan and the Great Lakes region can influence your health in subtle ways, including your menstrual cycle:

  • Cold winters and icy conditions may reduce physical activity, which can affect weight, mood, and hormone balance
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more common in areas with long, dark winters like Grand Rapids and can worsen PMS symptoms
  • Stress from work, school (including local colleges and universities), or financial pressures can sometimes lead to missed or irregular periods
  • Nutritional changes (for example, heavier winter comfort foods, less fresh produce) can affect energy and overall well-being

If you notice your cycle becoming irregular during stressful times or during the winter months, mention this to your provider. They can help determine whether it’s a normal response or something that needs further evaluation.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids About Your Menstrual Cycle

You should consider seeing a doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife in Grand Rapids if:

  • You’re unsure what’s normal for your age or stage of life
  • You suspect pregnancy
  • You have sudden changes in your cycle
  • You have very painful periods that interfere with your quality of life
  • You have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months (or 6 months if you’re over 35) without success
  • You have a known condition like PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disease and your symptoms are worsening

Local healthcare options

In Grand Rapids, menstrual and reproductive health care is available through:

  • Spectrum Health (OB/GYN clinics and women’s health centers)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health clinics and affiliated OB/GYN practices
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for sexual health services, pregnancy testing, and referrals

If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can search for “OB/GYN Grand Rapids,” “women’s health clinic Grand Rapids MI,” or use hospital websites to find a provider near your neighborhood.

Summary: Key Points About the Menstrual Cycle

  • The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of your period to the day before your next period
  • A normal cycle can range from about 21 to 38 days in adults
  • The cycle has four phases:
    1. Menstruation (your period)
    2. Follicular phase
    3. Ovulation
    4. Luteal phase
  • You are most fertile in the days around ovulation
  • See a Grand Rapids healthcare provider if your periods are:
    • Very heavy
    • Very painful
    • Very irregular
    • Associated with bleeding between periods or after sex

Understanding your menstrual cycle can help you recognize what’s normal for your body, plan for pregnancy if and when you’re ready, and know when to seek help from local Grand Rapids women’s health resources.