How Your Cycle Impacts Your Energy

You just got your period, and even lying on the couch takes too much energy. Ugh. And two weeks ago you could have taken on the world! Sound familiar? Yes, woman. Welcome to the wonderful world of hormones. Your hormones change all month long. And that doesn't just happen. They change to keep you on a regular cycle, but those hormones also affect your energy levels. In this blog post, we'll explain how that works, what to expect in each phase, and what you can do to feel good—all month long.

A healthy lifestyle helps prevent your energy levels from dropping so drastically. Supplement this with quality supplements to support your hormonal balance. But most importantly? Understanding your own cycle. This way, you can adjust your body and mind accordingly. Below, we explain what to expect during each phase of your cycle.

What changes during my cycle?

Each month consists of four phases. The most obvious phase is your menstrual phase, when you bleed. If you're not pregnant, your body does this every month to release the unfertilized egg. The entire process of ovulation, the formation of the uterine lining, and menstruation is regulated by your hormones. These therefore change throughout the month. The result is reflected in a recurring cycle.

But your hormones don't just regulate your cycle. They influence your entire physical and mental health. A few examples:

• Your hormones influence your hunger.
• Your hormones affect your ability to concentrate,
• Your hormones ensure that you can physically recover better at one moment, and less so at another.
• And finally, your hormones also affect your sleep quality and energy levels.

So it's normal to feel different every month!

Tracking your cycle and knowing when you're feeling good and when you're not

A regular cycle lasts between 22 and 40 days. Tracking your cycle doesn't automatically mean you'll never be tired again and always be happy. But knowing which days you're likely to want to sleep in a bit longer, and which days the sky's the limit, will help you plan your month more effectively.

Because what if you decided to exercise intensively that night before your down moment? It'll hit you extra hard if you wake up the next morning with energy levels down. You might not be able to plan everything perfectly, but you can adjust your expectations and have compassion for yourself.

How do you track your cycle?

Tracking your cycle isn't difficult. You start counting on the first day of your period (the first day you bleed) and count down to the day before your next period.

Here's how you can do it:

• Use an app to track your cycle. These are our favorites.
• Track your cycle on a paper calendar.
• Keep track of it on your phone.
• Send yourself a text when you get your period.

Once you know this, you can recognize the different phases of your cycle:

Your energy levels during the different phases of your cycle.

Menstruation

Lasts 3 - 7 days

Yes, it's that time of the month! Your estrogen and progesterone levels are very low right now. This means that everything feels overwhelming. That's okay. Fortunately, it doesn't last forever. You might experience cramps during the days you bleed, and you might feel tired, irritable, and grumpy. The more days that pass, the better you'll feel. Your estrogen levels are rising, and you'll feel sharper and more focused.

Important during your period:

• Rest when you are tired.
• Eat healthy when you're hungry. Unhealthy food makes you feel worse.
• Take it easy on your exercise. Walk, do yoga.
• Not in the mood for socializing? Just say no, it's okay.

The follicular phase

Lasts 7-10 days

These are the days after your period. A lot is happening in your body during this phase, as your egg is maturing. You're probably feeling great. Your estrogen levels are rising, making you feel energetic and able to speed through your to-do list.

Focus on things like:

• Everything you were putting off.
• More difficult projects for work or school.
• Exercise! If you want, you can try to break new records.
• Enjoying friends and family.

Ovulation

Takes 3-4 days

If you track your period with an app, you'll know exactly when you ovulate. You can also check your cervical mucus . Some women also feel ovulation as a small twinge in the lower left or right abdomen. If you're trying to conceive, this is the perfect time to have sex. And the good news is that you're probably very much in the mood. Your libido is at its highest at this time.

In the days leading up to ovulation, luteinizing hormone levels rise, and estrogen and testosterone levels peak. The result? You feel more outgoing, sociable, and energetic.

A perfect moment to:

• Try something new.
• Go out. Party, socialize, organize a get-together.
• To have sex.
• To complete a project or have a difficult conversation.
• To train more intensively.

Luteal phase

Duration: 10 - 14 days

The luteal phase is the period after ovulation and before your period. It begins about two weeks before your period. If you had sex during ovulation and your egg is fertilized, your body produces gonadotropin (hCG). Your progesterone levels will rise.

If your egg isn't fertilized during ovulation, progesterone and estrogen levels drop. Your body prepares to shed the uterine lining.

You might be feeling a little down. The rapid decline in progesterone levels is already making you feel a bit sluggish. That's why this phase is the one where you focus on:

• Self-care. Get a massage or take a bath.
• Tackle easy tasks that don't require much mental energy.
• Feel like staying in? Definitely do. Maybe you just need a night on the couch.

Want to learn more about how to align your lifestyle with your cycle? Read more about living according to your cycle here. If you have any questions or need help, please contact one of our experts . We're happy to help.