Day 6 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 6?
Day 6 of the menstrual cycle is when bleeding has usually stopped and the follicular phase takes centre stage. Rising oestrogen starts to rebuild the lining of the uterus. Follicles in the ovaries keep growing, and within a few days one of them will emerge as the dominant follicle.
Day 6 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 6: 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
Follicular phase
Chance of pregnancy
Very low
Uterine lining
4 mm
Follicle
8 mm
FSH
42
LH
19
Oestrogen
24
Basal body temperature
36.3°C
What is happening in your body today?
The uterine lining repairs itself and starts to thicken (proliferative phase). Follicles in the ovary reach 6–9 mm.
Hormones
Oestrogen rises noticeably; FSH starts to fall.
How you might feel
Energy, motivation and sociability increase. Your skin may look brighter.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is very low; however, in short cycles the fertile window may open early.
Tips for today
- A good time for intense exercise and new goals
- Eat fresh fruit and vegetables and good-quality protein
- Don’t forget your sunscreen
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have bleeding between periods or unusual 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
What is the follicular phase?
It is the phase from the first day of your period until ovulation, when follicles grow under the influence of FSH and oestrogen rises. In a 28-day cycle it covers roughly days 1–13.
Why do I feel more energetic after my period?
Rising oestrogen can have a positive effect on energy, mood and motivation.
Can you get pregnant on day 6 of your cycle?
In a 28-day cycle the chance is very low. If your cycle is short (21–24 days), your fertile window may start around this time.
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