Menstrual Cycle 101 - The four phases

If you've been wondering what's going on inside your body each month, you're not alone and you're in the right place. 

Your hormone cycle is set up to be a month (ish) long. Within this month, your hormones consistently fluctuate, meaning that you will consistently feel different too. 

So, what does this look like? Let's break down the four different phases within a cycle.

*The following is based off a 'typical' and 'healthy' cycle. Your cycle may look and feel different for a number of reasons and you should honour your experience above all else.

Phase 1| Days 1-6ish | Menstruation | Inner Winter

HORMONES

It's the time of the cycle when you're shedding the old lining of your uterus. This is your period. Oestrogen and progesterone are low, triggering the shedding as your body recognizes it no longer needs the lining to support a baby. 

MOOD

You will generally feel more tired around this time as it takes lots of energy to bleed. This is a great time to slow down and give your body extra rest and nourishment. Lower your work-out intensity and cancel your plans to stay with a good book.

*Cramping, while common, is NOT normal and I encourage you to investigate the root cause. You may also experience head aches, back aches, bloating & breast tenderness.

A normal period is between 3–7 days and the average amount of blood is 80ml or 5 tablespoons.

Phase 2 | Days 7-13ish | Follicular Phase | Inner Spring

HORMONES

It's the time when your body is gearing up for ovulation. Oestrogen levels start to rise, which will thicken the uterine lining and increase your energy. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will also rise and trigger your ovaries to grow follicles.

MOOD

You will feel more energetic and sociable around this time. As Oestrogen is one of our feel good hormones, it's also common for your mood and libido to increase. This is a good time to create your to-do list and clear your space.

*As your body gets ready to ovulate you will start to notice the presence of cervical mucus. 

Read more about that here

Phase 3 | Day 14ish | Ovulation | Inner Summer

HORMONES

This time is the highlight of your cycle, when an egg is released from the ovary. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, triggering the release of a mature egg. Oestrogen peaks, and you get a burst of testosterone, which plays a crucial role in supporting the maturing of the ovarian follicles (eggs) as well as increasing your libido. Once the egg is released it will only be viable for fertilization for 12–24 hours before it disintegrates and dissolves into the uterine lining.

MOOD

This is when your energy and confidence is at its peak, your skin is clearer, and you've got that SPARK. It's a great time to see friends, post on Instagram and wear that dress you feel great in.

Phase 4 | Days | 15-30ish | Luteal Phase | Inner Autumn

HORMONES

This is the time your body either prepares for pregnancy or for your next period. Progesterone starts to rise to support a potential pregnancy. Your uterine lining thickens further, awaiting implantation. If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop and trigger the shedding of the uterine lining, and the cycle starts again.

MOOD

Some people experience PMDD or PMS symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, back aches or tender breasts. This is a good time to enforce boundaries, meditate, exercise & get creative. Progesterone acts as a mild sedative that helps us get better sleep and leaves us feeling a bit more dreamy.

There are positive and negative symptoms to be felt in all phases. I have found that the more you support your menstrual eco system (sleep, stress management, movement, hydration, nutrition), the healthier your cycle, the less negative symptoms you will experience.

Blog post featured image credit: jonitadsouza.com