Getting to Know Your Unique Cycle
How well do you know your cycle?
We are so hard on ourselves as women for not being consistent in our mood and productivity, but we forget that we aren’t meant to be. Our society is very masculine oriented and women feel they need to force themselves into being something that we’re not in order to succeed. Many women remain largely unaware and untapped into the gifts of their unique menstrual cycle.
I would like to offer a new frame of looking at our cycles. I would like to offer you the gift of unlocking your unique power and nature by understanding the way your body works. I think you’ll be quite surprised and delighted by what you discover.
This is the first of a 3 part series on tracking your fertility cycle. I’m going to cover the basics, then dive more into how to track your cycle and how to plan your life around your cycle for the ultimate life upgrade
The Four Phases of Your Cycle
Your cycle isn’t just your period. There are four distinct cycles that your body goes through every month, with each playing its role in your energy, mood, creativity, and stamina. I will go more in-depth into each phase and how to tap into each phase’s gifts later in another article. For now, I will summarize each phase and the hormones that are at play.
Menstrual Phase (Day 1-7)
Day one of your cycle is the first day of your period and typically lasts 3-7 days. In this phase, your hormone levels are at their lowest to allow for the shedding of your uterine lining. The menstrual fluid contains blood, cells from the lining of the uterus, and mucus. This is the phase where you will likely feel the most tired due to the low hormone levels and the energy expended in shedding the uterine lining.
Follicular Phase (Around Day 6-17)
The follicular phase is when your body begins preparing for the release of a new egg. Levels of Estrogen and Testosterone both begin to rise, and a new lining begins to form in the uterus. Due to the increased hormone levels, you’ll begin to feel more energized, productive, and have a more steady mood.
Ovulatory Phase (Around Day 13-18)
This is a single day where the egg is released and you are able to conceive if sperm is present in your body. Estrogen levels peak right before ovulation and after the egg is released your body begins releasing progesterone, which makes you feel at your most social. A burst of testosterone will also spike your libido.
Luteal Phase ( Around Day 14-30)
This phase is associated with PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome). During the luteal phase estrogen and progesterone increase and work together to create changes in the lining of the uterus that prepare it to accept an embryo, should conception occur. If implantation does not occur, estrogen and progesterone decline and the lining of the uterus begins to shed, hence then leads to menstruation. You may be more prone to mood swings, amplified emotions, cravings, and also deeper ability to focus. This can be due to estrogen and progesterone being imbalanced.
Benefits of Tracking
Knowing when you’re going to get your period and how long you typically bleed for- This allows you to prepare and plan for the start of a new cycle and avoid getting stuck in awkward situations
Know when you can expect PMS symptoms and cravings- No more unexplained irritability and ice cream binges. When you are aware of your cycle, you can be mindful of these symptoms and cravings and plan for them.
Prevent or Plan a Pregnancy- Diligent cycle tracking can be used as a tool to either prevent or plan a pregnancy as you will be able to pinpoint your combined fertility window with your partner.
Empower yourself and know your body- There is power in knowing your body’s unique cycle. It allows you to take responsibility for your reproductive health as well as know yourself on a deeper level.
Predict your moods, energy levels, and productivity- Knowing what to expect from yourself in terms of your mood and energy levels can help you map out your schedule and plan projects, social events, and self-reflection. (More on this in the next article)
Detect any irregularities- Your menstrual cycle holds a lot of clues to your well being. Charting your cycle allows you to notice any irregularities and better prepare you if you need to visit your physician. (How many times has your Doctor asked you when your last period was and you had to scramble to remember?)
How to Track Your Cycle
There are plenty of ways to track your cycle, using a calendar, spreadsheet, or a convenient app.
Start by making note of the start of your period, how long it lasts, and your mood and energy levels each day throughout the month. Then, once you start a new cycle you’ll begin to collect data.
Stay Tuned for an in-depth look at how to track your cycle and planning your life around your cycle for the ultimate life upgrade coming up on the blog.