Day 25 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 25?
Day 25 of the menstrual cycle falls in the late luteal phase, about 3 days before your period in a 28-day cycle. Without a pregnancy, the corpus luteum shrinks and progesterone drops quickly. This drop can make PMS symptoms more noticeable, and the uterine lining starts preparing to shed.
Day 25 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 25: cycle dial, uterus and ovaries, hormone levels (illustrative animation).
What the animation shows
- FSH
- Follicle-stimulating hormone: starts the growth of follicles in the ovary
- LH
- Luteinising hormone: its sudden surge triggers ovulation
- E2
- Oestrogen (oestradiol): thickens the lining of the uterus
- P4
- Progesterone: prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy
- BBT
- Thermometer and dots below: basal body temperature
- RING
- Coloured ring: the 28-day cycle and its phases; the green arc marks the fertile days
- MM
- The measurement in the uterus shows lining thickness; in the ovary it shows follicle or corpus luteum size
Phase
Luteal phase
Chance of pregnancy
Very low
Uterine lining
13.5 mm
Corpus luteum
17 mm
FSH
21
LH
16
Oestrogen
43
Basal body temperature
36.75°C
What is happening in your body today?
The blood vessels in the uterine lining begin to constrict. The corpus luteum shrinks.
Hormones
Progesterone and oestrogen fall quickly; FSH starts to rise slightly.
How you might feel
You may have cravings for sweets and carbs, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches and tension.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is very low.
Tips for today
- For sweet cravings, choose options like fruit or dark chocolate
- Regular walks support your mood
- Get your period products ready
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have a very severe headache, a headache with changes in your vision, or severe mood changes.
Menstrual cycle day by day: table
| Day | What happens | Fertile window |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | First Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 2 | Heaviest Bleeding Day | — |
| Day 3 | FSH Rises, Follicles Grow | — |
| Day 4 | Bleeding Eases, Oestrogen Rises | — |
| Day 5 | Last Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 6 | Follicular Phase Begins | — |
| Day 7 | Dominant Follicle Is Selected | — |
| Day 8 | Oestrogen Rises, Fertile Window Nears | Low |
| Day 9 | Fertile Window Begins | Moderate |
| Day 10 | Fertile Window, Higher Pregnancy Odds | Moderate |
| Day 11 | 3 Days Before Ovulation | High |
| Day 12 | Oestrogen Nears Its Peak | High |
| Day 13 | LH Surge: Ovulation Is Near | Highest |
| Day 14 | Ovulation Day | Highest |
| Day 15 | Luteal Phase Begins | Moderate |
| Day 16 | Progesterone Rises | Low |
| Day 17 | Luteal Phase and Increased Appetite | — |
| Day 18 | Breast Tenderness May Start | — |
| Day 19 | Implantation Window Opens | — |
| Day 20 | Implantation Bleeding Possible | — |
| Day 21 | Progesterone Peak (Day 21 Test) | — |
| Day 22 | Mid-Luteal Phase | — |
| Day 23 | PMS Symptoms May Start | — |
| Day 24 | Hormones Start to Fall | — |
| Day 25 | Late Luteal Phase and PMS | — |
| Day 26 | Progesterone Drop and Cramps | — |
| Day 27 | 1 Day Before Your Period | — |
| Day 28 | Last Day of Your Cycle | — |
Frequently asked questions
Why do you crave sugar before your period?
Falling hormones can affect serotonin levels, and the body tries to balance this with carbohydrates.
Is brown discharge on day 25 of your cycle normal?
Light spotting can occur before a period. If it keeps happening or lasts a long time, it should be checked by a doctor.
How long does period bloating last?
It usually lasts until the first 1–2 days of your period and eases once bleeding starts.
Gynaecology check-ups and follow-up at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for irregular periods, painful periods or pregnancy planning.
The information on this page is general guidance based on a typical 28-day cycle and does not replace a medical examination. It should not be used as a method of contraception.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus