Which of the four primary menstrual cycle phases is generally considered the most variable in length across different cycles?
Answer
The follicular phase
While the luteal phase tends to be highly consistent, often lasting about 14 days, the follicular phase is recognized as the phase that displays the greatest variability in duration from one cycle to the next. This phase begins concurrently with menstruation, driven by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) prompting follicle development, with the dominant follicle subsequently increasing estrogen levels to rebuild the uterine lining. Because the timing required for a single follicle to fully mature is highly susceptible to individual biological factors, changes in the overall cycle length are most often accounted for by extensions or shortenings of this initial follicular growth period.
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