Ladies, let’s talk about balancing those cycles

Let’s go girls.

Have you or a loved one experience any number of the following symptoms?

• Fatigue or Insomnia or both
• Increased appetite or none at all
• Weight you just can not seem to lose
• Been diagnosed with PCOS
• Increased PMS symptoms

Then you might be a victim of an unbalanced cycle. For centuries the scientific study of women’s hormones have been researched mainly by men. Now there is nothing wrong with that but a man can only understand what goes on inside a woman’s body from an outsider’s perspective. Did you know that your monthly hormonal cycle is just that, monthly. Every four weeks your body puts your brain as well as your reproductive system through the ringer. Growing up in a male dominated society I was only taught about what will happen to my body one single week out of each month. It was not until doing my own research that I learned my body goes through four different phases each month. The most known is the menstruation phase, this is week one. Week two comes when your last drop of your lining has been shed which leads us to the follicular phase.

This is the phase that begins to restore your estrogen levels and preps your ovaries for a possible baby. After that week is done, ovulation joins the party in hopes that you will use your system as it should be used, to reproduce. Last but certainly not least, comes the luteal phase which calms your body down whether you are with child or not. Preparing it either for another menstrual cycle or the building of a child.

Learning how to live your life based on these four phases can help get rid of the previously mentioned issues that many women experience. If you are exercising regularly as well as eating healthy but you still feel off, try changing your routine to better conform to your body’s needs.

• Menstrual: focus on easy flowing movements such as yoga, stretching, and walking. Eat leafy vegetables, high protein, along with citrus fruits while staying away from heavily processed foods.
• Follicular: things with heavier cardio like swimming and running will suit you best during this phase. Focus or diet around fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds
• Ovulation: biking, CrossFit, and hiit workouts will make you feel on top of your game. Healthy fats, high protein, and fiber rich meals will help you exceed your body’s potential during your most productive phase.
• Luteal: strength training, low incline walks, and Pilates helps to calm your system down before the heaviness of your impending blood shed. Eating high fiber and magnesium rich foods like dark chocolate, nuts, and whole grains will help in your body’s preparation. Though your cravings will be higher, try to resist eating junk during this phase.

Ladies, take care of your body and in return it will take care of you. Better moods, regulated sleep patterns, and feeling not as out of place in yourself are just a few of the benefits of syncing that cycle.

Jolene Bell is a Hutchinson freshman studying English. You can email her at thehutchinsoncollegian@gmail.com.

Views: 15