Frequently Asked Questions
Syncing your life with your menstrual cycle as a woman can have numerous benefits, including an increase in professional productivity. By tracking your cycle and taking note of how you feel at different points, you can plan your schedule and activities accordingly.
For example, if you know that you tend to feel more tired and irritable during your premenstrual phase, you may want to schedule less demanding tasks and activities during that time.
The menstrual cycle can be broken down into four phases:
- the dream phase
- the do phase
- the give phase
- the take phase
Image source: Period Queen, Lucy Peach
Your hormones level off as you prepare for menstruation. It is a good time to find a peaceful place to relax and reflect. Allow yourself to slow down, and focus on self-care, as your body needs rest.
This is an opportunity to focus on self-love and to conserve energy for the next cycle. Listen to your intuition and think about the past month, reflect on your experiences, and emotions. Consider how you feel about the progress you have made, and what you want to achieve in the next cycle.
Facts:
This phase is also known as the menstrual phase, is when the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in menstrual bleeding. It is characterized by low levels of estrogen and progesterone. During this phase, women may experience cramps, bloating, and fatigue.
Once menstruation is over, estrogen levels start to rise again. This is a time of renewed energy, and a feeling of readiness to tackle new challenges. This phase is often associated with a sense of empowerment and the ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Facts:
The Do phase is also known as the follicular phase. During this phase, the body begins to prepare for ovulation by increasing the levels of estrogen. This is the time when the lining of the uterus thickens, and the body releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to start growing an egg.
This is the peak of the menstrual cycle! Take the time to appreciate and celebrate all the beauty that surrounds you, both inside and outside of yourself. You have a surge of hormones after ovulation, which can make you feel energized and full of life. This energy can make you feel like embracing every opportunity that comes your way and giving back to the world around you.
Facts:
The Give phase, also known as the ovulation phase, is when the egg is released from the ovary. This phase is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
As the cycle comes to an end, it`'`s a time for reflection and taking note of the progress made during the previous weeks. The body naturally prepares for the next cycle by shedding the lining of the uterus and releasing the egg that was not fertilized. It`'`s a time to take care of oneself, to rest and recharge for the next cycle.
Facts:
The Take phase is characterized by a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. During this phase, women may experience physical and emotional changes such as cramps, bloating, fatigue, irritability, breast tenderness, mood swings, anxiety and depression.
The phase names are not scientific terms and they may not be commonly used across the scientific or medical communities. Also, the way each woman experience the menstrual cycle differently and some may experience a different pattern of energy levels than what is described here. Some women may experience no change in energy levels throughout the cycle, while others may experience a more dramatic change.
It is important to keep in mind that these sources provide general information and some of the details may not apply to every individual. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
More information:
What is the menstrual cycle? - Clue
- Maisie Hill- Period Power: Harness your hormones and get your cycle working for you
- Lucy Peach- Period Queen
- Chris Knight- Blood Relations: Menstruation and the origins of culture by
- Caitlin Moran- How To Be a Woman
- Christiane Northrup- Cunt: A declaration of independence by Inga Muscio Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom: Creating physical and emotional health and healing
- Lara Owen- Her Blood is Gold: Awakening to the wisdom of menstruation
- Dr Lara Briden- Period Repair Manual: Natural treatment for better hormones and better period
- Clarissa Pinkola Estés- Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype
- Clementine Ford- Fight Like a Girl
- Miranda Gray- Big Magic: Creative living beyond fear by Elizabeth Gilbert The Optimized Woman: Using your menstrual cycle to achieve success and fulfillment
- Lisa Hendrickson-Jack- The Fifth Vital Sign: Master your cycles & optimize your fertility
Some more reputable sources that provide detailed information about hormones during the menstrual cycle: