The menstrual cycle is not just a period.
The menstrual cycle is more than just the period—it’s a natural and complex process that your body goes through each month.
The menstrual cycle is a chain of activities that connect your brain, ovaries, and uterus through hormones—chemical signals sent through the blood. It’s truly a remarkable and magical process.
To help simplify this topic, we will talk about what linearly happens in the menstrual cycle, but please take into consideration that everybody is unique. There isn’t really a “typical” menstrual cycle.
It is important that you connect to your body and discover your own rhythm.
Your body is not a clock; there is variation in the menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle is not always perfectly predictable. The length of menstrual cycles may vary from cycle to cycle.
A menstrual cycle starts on the first day of the period and ends at the start of the next period. An entire menstrual cycle usually lasts between 24 and 38 days, but menstrual cycles can vary from person to person, cycle to cycle, and may also change over the years.
In addition to the biological processes, many cultures associate the phases of the menstrual cycle with archetypes that represent different energies. We have gathered this ancestral wisdom and created the following archetypes - the Wise Woman (menstruation), the Goddess (follicular), the Nurturer (ovulation), and the Wild Woman (luteal). To learn about these archetypes, you can read this BLOG.
Phases of your cycle:
Your cycle is divided, primarily into four main phases: menstruation, pre-ovulation, ovulation, and pre-menstruation.
Menstruation phase
Menstruation, also known as period or in some cultures, “having your moon”, is when you bleed. If a woman doesn't get pregnant, the uterus sheds its lining, causing the period.
The first day of a woman's period marks the start of a new menstrual cycle and it happens once a month, usually every 25 to 30 days, and lasts 3 to 7 days. From a biological perspective, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to shed.
This phase is linked to the Wise Woman, she is the ultimate keeper of wisdom because she has passed through all phases of the cycle. She listens to her body and knows when to slow down. Her power is her introspection and sensitivity.
During this phase, your energy is usually at its lowest, and you may feel like retrieving from the world.
Follicular phase
The follicular phase is the longest phase of the menstrual cycle. It begins on the first day of a woman’s period and usually lasts about 14 to 21 days until ovulation happens.
During this phase, the brain releases a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps eggs grow in little sacs called follicles on the ovaries.
Only one of these eggs becomes the 'chosen one' and grows bigger, releasing more estrogen. This estrogen makes the lining of the uterus thicker, preparing it for a possible pregnancy.
The day after your period, sometimes called the pre-ovulation phase, is when the Goddess archetypes start to emerge. This archetype is young, creative, and full of energy. She is bursting with creativity and imagination, and ready to rule the world.
This is the perfect time to get out “your to-do list” and scratch them off. It’s also a time to start new projects and bring to life those ideas you have been wanting to start.
Notice your energy levels, thoughts, and emotions. Observing yourself is getting to know yourself.
Ovulation phase
Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from an ovary. Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. If the egg fertilizes, it attaches to the uterine lining, marking the start of a pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds, and menstruation (a period) occurs.
This usually happens once a month, about 2 weeks before your next period, between days 14 to 16 in a typical 28-day cycle, and lasts about 12 to 24 hours.
You're most likely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex around the time of ovulation.
Ovulation is connected to the Nurturer Archetype sometimes called the Mother. This archetype does not only give birth to children but also to ideas, projects, and relationships.
At this phase, you might feel fully energized and want to be around people and nature. It’s the perfect time to host gatherings and collaborate with others.
Energy levels, emotions, and thoughts might vary from person to person so we recommend you observe them.
The luteal phase
After ovulation, the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to your uterus. The uterus lining continues to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.
Progesterone supports early pregnancy if an egg and sperm connect. If no pregnancy happens, progesterone will peak and then drop. These hormonal changes can contribute to common premenstrual symptoms like mood changes, headaches, acne, bloating, and breast tenderness.
This phase is connected with the Wild Archetype, the alchemist, or the medicine woman. It is said that at this time, we are in between worlds and we are in the process of letting go.
Usually, you might feel easily irritated, and with mood changes but you are also very intuitive and open. It’s a perfect time to journal your thoughts and emotions. Pay close attention to what you are journaling.
Understanding your menstrual cycle and rhythm, your emotions, and your thoughts in each phase is key to understanding who you are and what your needs are.
Written by: Catalina Sardi