As women, we experience a series of changes in our bodies each month, driven by our hormones. These cyclical processes affect not only our physical health, but also our emotions, energy levels and overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll tell you more about the hormonal cycle and the 4 main phases of this cycle: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase!
What is the hormonal cycle?
The hormonal cycle is a natural process in women’s bodies and goes as follows:
- Menstruation: It begins with menstruation, during which the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. During period, the uterine wall and unfertilized eggs shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding.
- Follicular phase: After menstruation, the follicle-stimulating phase begins. This is when your ovaries are ready to make new eggs. Small vesicles, also called follicles, begin to grow in the ovaries. Each follicle contains an egg that is ready to mature for ovulation.
- Ovulation: About halfway through the cycle, usually around day 14 at a cycle time of 28 days, ovulation occurs. A mature follicle bursts open and releases an egg that is ready to be fertilized.
- Luteal phase: After ovulation, the luteal phase begins. The empty follicle turns into the so-called “corpus luteum,” which produces progesterone to prepare the uterine wall for a possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the production of hormones decreases and the cycle begins again with your period.
These cyclical changes are regulated by several hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Each of these phases can cause different symptoms. Also read an interesting article about the hormones LH and FSH here!
The influence of your hormonal cycle on your daily life
The impact of your menstrual cycle hormones on your daily life is something many women know all too well. Unfortunately, those fluctuating hormone levels can cause you to feel different than normal both physically and emotionally. Mood swings can pop up out of nowhere, and physical symptoms such as cramps, fatigue or even headaches can wreak havoc on your day. It varies per person and even per cycle which symptoms you may experience and to what extent. Some lucky people experience hardly any symptoms, that’s possible too! Anyway: It is okay to feel a little different than normal sometimes. The important thing is to take good care of yourself and listen to your body!
Tips for dealing with your hormonal cycle
- Listen to your body: Listen to what your body is telling you during different phases of your cycle. If you are tired, allow yourself rest. If you need exercise, make time for some light exercise. Listening carefully to your body will help you take better care of yourself.
- Eat healthy: Feed your body with nutritious foods that can keep your hormones balanced. Ensure adequate intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and protein throughout your cycle.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help regulate your hormones during period and reduce symptoms such as mood swings and cramps. Choose activities you enjoy and that suit your energy level at the time.
- Get enough sleep: A good night’s sleep is very important for regulating your hormones and promoting a healthy cycle. Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine and give yourself permission to take extra sleep as needed during certain phases of your cycle.
- Stress management: Stress and hormones during period are not a good combination. Try to keep your stress levels low. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and mindfulness can help reduce stress, which will make your menstrual cycle hormones happy!
Beppy: your partner during menstruation
At Beppy, we strive to offer women products that promote comfort and confidence during all days of the menstrual cycle. Our Beppy Menstrual Cup, Beppy Tampons and menstrual underwear are designed to guide you safely and comfortably through your menstrual period, with maximum protection and comfort as our top priority. We also have a sophisticated care line, with delicious silky shower foam for daily use. Explore our range and order easily online!
Do you have any questions about our products? Then feel free to contact us!
