The Phases of your Cycle: Symptoms & How to Deal

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This information may seem a bit dry but it is necessary and will hopefully build on what you already know in at least one way if not more. If you’re anything like me, the application of these things are more exciting than a definition lesson. However, even I was realizing inaccuracies in what I knew as I complied the information so I feel it is very important that we all know what is being referred to as we continue on!

Remember, this is based on an “average” 28-day cycle! All definitions under “what” are according to the Cleveland Clinic of Medicine.

Menstruation

When: days 1-6

What: the shedding of the uterine lining through the vagina if pregnancy has not been achieved; 3-7 days is considered “average”

Common Symptoms: cramps, irritability, increased fatigue

**POTENTIALLY** fertile (ability to conceive)

Follicular

When: days 7-12

What: the growing and thickening of the uterine lining, preparing for ovulation

(this phase technically starts on the first day of your period and goes until the day before ovulation – overlapping with menstruation)

Common Symptoms: more motivation, creativity, and energy

Ovulatory

When: days 13-17

What: an increase in the luteinizing hormone that signals the body to release the egg from the ovary; peaks at day 14 (average)

**THIS IS THE MAIN EVENT OF YOUR CYCLE! WOO!**

Common Symptoms: increase in vaginal discharge & more “gliding” texture, more energy & social battery, increased libido; FERTILE (ability to conceive)

You feel your best in this phase of your cycle!

Luteal

When: days 18-28

What: the journey of the egg out of the ovary, down the fallopian tube, and into the uterus; hormones change to prepare the body for pregnancy

If sperm is present and reaches the egg, it becomes fertilized, and pregnancy results. If not, the uterine lining will shed and result in your period once again.

Symptoms: increased hunger (and your body NEEDS the calories)

Knowing these things going forward this week will be crucial to understanding your body in relation to the information given. As mentioned, even as I typed this up, I was realizing misconceptions I had or things that were mixed up in my head in regard to basic understanding of the cycle and its phases. Now that we are all on the same page and know we will be talking about the same things under the various terms, lets get it applied!