Our hormones play a critical role in our lives, impacting our energy, stress and well-being. This is especially true during the menstrual cycle, where women of childbearing age are subject to repeated fluctuations. Understanding your cycle better, and learning to adapt to it, can really improve your life comfort. I tell you more in this article.
We are constantly subject to natural rhythms, whether they are seasonal, circadian (day-night), menstrual for women of childbearing age and probably others that we do not know yet.
The menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days. Depending on the source, it is divided into 4 or 5 phases of different lengths and different hormonal profiles:
– the follicular phase, which follows the end of menstruation and is the beginning of a new cycle (7-10 days)
- the ovulation phase (3-4 days)
- the luteal phase (10-14 days), which is sometimes divided in two
- the menstruation (3-7 days).
You will find more details about the cycle itself and a schematic representation of the variations of the hormones LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone on this SITE.
Consequences of hormonal variations
These fluctuations will globally have impacts on energy level, desire to socialize, creativity and need for rest. The idea is to give women the energy and desire to find a partner to procreate at the beginning of the cycle, then to favour the implantation of the future baby if fertilization occurs, and to start the cycle again to create another opportunity if it does not.
These different phases will also induce different needs.
How to live more in harmony with your cycle
Having an overall healthy lifestyle will be of paramount importance. Many dysfunctions of the cycle, fertility and libido are linked to this.
Then, it will be interesting to listen to your body to identify the transition from one phase to another. This can take some time, especially for people who are less connected to their body.
The next step is to adapt your lifestyle as much as possible. For example, perform activities that require more energy at the beginning of the cycle, plan group activities around the ovulation phase and take time off towards the end of the cycle.
Nutrition can also be adapted according to each phase, for example a richer and more vibrant diet at the beginning of the cycle, and a more nutrient-rich and remineralizing diet during menstruation.
For the more athletic, physical activity can be adapted. The US women’s national soccer team said that a big part of their secrets having led their 4th World Cup victory in 2019 was adapting their training to their cycle.
If you want to learn more about this, I recommend the excellent book WOMAN CODE by Alisa Vitti.
I also remain at your disposal if you wish to revisit your lifestyle and training and live more in harmony with your menstrual cycle.