When you say menstrual cycle, many women only imagine regular monthly bleeding or ovulation and fertile days. However, the menstrual cycle means much more and doesn't have to be just a "necessary evil" in a woman's life, serving only for reproductive functions.
Each phase of the menstrual cycle affects a woman on a daily basis. Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones influence energy, athletic performance, appetite, metabolic rate, and immune function. Thanks to this, you can feel like a completely different person almost every week!
Let's take a look at the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how the female body changes with them.
Follicular phase
The follicular phase follows menstruation. The pituitary gland releases FSH hormone, which stimulates follicles in the ovaries to mature. Estrogen begins to rise, and under its influence, the uterine lining grows.
What happens in the body?
After menstruation ends, the follicular period begins, often called the dynamic phase due to its characteristics. During this time, the female body most closely resembles the male body in its properties and advantages. If you allowed yourself enough rest and time for yourself during your menstrual phase, thanks to the rising estrogen levels, you may experience a surge of new energy, self-confidence, motivation, and perhaps even a desire to take some risks.
During this period, it is best to start new projects and begin ticking off your TO-DO list, as it will go almost effortlessly. Due to hormone levels, the brain is switched to logical thinking and problem-solving or complex tasks.
Although this phase brings many advantages and is very popular among women, it also has its downsides. With prevailing logic and systematicity, you will probably lack patience and the ability to listen or generally work in a team. For a few days to weeks, therefore, choose a solo path.
Ovulatory phase
Ovulation is the moment approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the follicle in the ovary, travels to the uterus, and waits there for fertilization for 24 hours.
What happens in the body?
Especially from an evolutionary perspective, during the ovulatory phase, a woman's sexual desire is strongest. And as hormone levels peak, logical thinking is gradually replaced by the ability to empathize and communicate with others. Thanks to these qualities, women are best able to build new relationships and work in a team. In addition, self-confidence and a better feeling about their appearance are added. And believe me, it's not just a feeling. You are also much more beautiful and attractive to those around you. If you have meetings, interviews, or work presentations coming up, move them to this period. You will radiate confidence and persuasiveness, and no one will doubt you for a moment.
Empathy peaks, and with it, perhaps, the care for others. However, be careful not to forget to take care of yourself as well. In this phase, not every activity may come as easily as in previous weeks, so don't push yourself and be patient.
Luteal phase
Once the follicle releases its egg, it transforms into the corpus luteum. This releases hormones, especially progesterone, which will dominate the second part of the menstrual cycle. Together with estrogen, it prepares the uterine lining for potential fertilization.
What happens in the body?
The luteal phase is among the less popular parts of the menstrual cycle. It is usually associated with mood swings, energy dips, and increased cravings for sweets. Especially if you don't live in harmony with your cyclicity and don't allow yourself rest when your body asks for it, this period can be a challenge for you.
Despite all this, you will surely find something positive about the premenstrual phase. Hormone levels affect the brain to better focus on details and complete projects. It's no coincidence that this phase is often called creative, as you will best be able to express your imagination and creative spirit, but you will also feel like organizing, sorting, and cleaning at home. Towards the end of this phase, as hormones decline, energy decreases, and with it comes a greater tendency to focus on oneself rather than socializing.
Changes will also come in terms of movement and sport. If you prefer more demanding physical activity, such as strength training, HIIT, or running, motivation and strength may decrease during the luteal phase. Therefore, in the second part of the cycle, try replacing running and exercise with walks, yoga, or stretching, and put less emphasis on results than on the feelings that accompany the movement.
Do you suffer from PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and psychological manifestations appearing before the onset of menstruation. Its known typical manifestations include mood swings, uncontrollable cravings, fatigue, swelling, or bloating.
This condition occurs primarily due to sudden changes in hormone levels. Progesterone itself has a calming effect on the female body. If you experience PMS long-term, it may be a sign that your body is not producing enough progesterone to alleviate the symptoms and keep you in a comfortable state.
Menstrual phase
If fertilization does not occur, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels drop, and menstruation begins, during which the uterine lining is shed.
What happens in the body?
During the menstrual phase, physical energy decreases, and instead, there is an increased need for sleep and rest. In this phase, do not force yourself into anything you do not currently feel like doing. If you do not give your body enough rest, it will lack energy in the next cycle. Therefore, do not plan overly strenuous activities and do not force yourself into contact with people; rather, withdraw into yourself and work with your thoughts.
Although the menstrual phase may seem challenging and difficult to grasp in real life, we can also find advantages that you can use in practice. During this period, a woman has a great perspective and strong intuition, she can evaluate her current approach and everything that happened in the previous cycle. This way, she learns what serves her and what she no longer needs. So, if you are facing a big life decision and do not know which way to go, wait for your menstrual period.
What if I'm on hormonal birth control?
When you start hormonal birth control, you may not notice similar symptoms throughout your cycle. Synthetic hormones from contraceptives or medications stimulate female reproductive hormones, which can cause you to feel the same throughout your menstrual cycle. Once you stop contraception, your hormones will gradually restart, and you will also become a cyclical woman.
Do you practice the principles of a cyclical woman in your life? Or is the menstrual cycle from this perspective new to you, and have you only now opened the door to a new world? Each phase has its pros and cons. If you start practicing the principles of a cyclical woman, you will get to know yourself and the reasons why you sometimes excel in certain activities and other times almost nothing works out for you.
Don't know how to live in harmony with your cycle? Or are you struggling with an irregular or otherwise unhealthy cycle, menstrual pain, PMS, and would you like to optimize your health hormonally?
Contact our Femvie experts, who will create an individual plan for you based on your medical history, laboratory results, symptom monitoring, cycle analysis, and a 90-minute initial consultation. Our experts will perform a complete assessment of your health status and will continuously support you to achieve results.
Information on how consultations work can be found here.
If you have any questions about women's health, do not hesitate to contact our experts in the Femvie advisory center. They will be happy to answer all your questions for free.*
*The advisory service is not a substitute for gynecological support and assistance. If you are suffering from any health problems, we recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible.
Sources used:
GRAY, Miranda: The Cyclical Woman, or How to Use Your Lunar Cycle to Achieve Success and Fulfillment
https://www.floliving.com/infradian-rhythm/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16167/get-to-know-the-4-phases-of-your-menstrual-cycle.html
https://www.jennis.com/blog/cyclemapping/how-does-your-mood-change-across-your-menstrual-cycle/
https://www.larabriden.com/progesterone-mood-treat-pmdd/
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Organic pads — certified organic pads without chemicals
- 🌿 Organic tampons — organic tampons made from certified organic cotton
- 💊 Magnesium — helps relieve cramps and tension before menstruation
- 🩹 Menstrual patches — natural relief from painful menstruation
- 📦 Carefree subscription — your organic menstrual essentials automatically every month
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a normal period last?
A healthy period lasts 3 to 7 days. If you bleed longer or shorter repeatedly, consult a gynecologist.
Why is menstruation painful?
Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins — substances that contract the uterine muscles. Magnesium, heat, exercise, or natural patches can help.
Are organic pads and tampons safer?
Yes. Organic cotton products do not contain pesticides, plastics, or bleaching chemicals commonly found in conventional menstrual products.
What affects the regularity of the menstrual cycle?
Stress, diet, exercise, sleep, and hormonal balance — all of these affect the length and regularity of the cycle. Tracking your cycle will help you identify patterns and any deviations.
