Menstruation (Day ~1-5)
Biological Process: This phase begins on day one of the cycle, defined as the first day of 'true' bleeding. The process involves the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) as no pregnancy has occurred. During this period, the levels of the primary sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are at their absolute lowest. This hormonal valley is the starting gun for a new cycle.
Common Experience: Low hormone levels often lead to low energy, fatigue, and an increased need for rest. Many experience physical symptoms like menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), caused by the uterus contracting to expel the lining. Emotionally, this period can be characterized by a need for introspection and reduced social interaction. This phase is often likened to an 'inner winter', a time for rest, recovery, and self-care.
Connection to UltraVoom:
During this phase, the ring will record the user's lowest basal body temperature and resting heart rate, as well as the highest heart rate variability (HRV) of the entire cycle. This biometric data reflects the body's state of rest and recovery, objectively confirming the subjective feeling of needing to take it easy.
Follicular Phase (Day ~6-14)
Biological Process: After menstruation, the pituitary gland in the brain signals the ovaries by releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH stimulates the growth of several ovarian follicles, each containing an immature egg. One of these follicles becomes dominant and begins to produce increasing amounts of estrogen. This rising estrogen has two main tasks: it rebuilds the uterine lining and signals back to the brain to regulate hormone production.
Common Experience: The steady increase in estrogen leads to a noticeable boost in energy, mood, confidence, and social desire. Libido also begins to increase. This period is described as an 'inner spring', a time of growth, optimism, and new initiatives. Towards the end of the phase, as ovulation approaches, cervical mucus may become more abundant, clear, and stretchy, resembling raw egg white, which is a sign of high fertility.
Connection to UltraVoom:
The ring's data will show a stable, low BBT and resting heart rate, with a sustained high HRV. This confirms that the body is in a state of low stress and high recovery capacity, which is ideal for physical and mental performance.
Ovulation (Day ~14)
Biological Process: When estrogen levels peak, this triggers a sharp surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This LH surge is the direct signal that causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release a mature egg. This is ovulation. The egg is caught by the fallopian tube where it is available for fertilization for only 12-24 hours.
Common Experience: This is often the peak for energy, confidence, and libido. Some women may experience a slight, one-sided pain in the lower abdomen, known as 'mittelschmerz', which is believed to be related to the follicle rupturing. This short but intense phase can be likened to an 'inner summer', a time of maximum extroversion and vitality.
Connection to UltraVoom:
This is a critical transition point in the data. Users may see the beginning of a rise in resting heart rate and a drop in HRV as the body prepares for this significant biological event. The subsequent temperature rise, measured by the ring, will confirm that ovulation has occurred.
Luteal Phase (Day ~15-28)
Biological Process: After the egg is released, the ruptured follicle transforms into a temporary gland called the corpus luteum. The main job of the corpus luteum is to produce large amounts of progesterone and also some estrogen. Progesterone's role is to make the uterine lining thick, nutrient-rich, and receptive to a fertilized egg, and to maintain a possible early pregnancy. If no fertilization and implantation occur, the corpus luteum degenerates after about 10-14 days. This leads to a rapid drop in both progesterone and estrogen levels, which triggers the next menstruation and starts the cycle anew.
Progesterone dominates this phase, raising body temperature and often causing fatigue, low energy, and a more inward focus. Many experience PMS with mood swings, sadness, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, and sugar cravings. This stage is seen as an “inner autumn” – a time to slow down and turn inward.
Connection to UltraVoom:
It is during the luteal phase that the ring's data shows the most dramatic and telling changes. The user will see a clear and sustained increase in BBT and resting heart rate, as well as a corresponding decrease in HRV. These changes reflect the dominance of progesterone and the shift in the autonomic nervous system, providing an objective picture of the internal biological 'autumn'.