While mens bodies operate on a 24 hour cycle, women exist in a 28-day cycle. While most women know about the first phase of this cycle, menstruation, given the very obvious way it appears in their lives, few know about the other three phases. 

The first phase, menstruation, lasts about 3-7 days. Many women experience mood swings, bloating, cramps and irritability at this time. Women can also feel “menstural headaches” as a result of sharp declines in estrogen levels. Low progesterone levels can cause constipation and/or diarreha during menstruation. It is important to do gentle workouts like yoga at this time because of the state the body is in. 

The second phase is the follicular phase which lasts about 13-14 days. In this phase the pituitary gland releases a follicle-stimualting hormone (FSH) which triggers the  production of follicles on the ovaries surface. Ovaries then produce 5 to 20 follicles containing immature eggs that will grow in develop throughout the follicular phase. Eventually, one egg becomes dominant and the other follicle-encased eggs will be absorbed back into the body. In this phase, estrogen levels are rising, thickening the uteral lining. Many compare this phase to spring as your body comes out of menstruation (winter) and approaches your peak in ovulation (summer). 

The third phase is ovulation. The events of the follicular phase come to a peak at ovulation, when estrogen levels are the highest. At this point the mature egg is released from the ovary. The peak of ovulation usually lasts only one day (or 16-32 hours), about two weeks before your next period. At this point the body is most fertile and capable of doing the most intense workouts. Women typically feel at their highest confidence at this time as well. 

The final phase is the luteal phase. At this point cells in the ovary release hormones that cause the lining of the uterus to thicken and prepare for pregnancy. When an egg is not fertilized this lining is shed during menstruation. At this time women often feel more hungry because their metabolism has sped up. It’s important to eat nutrient-rich foods at this time rather than only resorting to comfort foods. Women also tend to feel low energy at this time because estrogen levels drop substantially. It’s important to get good rest and not over-exercise in the luteal phase. 

It is so important to understand the way that your body works. The menstrual cycle impacts so many aspects of a women’s life. The flucuation of hormones can affect a woman’s mood, appetite and energy levels. Women deserve to have knowledge about the natural cycles at work in their bodies and the ways in which these cycles impact other parts of their life.