Day 5 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 5?
Day 5 of the menstrual cycle is the last day of the period for many people. The lining of the uterus has reached its thinnest point and is ready to build up again. Follicles in the ovaries keep growing, and rising oestrogen marks the move into the follicular phase of the cycle.
Day 5 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 5: 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
Menstrual phase (period)
Chance of pregnancy
Very low
Uterine lining
3 mm
Follicle
7 mm
FSH
45
LH
19
Oestrogen
20
Basal body temperature
36.3°C
What is happening in your body today?
Bleeding tapers off to spotting or stops. The lining is about 2–4 mm thick.
Hormones
Oestrogen keeps rising; FSH slowly starts to fall.
How you might feel
Energy increases, and skin and mood usually improve.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is very low.
Tips for today
- Keep supporting your iron stores after your period
- A good time is starting for strength and cardio training
- Note the start and end dates of your period to track your cycle
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have recurring bleeding after your period ends, bleeding after sex, or foul-smelling discharge.
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
Is it normal for your period to end on day 5?
Yes. Periods lasting 2–7 days are normal, and ending on day 5 is common.
Why do I have brown discharge after my period?
Old blood that leaves the uterus slowly oxidises and looks brown. If it lasts only a short time, it is usually normal.
What phase of the cycle is day 5?
It is the end of the menstrual phase and the start of the follicular phase. In fact, the follicular phase runs in the background from the first day of your period.
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