THE LUTEAL PHASE - your body's inner autumn
We may think of changing leaves, pulling out sweaters, and short days when we think of autumn. But did you know that you experience an inner autumn every time you are in the Luteal Phase of your menstrual cycle?
The concept of relating your menstrual cycle phase to seasons originated from Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Wurlitzer, the authors of Wild Power.
Each phase of our menstrual cycle has both gifts and challenges. When we start to understand and align with the cyclical nature of our body, we can work with our body instead of against it.
Get to Know the Luteal Phase
The Luteal phase is the longest of the four phases, lasting between 12-14 days after ovulation. During the first 6-7 days of your luteal phase, you might not feel any different than ovulation. Like the transition into fall, it's a slow one. Gradually, you may feel less focused or need to get things off your to-do list.
As you get further into the second half of your luteal phase; you will begin to feel more rooted. Your energy level might start to decline, and your desire to be more introverted and quiet rises. PMS is also slowly creeping into the picture.
The days leading up to your bleeding can feel full of emotions. You no longer have the extra padding of your leaves; therefore, everything is more intense. You may begin to feel frustration, anger, or sadness.
Do yourself a favor, and don't dismiss these emotions. If we take an opportunity to reflex and not judge these emotions. They can allow us to see what's not working in our lives.
Seeing what is not working is a gift, and as we head into Winter (period phase), we can tap into our inner wisdom and decide what types of shifts to make in our lives.
Let's Talk Biology
As you enter your Luteal Phase, progesterone becomes the star of the show. Progesterone is our relaxing hormone and is excellent to help us ease into autumn. Progesterone aids in our mood regulation, sleep, building of bone and muscle. It is the counterbalance to Estrogen.
Estrogen plays a supporting role this time of the month. Right after ovulation, estrogen drops then has a slight rises again (not as high as during ovulation).
Both Progesterone and Estrogen work along side each other to maintain the uterine lining in case of pregnancy. However, if there is no viable pregnancy, both hormones begin to decline to prepare the body to start a new menstrual cycle by shedding the lining.
When I dip, you dip; we dip.
The hormone decline during the latter half of your luteal phase can leave you feeling out of sorts. However, finding ways to support your physical and emotional needs can be helpful.
I reached out to Alexandra Taylor from https://www.aeglemind.co.uk/. She is an integrative life coach and fellow yoga teacher. Alexandra shared her tools for managing what she refers to as our menstrual mood.
Since it is common for women to experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and negative thinking at this phase of the cycle, tools are essential.
She suggests focusing on self-care and relaxation. Consider implementing practices like restorative yoga to regulate the nervous system.
Do what feels most nourishing. Remember, yes, this phase offers us challenges, but there are rich rewards to be found.
Want to know more?
Once you know and understand the inner workings of your cycle, you can begin to harness its powers.
Some say knowledge is power; I say knowledge empowers. So start with this free Inner Autumn Guide created by Alexander Taylor and myself, available for download. Grab Your Guide Here
And if you are ready to dive deeper into understanding your cycle, managing your hormones, and living life, PMS, reach out, and let's connect.
I offer one-to-one hormonal health coaching programs to help you work with your cycle instead of against it.Learn More Here
