Dark truths to lightening your skin
Choose foods to support your increased energy levels, such as lean proteins, leafy greens, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
It's normal for your sex drive to fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. What these fluctuations look like will vary a lot from person to person, and even cycle to cycle. Make sure to listen to your body.
You may turn to sweets and fast food for comfort. But eating these foods during your period can throw your hormones off balance and rob you of important nutrients. Focus on food rich in iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Hormonal birth control uses synthetic hormones to stop ovulation. Because these hormones override your natural hormones, cycle syncing doesn't really apply if you're on birth control.
Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: The biggest women's health myths
This phase can bring on PMS, hunger, and cravings. If you're craving a sweet or salty snack, dark chocolate, fruit, nuts, and seeds are good options.
Eating an overall healthy diet can also help give you the strength and stamina needed during this high-energy phase.
As you feel more energized, you might find that intense exercise, such as high intensity interval training and spin classes, feels more manageable.
This is the phase where you're more likely to start losing steam. Therefore, if you tend to feel down, focus on the types of exercise you enjoy to help manage emotional stress, such as an easy stroll or restorative yoga.
As estrogen and progesterone start to increase, so does your energy. This can be a good time to focus on endurance or resistance training. Think a hike, brisk walk, or weight training.
This phase is a natural winding-down time, as productivity levels are low. The end of this phase is associated with PMS, so you might feel like cocooning on your couch and reaching for comfort foods.
It's not uncommon to feel lethargic during this phase, so focus on low impact movements, like yoga or low intensity walks. However, if you experience period-related pain or fatigue, then there's no need to push through.
Prioritize self-care and try to lighten your workload if possible. Use this time for simpler work tasks that require less active brain power, such as editing your work or catching up on admin tasks.
Lasting anywhere from 12 to 14 days, the luteal phase occurs when the egg isn't fertilized. The uterus is preparing to shed its lining with an upcoming period.
Both estrogen and progesterone rise before falling dramatically at the end of this phase. Progesterone has a calming effect, meaning that you'll probably be a little slower than in the previous phases.
It's an extroverted time for most women, making it ideal for working in groups and team environments. It's also a great time to schedule in important meetings and difficult conversations.
This phase occurs in the middle of your cycle, when the egg is released. It usually lasts for only 24 hours, but the high levels of estrogen and testosterone can make this a noticeable part of your cycle for three to four days. Don't be surprised if you feel a little different around ovulation day.
The hormonal peak of testosterone gives you a more focused energy, while the estrogen peak makes you feel more proactive.
Both estrogen and testosterone peak during this phase. Progesterone takes a dip, then begins to rise slowly at the end of ovulation.
During this phase, your mind is up for difficult, complex tasks. It's also a time when it's easier to be proactive and get creative work done.
A woman has heightened energy during this phase thanks to rising estrogen levels. This definitely makes it a good time to learn and strive for success.
The second phase, known as the follicular phase, begins as bleeding stops. This is when the uterus is beginning to prepare for a potential pregnancy. This phase can last from 11 to 27 days, averaging 16 days.
This phase sees a rise in progesterone and estrogen. Testosterone stays at a steady level, but it may rise toward the end of this phase.
Try to cut back on work tasks if possible and reduce social commitments. It's also a good time to get lots of sleep and rest.
A woman's energy, focus, and productivity levels are at their lowest during menstruation.
The three main hormones that can fluctuate throughout the cycle are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. During this phase, the levels of all hormones are low.
This phase lasts from the first day of bleeding to the last day of bleeding. It usually lasts for three to seven days.
By embracing the hormonal changes in the cycle rather than trying to suppress them, women can take advantage of what those changes offer.
When most of us think of periods, we think of two phases: the menstruating and the non-menstruating parts. However, there are actually four distinct phases caused by hormonal changes. More on that later.
Many women learn pretty quickly in adolescence that their menstrual cycle comes with both physical and emotional symptoms. From period cramps to mood changes, most are aware of the changes in their bodies during the infamous PMS week. However, not many pay attention to the other ways their cycles can affect them throughout the rest of the month. This is where cycle syncing can help.
Cycle syncing is a concept that involves adapting your habits, such as eating and exercise, to the phases of your menstrual cycle. This can even help with your productivity levels. So, curious? Click on to learn how to find a healthy flow, by working with your period rather than fighting against it.
There's also a misconception that the infamous PMS phase is hellish. However, it doesn't have to be a bad thing if you learn how to work with it rather than against it.
How to work with your period, not against it
Everything you need to know about cycle syncing
HEALTH Cycle syncing
Many women learn pretty quickly in adolescence that their menstrual cycle comes with both physical and emotional symptoms. From period cramps to mood changes, most are aware of the changes in their bodies during the infamous PMS week. However, not many pay attention to the other ways their cycles can affect them throughout the rest of the month. This is where cycle syncing can help.
Cycle syncing is a concept that involves adapting your habits, such as eating and exercise, to the phases of your menstrual cycle. This can even help with your productivity levels. So, curious? Click on to learn how to find a healthy flow, by working with your period rather than fighting against it.