Know Your Cycle

Be honest, how much do you think about your feminine cycle in the three weeks you’re not bleeding? Maybe you’re on birth control that prevents a bleed so you’re not aware of it at all. Or maybe you dread the day your bleed comes because you know it will come with pain, irritability, and frustration. The female cycle is one of the coolest transitions our bodies make and if you can understand how to work with it, instead of against it, I think you’ll find a whole new perspective. Let’s start that shift today. 

You know that each month your hormones fluctuate through each of the phases and each time they change, they create different desires in you. Just like Mother Nature shows off her four seasons throughout the year, you experience similar seasons throughout the month. Let’s break it down. 

Spring/Follicular phase: In this phase, your body is preparing an egg for ovulation. The hormones responsible for this will make you want to plan things and create to-do lists. This would be an optimal time to create your monthly menu, shopping list, or create daycare plans for your kids. If you’re not on any hormones, you might notice a creamy lotion-like discharge in your underwear, or you may be dry. 

Summer/Ovulation: In this phase, your body releases that egg. You are now fertile. All the hormones required to allow you to be fertile are the same ones that encourage you to be a social butterfly. You want to be around all of the people doing all of the things this week. A word of caution: when you make plans, schedule them during this time, but be mindful when you’re offered invitations during ovulation. You’ll want to say yes to everything, but this energy is fleeting. Don’t agree to something planned for your week of menstruation until you're past the social butterfly energy of ovulation. If you’re not on any hormones, you’ll find a stretchy, egg-white type discharge. This type of cervical fluid is vital for sperm survival when trying to conceive. 

Fall/Luteal: In this phase, your body prepares to support a pregnancy. This is the longest phase of your cycle and you’re likely to experience a “get things done” type of energy. This is the time of the month when you’ll complete those tasks on your to-do list from your follicular phase. If you need something re-organized, this is the week to get that done! If you’re not on any hormones, you’ll notice less discharge, and more dryness during this phase. 

Winter/Menstrual: In this phase, your body releases the uterine lining if you do not become pregnant. This is your monthly reminder to reset and recharge. Your hormones ask you to rest this week and take care of yourself. This is a great opportunity for self-care, extra water, and a little slower pace. If you can, try not to schedule interviews or big meetings during this week as you’re likely to crave alone time rather than being social. If you’re not on any hormones, this is the week you bleed. However, your body does not create much by way of lubrication this week, so if you chose to partake in any sexual activity, be sure to add lube to your encounter. 

If you no longer have a cycle, or birth control prevents these natural ebbs and flows in your month, that is okay! You can recreate them by aligning with the moon’s energy. Rest during the full moon and make the rest of your month’s plans accordingly. 

Now that you know what is normal for your body, it's time to offer yourself some grace during each phase. We don’t ask Mother Nature to make new growth in the winter, and we don’t see her rest in the summer. We honor each of her strengths in the seasons. It’s time to honor yours too. When you connect to your cycle and live with your hormones instead of against them, your life will change. You can begin to live life as Purely You. 

If learning more about your cycle and how to live in sync with it interests you, this is something I teach in my hybrid program. To learn more about how you can enroll, book a time to chat here!