A Woman's Menstrual Cycle - A Women's Life Compass

A Woman's Menstrual Cycle: A Guiding Light

A woman's menstrual cycle is not only a guiding light for her but also an essential aspect for everyone, including males, to understand and recognize.
Let's continue to foster understanding and support for this natural and integral part of a woman's life.

Ladies, your menstrual cycle is not just a monthly occurrence; it's your Life Compass.
Within you, two clocks tick, offering valuable guidance:

1.  Circadian Rhythm: This clock aligns with the sun's journey, from sunset to sunrise, shaping your daily patterns.

2.  Infradian Rhythm: Your menstrual cycle constitutes the second clock, a four-phase journey governed by hormones. This rhythm plays a crucial role in understanding and caring for yourself.

When you embrace specific fasting protocols to serve one's hormones, you become even more attuned to your body. However, it's crucial to recognize that if you're not in harmony with yourself, it will feel like you're losing your way.

Let your menstrual cycle be your guide in this beautiful journey of self-care and self-discovery as a powerful woman.

Let's Begin Our Empowering Journey as a Woman

Today, we are focusing on the Infradian Rhythm and its four powerful phases.

1) The Menstrual Phase - Embrace the "Resting Time"

This phase typically runs for 3-5 days, and estrogen is at its lowest levels. It's important not to resist the natural ebb of energy during this time. Instead, embrace it, as it is a gift—a period of magical healing, recycling, and renewal, unique to the experience of being a woman.

During your Menstrual Phase, prioritize self-care. Opt for gentle activities like walking and resting, reading, and placing yourself in calm environments. Avoid overexertion and situations that may trigger stress.
This is YOUR time to rest and nurture yourself.

It's normal to encounter some discomfort such as abdominal cramps, fatigue, a sense of withdrawal, and, at times, even nausea.

Take this opportunity to create a special date with yourself. Treat this period as a time of self-care and self-compassion. Nurture your body and mind, and remember that these sensations are part of your unique experience as a woman.

You've got this, and deserving of this time for self-love and self-renewal - REST!

2) The Follicular Phase - Embrace this "Happy Time"

This is a time of positivity and vigor that runs for 7-10 days. During this phase, estrogen levels rise, and you'll notice a significant boost in your overall energy.

Here's what to expect:

Elevated Mood: You'll feel great, and your mood will be noticeably elevated.

Assertiveness: Your assertiveness comes to the forefront, making it an excellent period for assertive decision-making.

Physical Strength: Your physical strength is at its peak, making it an ideal time for gym workouts.

Productivity: In work situations, this phase is perfect for making significant decisions and embarking on new projects and goals. Your creativity soars.

Social Vibes: Socializing comes naturally during this time, and your vibe is upbeat and positive.

Appetite and Water Retention: Appetite tends to be suppressed, and any water retention from the previous phase has likely dissipated.

Seize the moment during this upbeat phase, both in personal and professional endeavors.
It's time to shine and make the most of this awesome energy.

3) The Ovulatory Phase: Embrace Your Radiance

Celebrate the Ovulatory Phase, a time when you radiate!

This phase runs around 4 days and peaks with levels of estrogen and testosterone.

Here's what to expect:

Feeling Amazing: You'll feel absolutely amazing during this phase.
The combined surge in estrogen and testosterone has you glowing from within.

Increased Attractiveness: You'll likely feel more attractive in every way, and this is a boost in self-perception
is wonderfully empowering

Adventurous Spirit: Your adventurous side comes to the forefront, and you'll find yourself wanting to get out and explore.

Heightened Libido: Your libido peaks, making it a perfect time for a special date night with your partner.

Confidence Boost: Your confidence levels soar, making this an ideal phase for important meetings, networking events, and job interviews.

4) The Luteal Phase: Embrace this "Quiet Time"

The Luteal Phase is a generous 10-day period that invites deep self-care and reflection. During this phase, progesterone takes the stage, while estrogen levels decrease.

Here's what to expect:

Emotional Shift: You may notice a shift in your emotions during this time, often feeling more withdrawn or quieter than usual. You might experience moments of overwhelm, heightened sensitivity, sadness, and easy tearfulness.

Managing Mood Swings: Understanding the unique dynamics of this phase helps you avoid acting out of character or projecting negative emotions onto others due to these mood swings.

Challenges and Opportunities: This Phase can be challenging, but it's also a time of growth. Managing your nutrition and well-being is essential. When you master this skill, you will flourish.

Work and Projects: It's an ideal time to wrap up projects, work behind the scenes, and dive into research work.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include headaches, breast soreness, afternoon fatigue, feeling cold, irritability, and occasional nausea. It's crucial not to turn to junk food to soothe these symptoms, as it can exacerbate these challenging symptoms of discomfort and severely alter your mood to a negative or a more challenging manner, as the incorrect foods will trigger your hormones negatively and serve you negatively.

Nutrition Matters: To ease these symptoms, focus on nourishing your body. Consider foods like dark chocolate, full-fat Greek yogurt, sweet potatoes, organic popcorn, berries, and/or coconut ice cream, and pair them with lean protein choices. Avoid processed and junk foods during this phase. Always prepare ahead of time to empower yourself during the Luteal Phase.

Remember, spoiling yourself with EXTRA self-care during this Phase is key, and it's a time to honor your body's well-being.

Let's raise our hands to embrace and empower all four phases, allowing them to serve as powerful guides in your life as the beautiful woman you are.

These are our gifts of strength, resilience, as this is a remarkable and magical journey that we navigate with grace.

Cheers to your empowerment.

Written by: Michelene Adamo