Your mind and body can experience fluctuations throughout the month. You may find that your emotions, energy levels, digestion, and even your skin seem to change by the day. It’s important to understand, recognize and embrace your own unique cycle.
As you know, your menstrual cycle is more than your period. Throughout the month, your brain, uterus, and ovaries work together to direct your body’s cycle.
Week 1: First day of period to Day 7. Take advantage of this week’s elevated mood to cross things off your list. Estrogen rises. You may feel more optimistic and in a better mood. Additionally, your libido begins to climb toward the tail end of the week.
Week 2: Day 8 to ovulation (often day 14 of a 28-day cycle). Take advantage of feeling good about yourself – get more physical movement in. Estrogen and testosterone rise until they peak. Your mood and energy improve, and your libido may peak.
Week 3: Day after ovulation and lasts 8 days (often days 15-22 in a 28-day cycle). Take advantage of rest during this time – the more sleep you get, the better you’ll feel. Progesterone rises, estrogen and testosterone decline. You may feel energy decrease due to estrogen decline and progesterone increase. Your appetite may increase, and you may have mild constipation.
Week 4: Final 6 days of your cycle. Take extra care of yourself this week and elevate your mood by doing what feels right to you. Estrogen and progesterone drop. You may start to experience common PMS symptoms – irritability, cravings, water retention, and more.
