Now I am a little biased here, but being a woman is the best thing ever! The changes our bodies go through just on a monthly basis truly amazes me. I used to feel otherwise when it came around the time of my period, however as time proceeded I realized the blessing in the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle.
A menstrual cycle consists of 4 phases:
- Menstrual Phase - when we shed our uterine lining and unfertilized egg
- Follicular Phase - when the follicles in the ovary matures
- Ovulation Phase - the release of a mature egg from one of our ovaries
- Luteal Phase - the thickening of the uterine wall in preparation for pregnancy
The menstrual phase lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days, and occurs at an average of 28 days, which often correlates with the lunar cycle (why some refer their periods as moon cycles).
Regular periods provide a monthly wellness check not only on reproductive health, but also thyroid, hormonal, metabolic, and bone health. Each month your period comes by way of a "coordinated conversation" between your brain and your ovaries. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are responsible for this communication line, and are also connected to the adrenal glands, thyroid, and gut along these same pathways. When a road block is placed in front of one the pathways, a disconnect occurs which manifests in our physical health. A woman’s period, or lack thereof, is often the first area to show signs of the disconnect. Ladies, listen to your bodies, she will speak to you clearly!
As stated before, the menstrual phase averages about every 28 days, although it is perfectly normal for it to be every 21-36 days. A means designed by nature to help track our cycles, outside of diet and exercise, is the moon. The moon may trigger ovulation at any time during the menstrual cycle, regardless of when biological ovulation takes place. Now this is not intended for you to go and worship the moon, but just an example for you to observe how closely knit our bodies are with nature. Our bodies are unique. No two people follow a set schedule designed by human understanding, that is the supernatural element of our existance!
