Phases of Your Cycle 101 + Finding Rhythm

Finding Rhythm in Your flow is understanding your monthly cycle, working with it and developing a relationship with your body to feel your best in each phase instead of fighting it or feeling miserable. Like who would want to prevent bloating or constipation if you knew you could beat it to the punch?!!

So let's quickly go over each phase of the womanly cycle, when it happens, and what's happening, and common ways you may feel as your hormones fluctuate throughout each phase:

Everyone's cycle length is different, but typically cycles run from 28-35 days. You can begin tracking your cycle length and know which phase you're in starting with the first day of your period.

So keep in mind that when were talking about your feminine cycle or flow, were talking about more than just your period! Were talking about the entire month and each of its phases, not just your period (when you bleed).

So let's get started!

Follicular Phase (Day 6-12)

Follicular Phase: During this phase the body is preparing to the ovaries for the release of an egg. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are at their lowest at the beginning of this phase.

Finding Rhythm: If your hormones are balanced you may generally feel good in this phase and start to pick up more vigorous activity like running and light weight lifting. However, if you are more estrogen dominant, you may find yourself feeling more irritable or anxious, so eating Nourishing Detoxing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels, fermented foods or leafy greens will help bind to the excess estrogen and get rid of it. If you're feeling creative or driven, carry out the goals you set in your menstruation phase

Ovulatory Phase (Day 12-16)

This is egg releasing time, the sole purpose of your cycle. Estrogen increases as to help thicken the uterine lining and preparing for the egg. You will also notice changes in your vaginal discharge as well resembling more clear and slippery.

Finding Rhythm:

Since this is your most fertile phase and there's plenty of estrogen floating around, you may feel more optimistic,social, and have more natural energy. So run with it!

But be sure to still fill up on cruciferous veggies and leafy greens and fruit to get rid of excess estrogen with fiber and antioxidants.

Luteal Phase (Day 16-28)

The luteal phase is one of the longer phases of the cycle. During this phase, progesterone (the hormone that keeps is chill peaks in order to keep the uterine lining intact, preparing for implantation. Near the end of this phase estrogen levels begin to rise triggering your period.

This phase may also feel as though it's the most troublesome for most of us because this is when if we have Hormone imbalances, they will show in the form of PMS symptoms or breakouts. So keeping stress levels down during this phase is really important, because the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with progesterone production which gives estrogen the leeway to be dominant.

Finding Rhythm:

You may feel like your energy levels are lower than this time, so it's important to work with your body and not push it, being sure to get proper sleep and keep workouts to light movement like yoga or walking-these will naturally feel better to you. Its also common during this phase to experience fatigue, bloating, mood swings and irritability. So if you aren't feeling sociable, just know that its ok.

Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5):

Hormonally, progesterone levels drop, uterine lining starts to shed and then menstruation starts also known as your period. Estrogen peaks and triggers the brain to prepare for another cycle. Bleeding during this time is a combo if brown and red. If the first few days are more brown, it may be a sign of low progesterone and high estrogen.

Finding Rhythm

You may experience low back aches, fatigue, cravings, cramps and sometimes severe cramps of there are hormonal issues present and low energy in the beginning. So maintaining Nourishing eating habits during the luteal phase is helpful in keeping inflammation down to not experiencing the above symptoms.

You may also be feeling a heightened sense of intuition and new ideas due to hormone levels declining quickly so use it to your advantage and write down your goals/visions in a journal.

The easiest way to start tracking a true cycle is by the first day of your period bleed. If you experience any PMS be sure to grab our free Guide with 4 simple hacks that you can start today!