Period Health: Follicular Cycle

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Let’s Talk Period Health.

Why is it important to know about our menstrual cycles for female health?

Our periods are a reflection of our overall health, they can be affected by not only big life events, but little ones too. Periods are the only source of blood that is not caused by trauma, however, after years of women having them we still seem to hide, manage, and minimize them. It is a bit ironic, since they are signs of a healthy reproductive system. A fun fact I learned recently is, menstrual blood is actually highly valued by the medical community- it is a rich source of stem cells. Stem cells are a type of cell that can develop into ANY other cell in the body. Can we just take a moment to realize how awesome we are as women? 

We have 2 Phases; Follicular and Luteal. Follicular is from menstruation to ovulation, while the luteal phase is from ovulation to menstruation. We have four cycles of our period, in order it is; Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal. In this blog I will be going over the follicular cycle. Teaching on why it is important to learn what goes on in our body each month and how we can use that to our advantage. Let’s get empowered and look at our cycles as a way to help us out, not something to dread each month.

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Our follicular phase (menstruation to ovulation) is a great time to explore and look at life in a way that allows us to see all possibilities. We don’t have to have everything figured out, we need to learn to let go of that feeling of trying to control everything all the time. Experiment, there is no need to fully commit, just see what avenues you seem to be drawn to during the follicular phase, as this is when we are typically most open to new ways of working and thinking. Maybe get some new books or read some articles by people who you are inspired by and have a positive influence. 

Cycle 2- Follicular Cycle

This is a time where our inner critic is going to be all over us. We can respect it because we know deep down it is only trying to protect us, but politely tell that inner critic to kick rocks, because right now we are just exploring and having a bit of fun. Remember, nothing has to be set in stone and we are ALLOWED to change our minds. Whether that is a few weeks later, or a minute after starting something different. Do not punish yourself because you want to start something new and feel like you have to see it through. Also, know there is a balance, if you need to push yourself and finish something then by all means get it done. But know yourself well enough to not put yourself into a hole.

This is not a time for perfection. Experience the freedom of having options and risking something and be liberated by it. It is important we work with our cycles, learning when we are most productive and when we can take a chill pill to play around with some ideas and thoughts. 

Make sure we are making time for relationships during the follicular phase. Pencil in some dates on the calendar where you can be out in the world trying new and fun things with people you enjoy to be around. 

NOTE: I said enjoy to be around ;) don’t go with someone who is going to bring you down, even if that is a significant other or best friend. Go with someone who would enjoy that particular event or idea. 

Something I have recently gotten into that I have noticed a difference in my “PMSing” is a popular thing called seed cycling. Seed cycling is for you if you notice your hormones or menstrual cycle being off or out of whack. If you have absent or irregular cycles, a light flow or a heavy flow, a short luteal phase, experience PMS, or if you are pre/ postmenopausal. 

What we want to do is help boost estrogen levels in the first half of our monthly cycle and boost progesterone levels in the second half. Seed hulls (the outer shell/ coating of a seed) contain lignans. Why is this important? Lignans bind up excess hormones to help ensure we are balanced. Seed oils contain essential fatty acids which are the building blocks for making hormones. I hope through reading this blog you are starting to see the importance of knowing our bodies to help serve them to the best of our ability, so in return we also feel our best. The blog with directions and tips for seed cycling is coming soon!! Stay tuned!