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Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about your period, it’s the natural rhythm your body
follows every month. Understanding how it works can feel like unlocking a new level
of self-awareness. Once you know your cycle, you start recognising patterns in your
mood, energy, focus, and emotions, helping you make sense of why you feel
different at different times of the month.
A full menstrual cycle usually lasts around 28 days, though anywhere between 21
and 35 days is completely normal. It’s guided by two key hormones, oestrogen
and progesterone, which influence everything from motivation and concentration
to your energy levels and how social you feel.
Let’s break it down phase by phase.
Day one of bleeding marks the official start of your cycle. During this time,
oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, which can cause lower energy and
changes in mood. As your period progresses, oestrogen begins to rise, helping you
feel more balanced and energised again.
Support your body:
● Try gentle movement such as walking, stretching, or yoga to ease cramps
and release endorphins.
● Prioritise rest and hydration to support recovery.
As your body prepares for ovulation, oestrogen continues to rise, and so does your
confidence, creativity, and social energy. You might feel more productive and
focused during this time. A boost in mood, motivation, and physical energy along with Increased libido and sharper mental clarity.
Best activities:
Try strength training, running, or new creative projects, this is the perfect time to
push forward with goals or challenges.
Ovulation usually happens around day 14, but the exact timing varies for every
woman.
After ovulation, progesterone levels rise. This hormone is often called the “calming
hormone” because it helps you feel grounded and promotes better sleep. You may
notice a shift toward slower energy and a preference for stability and routine.
Support your body:
● Focus on balanced meals rich in protein and healthy fats.
● Choose restorative exercise such as Pilates, swimming, or long walks.
As both progesterone and oestrogen drop, your body prepares for menstruation
again. This phase can bring PMS symptoms such as bloating, cravings, fatigue, or
low mood. These are natural hormonal shifts, not something to feel frustrated by.
To try and ease PMS symptoms:
● Stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
● Try light exercise, breathwork, or gentle stretching.
● Allow yourself extra rest and emotional space.
Your cycle is your body’s way of communicating with you. Tracking your menstrual
cycle helps you understand your physical and emotional needs, whether that’s more
movement, rest, or simply kindness toward yourself.
Every body is different. If you experience severe cramps, heavy bleeding, or
symptoms linked to conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, it’s important to reach
out for medical advice.
Understanding your cycle and learning about each phase helps you work with your
body, not against it, supporting better balance, productivity, and self-awareness
throughout the month.
At 28X, we believe every woman, everywhere, deserves access to accurate,
privacy-safe health education that empowers her to understand her body and live in
sync with it.
Sources: This Girl Can – Go With Your Flow (2024)
https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/go-with-your-flow
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