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Do you know what day it is today?
And I don’t mean what day of the week we are on…I mean what cycle day are you on today?
Our female cycle is the hormonal rhythm that we go through every 28 days on average, it’s known as the Infradian Rhythm and its unique to female biochemistry.
It’s important to have this information about your body as you will notice changes in your mood, motivation and energy levels. It’s one thing that I am always recommending to my nutritional therapy clients when we are working together on a programme, and it’s amazing the information and insight my clients get from it.
Here is a recap of the phases that you will go through throughout your cycle.
Phase 1: Follicular (the 7 to 10 days after your period)
Phase 2: Ovulatory (the to 4 days in the middle of your cycle)
Phase 3: Luteal (the 10 to 14 days between ovulation and your period)
Phase 4: Menstrual (the 3 to 7 days of your period)
During each of these four phases, you experience normal hormonal fluctuations that influence your body temperature, skin elasticity, sleep cycle, energy, emotions, and brain function.
So, what are some benefits of tracking your cycle?
Understanding your feeling and emotions – have you noticed that your mood seems to ebb and flow throughout the month? Are you feeling amazing, happy and motivated one day and then low and tired another day? Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you tune into these natural fluctuations and gain a deeper understanding of how your hormones impact your emotions. Knowing where you are in your cycle can support you to better anticipate how you are likely to feel each day, and allow you to plan you day and routine accordingly.
Cycle sync your nutrition - did you know that what you eat can have a significant impact on your hormonal balance? By syncing your diet with your menstrual cycle, you can nourish your body with the nutrients it needs at each stage. For example, during the follicular phase (the days leading up to ovulation), focus on foods rich in iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants to support energy levels and mood stability. As you move into the luteal phase (the premenstrual phase), prioritize magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to ease PMS symptoms and promote relaxation. By aligning your nutrition with your cycle, you can work with your body, not against it, to feel your best all month long.
How should you track your cycle?
I would say whatever works for you is the best method to use. You can use a period tracking app or write your cycle day in your diary.
Remember day one of your cycle is the first day of your period.
I also recommend writing just one word about how you are feeling each day, or you can journal for a few minutes if you have time. Do you start to notice a pattern?
My name is Catherine and I’m a Nutritional Therapist specialising in women’s health, hormones and supporting your cycle symptoms. My 1:1 programmes use evidence based and effective nutritional and lifestyle changes to help to rebalance your hormones and give you back control. If you are struggling with your symptoms, please click the link below to book in a FREE nutrition strategy call.
Catherine x
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