Glow with the Flow!

BY GRACE CLARKE

As girls, we often hear the phrase, “your body is your temple,” though in our formative years, it’s hard to fully grasp its meaning. For many of us, this understanding is clouded by insecurities and, at times, even a sense of frustration with our bodies. I first came across this phrase in the book The Care & Keeping of You by AmericanGirl, which I found in my school library. 

It was my first little glimpse into all the changes my body would go through as I got closer to puberty, although it would take me years to truly appreciate this idea, as I grappled with fluctuating hormones and a growing dislike for my body every time my period arrived – bringing bloating, breakouts, and emotional upheaval. I vividly remember weeping the night I got my first period, overwhelmed by a sense of shame and confusion as I transitioned from girlhood into womanhood. I now find myself resonating deeply with the sentiment, having embraced the complexities of my feminine body. 

Unlike men, whose hormonal cycles reset daily, women’s cycles span an average of 23 to 35 days. This understanding has given me a clearer perspective on how my body changes throughout the feminine flow cycle, impacting my emotional health, energy levels, complexion, body weight, and hair. Each phase of the cycle – menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal – affects our bodies differently, leading us to peaks of glowing radiance and lows of fatigued days. Recognising these fluctuations, and the network of hormones that flow through our cycles, can help us better navigate the ebbs and flows of our temples with greater awareness and acceptance.

UNDERSTANDING THE PHASES OF YOUR FLOW

Much like the moon, our menstrual cycles consist of distinct phases, each influenced by the ebb and flow of our bodies. Though it’s a popular belief that our cycles sync with the moon’s phases, the truth is that it is attuned to the unique patterns of our bodies. Understanding each distinct phase allows us to better navigate the symptoms and changes that arise in each stage. By recognising what to expect during each phase, we can tailor our approach to managing our physical and emotional well-being more effectively.

The Menstrual Phase:

What it is: This is the phase when bleeding occurs, marking the start of a new cycle. It typically lasts between 3 to 7 days.
What Our Bodies Look Like: We may experience fatigue, cramping, bloating, headaches, cravings, and mood swings. Energy levels might be lower, and there may be a sense of introspection.
What We Can Do: Prioritise rest, stay hydrated, and consume iron-rich foods to replenish lost nutrients. Gentle exercise, like yoga or walking, can help alleviate cramps and improve your mood.

Follicular Phase:

What It Is: Following our flow, the follicula phase involves the maturation of follicles in the ovaries and typically lasts around 7 to 10 days.
What Our Bodies Look Like: Energy levels begin to rise, and mood often improves. Skin may clear up, and libido might increase as the body prepares for ovulation.
What We Can Do: I like to call this phase our ‘Girlboss’ era. Engage in more intensive workouts if desired, focus on a balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins, and take advantage of that increased energy and motivation.

Ovulatory Phase:

What It Is: This phase is characterised by the release of an egg from the ovary, usually around the middle of the cycle, and lasts about 3 to 5 days.
What Our Bodies Look Like: At this stage, our temples shine! We may experience peak energy, heightened libido, and an overall sense of well-being. Skin may be clear, and mood is often at its best.
What We Can Do: Harness this period of high energy by tackling challenging tasks or projects. Maintain hydration and balanced nutrition to support overall health and vitality.

Luteal Phase:

What It Is: After ovulation, the luteal phase prepares the body for a potential pregnancy and lasts about 10 to 14 days.
What Our Bodies Look Like: This phase may bring symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, break outs, and major fatigue. Appetite changes and irritability are also common (but, don’t worry it’s not you, it’s the hormones!)
What We Can Do: Self-care, check! Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation or gentle exercise, and focus on a diet that includes complex carbohydrates and magnesium to help alleviate symptoms.

THE ALMIGHTY HORMONES

Our hormones can be quite the rollercoaster, changing with each stage of a woman’s life – whether it’s puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. These shifts influence everything from our energy levels and moods, to how we feel physically and emotionally. Keeping track of our hormonal changes, especially throughout our menstrual cycle, can be very helpful. It helps us tune in to how these changes are impacting our overall well-being and mood, making us feel more in control and in touch with our bodies.

OESTROGEN

Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone. It plays a key role in developing our reproductive organs, keeping our menstrual cycles on track, and supporting pregnancy. It also helps keep our bones strong, influences where we store body fat (hello, hips and thighs!), and even gives our skin and hair that extra glow. Throughout your menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels rise and fall, which can affect your mood, energy, and libido. When oestrogen dips – like during menopause – you might experience things like hot flashes and mood swings. It’s all part of your body’s natural rhythm!

PROGESTERONE

Progesterone works with oestrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy after ovulation. It has a soothing, calming effect, helping to balance out oestrogen. During the luteal phase, you might notice a bit of fatigue or bloating – totally normal as progesterone does its thing. If progesterone levels drop, it can cause changes in your period, mood swings, or even affect pregnancy. It’s all about keeping that hormone harmony!

CORTISOL

Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone: it jumps into action to manage energy, metabolism, and immune responses. When you’re stressed, cortisol levels naturally go up. But if that stress lingers around for too long, high cortisol can leave you feeling worn out, anxious, and might even mess with your menstrual cycle. So, it’s all about finding ways to best manage that stress and keep the cortisol in check! For me, I enjoy light workouts, revisiting my comfort shows, and journaling as I blast Fiona Apple in the background.