It's time we start paying attention to our periods

Words by Chantelle van der Weyden

Chantelle is a Naturopath and Nutritionist based in Sydney. She is passionate about all things health and wellness and has a strong interest in female reproductive health and the power of the female body. Chantelle explains the four stages of the menstrual cycle, what we can learn from each stage and just why this knowledge is so important for us to lead a healthy, happy life.

1. Winter The first phase is the menstrual phase, that is, our period or our bleed. Our period lasts on average between 3 and 5 days (this does not include pre- or post-menstrual spotting – that’s the scanty stuff at the beginning and end). Hormone levels are at an all time low during our period. This is our winter phase – generally we feel more withdrawn, passive, and reflective. It’s a great time for creativity and new ideas, as well as surrendering and letting go. It’s also a time of rest. Our energy is lower, so our inclination for exercise is lower and taking a few days off working out is not only recommended, but necessary! Gentle walks or yin yoga can be helpful. Socialising during this phase can also feel like a stretch, so taking time to yourself to reflect on the month that was (or to binge watch Netflix and eat dark chocolate) is perfectly normal.

2. Spring The second phase of the cycle is the follicular phase, and this is our spring phase. Oestrogen begins to rise. Oestrogen is our feel good (or feel sexy) hormone. It increases mood, energy, libido and vaginal lubrication. We are physically stronger during this phase of the cycle – so a great time for more intense workouts. It’s a great time for learning, researching, productivity and planning – so take this week to plan out the rest of your month.

3. Summer The third phase is ovulation, where rising oestrogen levels trigger the release of a follicle (or egg). This occurs around day 14 or mid-cycle (depending on the length of your cycle). This is our summer phase. Mood is at an all time high. We feel social and expressive. This is the perfect time to catch up with friends and nurture your relationships. We feel extra beautiful during this phase too – and our libido is at its peak. This is because we are fertile, and our body is ready for baby making! And if baby making is your goal then get down to it. If baby making is not on the agenda, take extra precautions during this phase. It is said that ovulation is the best time to ask for what you want – so use this powerful time to express your needs at work and at home.

4. Autumn The fourth phase of the cycle is the luteal phase, where progesterone begins to rise. Progesterone literally means ‘pro-gestation’ and its job at this stage is to tell the uterus to thin out and mature so that a fertilised egg can implant there. As progesterone increases, oestrogen drops and levels out. This is our Autumn phase, or our pre-menstrual phase. With the fall in oestrogen levels, our mood begins to drop a little and we start to feel the pull inward. We might find ourselves more irritable or agitated, and starting to crave our own space again. This is the perfect time to prepare for your period – meal prepping and scheduling self care activities. As we move further into the leuteal phase, our energy drops so resting more or engaging in gentle exercise is best.

When we are in touch with our cycle we can plan our month accordingly. For example, asking for a promotion during ovulation, planning social activities during spring and summer, working on projects during the second and third phase, exercising with greater intensity at various points during the cycle, resting more during other phases. We can also cut ourselves some slack – women are cyclical beings and our mood and energy are constantly shifting throughout the month. IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CYCLE

1. Consider your cycle as your monthly report card for your health. A healthy menstrual cycle is a sign of overall health.

2. Period pain, irregular cycles, debilitating PMS, anxiety and depression, very light or very heavy periods, no periods at all, mid-cycle bleeding – are common symptoms associated with your cycle – but they are not necessarily normal! Chat to a naturopath, GP/integrative GP if you feel you experience any of these symptoms.

3. You can have a period without having ovulated – this is an anovulatory cycle.

4. Your fertile window (when you can fall pregnant) is the few days around ovulation.

5. Periods are natural, beautiful and sacred. Women are life givers! And understanding what our body is doing month to month is liberating and, if we harness it, can be truly life changing.