The seasons of your cycle

Similar to the different seasons of the year, your menstrual cycle has different phases which come with different hormones and sensations throughout your body. If you think of the 28 day cycle as a representation of a year, each of the four phases corresponds to a season. 

Phase 1— your period, or winter. 

Approximately days 1-5 progesterone plunges and leads to a break down or shedding of the uterine lining. Oestrogen and progesterone are low. Along with bleeding you, might experience cramping and your breasts might deflate. Typically, women experience lower energy and tend to be more introverted during this season. 

Phase 2— the follicular phase, or spring. 

Approximately days 6-11 levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) increases slightly, causing egg-containing follicles to develop. Estrogen increases but progesterone remains low. You might experience breast enlargement, and your skin can become clearer. Some women report a lift in energy, mood, and confidence. 

Phase 3— the ovulatory phase, or summer. 

Approximately days 12-14 there is an estrogen surge followed by a sharp peek in LH, which causes a follicle to burst open and release its egg — ovulation. Progesterone stays low. You might feel ovulation pain on one side of your abdomen, and you are most fertile during “summer”. 

Phase 4— the luteal phase, or fall. 

Days 15-28 the follicle that released the egg produces progesterone, causing it to rise and thicken your womb lining. If you’re not pregnant, estrogen and progesterone will drop and the uterine lining will shed, so your period (winter) comes around again. You might experience tender, swollen breasts or skin break outs. You might experience anxiety, cravings, or irritability during the second week of the luteal phase. 

Tracking the symptoms you experience is a great way to learn your cycle, as everyone experiences different symptoms, so that you know what you need during each season. 

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