Have you ever felt confused trying to fully understand your monthly cycle? The big words and scientific terms can be a lot to process… Understanding your monthly cycle does not have to be complicated or confusing.
That’s why we’ve simplified the woman’s cycle into 3 phases.
What do they all mean and why is it important to understand what’s happening in each phase and how you can support your body throughout them?
In this blog, you’ll learn about common symptoms experienced in each phase, and how you can intentionally support your body as your hormones shift.
It’s time to simplify the woman’s cycle.
At Arlene Cycle Support, we break the Intentional Woman’s Cycle into 3 phases because there are 3 shifts that happen during the 4 scientific phases which are:
- Menstruation (Days 1-5)
- The Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)
- The Ovulation Phase (Day 14)
- The Luteal Phase (Days 14-28)
Your body is feeling different in each phase of your cycle, which means it is speaking to you.
And rather than resisting this change, you get the opportunity to support yourself and take different supplements packed with essential minerals and powerful antioxidants which cues you into a different level of support as you enter each phase.
This will empower you to have a new level of intentionality as your body is shifting throughout these three phases of your monthly cycle:
Simplifying The Woman’s Cycle Into 3 Phases:
1. On Cycle (Days 1-7)
This is your “bleed” phase. During this week, introspection is high and nurturing your body with rest and restorative routines is suggested.
“On Cycle” Symptoms May Include:
- Cramps: Cramps when you are “on cycle” are a common symptom that many women experience.. These cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus as it sheds its lining, and they can range from mild to severe.
- Fatigue: Many women experience fatigue or low energy during their “on cycle.” This is often due to changes in hormone levels and the body’s increased need for energy during this time.
- Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations during this cycle can cause mood changes in some women. These may include a range of mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Headaches: Hormonal changes and changes in blood flow can cause headaches or migraines in some women during their “on cycle” phase when bleeding.
- Bloating: Many women experience bloating during this phase, which is often caused by water retention.
- Breast tenderness: Some women experience breast tenderness or swelling during their menstrual cycle. This is often due to hormonal changes that occur during this time.
It’s important to note that while these symptoms are common, they can vary from person to person, and not all women will experience them. If these symptoms become severe or interfere with daily life, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about potential treatments or management strategies.
However, at Arlene Cycle Support, we know it to be true that when you support your body and give it the essential minerals and antioxidants it needs as your hormones shift, you are likely to notice a powerful balance in your body and the overall calmness that’s possible as you shift throughout your cycle.
How Arlene Supports You During This Phase:
Once bleeding begins, the “On Cycle” supplement packet adds a dose of copper to help your body be more efficient, lessen symptoms, and provide a sense of physical and emotional ease throughout your cycle. You’ll likely enjoy less PMS, fatigue, and bloating.
Intention Living During This Phase:
Take this time “On Cycle” to reflect on your personal growth, goals and gratitude. Journal, meditatemeditation, slow movement and lots of self care. Rest and relax as much as you can.
2. Complete Phase (Days 8-21)
At Arlene we also call this your “Energy Weeks” because this is the time of your cycle you are likely to experience the most energy. This is the middle of the month and ovulation falls in this phase around day 14 or 1 week after bleeding is complete.
“Complete Phase” Symptoms May Include:
- Increased cervical mucus: As a woman approaches ovulation, her body produces more cervical mucus. This mucus is thin and slippery, and helps sperm to travel through the cervix and into the uterus.
- Changes in basal body temperature: Basal body temperature (BBT) is the body’s temperature at rest. During the follicular phase, a woman’s BBT may be slightly lower than normal. As ovulation approaches, BBT may increase slightly.
- Increased libido: Some women may experience an increase in sex drive during the “Complete Phase.” This may be due to hormonal changes that occur during this time.
- Breast tenderness: Some women may experience breast tenderness or swelling during the follicular phase. This is often due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Mood changes: Hormonal changes during the “Complete Phase” can also cause mood changes in some women.
- Ovulation pain: Some women may experience a mild cramping sensation during ovulation. This is often referred to as mittelschmerz, and it occurs as the egg is released from the ovary.
It’s important to note that not all women will experience these symptoms during the “Complete Phase”, and some women may experience different symptoms or no symptoms at all.
How Arlene Supports You During This Phase:
The “Complete Phase” pack is designed to calm your nervous system, renew and restore your body, support cell renewal, and boost your immune system, while loading your body with the probiotics and antioxidants you need for healthy digestion.
Intentional Living During This Phase:
During your “Complete Phase”, take this time to plan and tap into your productivity and creativity. Cardio or HIIT movement will help move this energy in your body and help provide clarity if you’re feeling unclear on where to get started.
3. PMS Phase (Days 22-28)
At Arlene, we also call this your “Sensuality Week.” This is the week leading up to your bleed and is one where your energy may dip, but there is potential for so much… PMS gets to be your superpower!
“PMS Phase” Symptoms May Include:
- Mood changes: PMS can cause mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression. These mood changes are thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
- Bloating: Many women experience bloating or water retention during PMS. This can cause discomfort and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
- Breast tenderness: Some women experience breast tenderness or swelling during PMS. This is often due to hormonal changes that occur during this time.
- Fatigue: PMS can cause fatigue or low energy levels in some women. This may be due to hormonal changes or changes in sleep patterns.
- Headaches: Some women may experience headaches or migraines during PMS. This is thought to be due to changes in hormone levels and changes in blood flow.
- Cramps: PMS can cause abdominal cramps or discomfort. These cramps may be similar to menstrual cramps, but they occur before the period begins.
It’s important to note that not all women will experience these symptoms during PMS, and some women may experience different symptoms or no symptoms at all.
How Arlene Supports You During This Phase:
The “PMS Phase” pack offers the same system of calming minerals mentioned above with the addition of Vitamin E to provide soothing relief from PMS symptoms, and a sense of overall system calm and inner strength.
Intentional Living During This Phase:
Date night with girlfriends or your partner would be the best way to honor this energy. Take advantage of any collaborative or group opportunities – your energy will be magnetic in these spaces.
Conclusion:
Sister, your body needs more than simply period relief.
You need a way to support your body throughout your entire cycle.
Arlene Cycle Support packs are daily mineral supplements designed for each phase of your cycle, so you can stop simply masking period symptoms and start healing your body for a more pleasant period and overall well being.
We believe that with the right support, every woman can find stability, consistency, and optimal health within her own cycle.