Becoming in Tune with yourself
You woke up this morning angry at the world. Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night, your body felt tender and you kept waking up due to hot flashes. You are snappy to your roommate while getting coffee and quickly apologize, confused about why you feel so down. Thankfully, you track your cycle, so you decide to check your calendar only to find that the reason is simply because you are in the middle of your luteal phase. Now you’ll be gentle with yourself, understanding this is out of your control and all you can do is take care of your body this week.
Cis-female bodies have a hormonal cycle that stretches out over the course of a month or so, regulating when one’s period comes. This menstrual cycle consists of the phases: follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual. With each phase comes specific hormone spikes and decreases, and with that comes fluctuating moods and behaviors.
There are many ways to track your individual cycle; I use an app called Stardust, but there are many examples online of how to track via a physical calendar. It is incredibly valuable and special to become in tune with your monthly hormonal cycle. It is a beautiful feeling to understand why you feel the way you do so you can take control of it, rather than let it control you.
Let’s talk about the phase we all know and love: the menstrual phase, otherwise known as the dreaded period. Periods are inconvenient and painful, causing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, cramps, migraines, and tenderness of the skin. Hormones estrogen and progesterone levels are rapidly decreasing, resulting in uterine shedding and a tired body. Let your joints rest by replacing high intensity workouts for yoga or a nice walk. Dark chocolate, salmon, flax-seeds, and avocado are just a few of the foods highly recommended during this phase. Take time to be with yourself, look inward, and reflect. Your intuition is probably correct.
The follicular phase is the longest phase of the menstrual cycle. It begins on the first day of the period, and lasts a week or so longer once the period ends. Estrogen levels are finally rising, welcoming high energy levels and creativity. After being rightfully lazy and introspective for the last few days, it is time to get productive and take advantage of the positive moods this phase brings. This is the ideal time to try new things and meet new people. Intense cardio workouts are also welcomed back.
Estrogen levels peak and then drop, causing a substance called luteinizing hormone to spike, which marks the beginning of the ovulatory phase. During this time your body is the most fertile, prepping for either pregnancy or your period. This phase is known for bringing confidence and communication skills, thanks to testosterone levels. Check your to-do list off, schedule important meetings, and have the difficult conversations you have been putting off.
Personally, the last phase is my least favorite of them all. The luteal phase. For women like myself who suffer from premenstrual syndrome, the luteal phase brings high anxiety, sad feelings, mood swings, and isolation. I always experience feelings of self-doubt and have to remind myself that it isn’t me, it’s just my hormones. Estrogen levels are extremely low, while progesterone levels are very high. Progesterone not only preps your body for its period, but also helps produce cortisol, which is unfortunately related to feelings of stress. Your body craves comfort and rest during this time, and deserves to be treated kindly. Watch your favorite rom-com and feed the increased hunger by eating all of the carbs, desserts, and salty food you could dream of. Following the luteal phase comes the menstrual phase, putting your body back at day 1 for yet another month of hormone changes.
Cis-female bodies are complex and magical, constantly shifting to keep themselves healthy. This is an inevitable experience in life, so we might as well understand what’s going on inside. Working with your body by knowing the recommended foods, work-outs, and activities to indulge in during each phase helps you take control of your life. Be gentle with yourself, and become friends with your cycle because becoming in tune with yourself is a freeing thing.
Sources:
Scott, J. A., Rapaport, L., Upham, B., Landau, M. D., & Colino, S. (2012, November 29). How your Menstrual Cycle Affects your Behavior - Women's Health Center - Everyday Health. EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/how-your-menstrual-cycle-affects-your-behavior.aspx
Watson, S. (2019, March 29). Stages of menstrual cycle: Menstruation, ovulation, hormones, Mor. Healthline. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/stages-of-menstrual-cycle#ovulation
Plant, R. (2021, April 13). How your energy levels change on your menstrual cycle. Verywell Mind. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/how-your-energy-changes-on-your-menstrual-cycle-5115670
Krupp, A. (2020, February 24). What is Cycle Syncing? Healthline. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/guide-to-cycle-syncing-how-to-start
Strike Out,
Written by: Bria Vanwagoner
Edited by: Sarah Singleton
Graphic by: Emma Soefker
