MUST READ: SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT MENSTRUATION...

1. Menstruation Follows a 28-ish Day Cycle, Just Like The Moon.
Many of us are told about the 5-7 day ‘period’ of bleeding, but not
the whole series of amazing changes your entire body is cycling
through over the course of 28-ish days. Just as the moon waxes
(or grows outward into the night sky) until it becomes full and then
wanes (or gets smaller) as if moving back into itself–so do you.
2. Your Period Isn’t the End. In Fact, It’s the Beginning. Day one
(and phase one) of your menstrual cycle begins when your period
arrives. Within hours of starting your period, your estrogen levels
will slowly begin to rise and you will tend to feel a shift from the
heaviness or ‘PMS’ of the days before. This is a time of release so
it is a great time to let go of things you no longer need in your life:
stuff, unhealthy relationships and emotions that may be weighing
you down (anger, regret, anxiety).

3. Your Vagina Is One of the Most Porous Parts of Your Body. The
lining of your vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of your
body so if you use tampons during your period, it’s really
important they are bleach and dioxin free. Since the EPA states
there is NO SAFE LEVEL for dioxin exposure, 100% organic
tampons are the safest option.
4. Estrogen = Energy, Enthusiasm & Expression. Throughout your
Estrogen Phase (week 2), the steady increase in estrogen boosts
your brain’s serotonin levels, which leads to an increase in
energy, enthusiasm and a more upbeat feeling overall. It also
heightens your verbal abilities so week two of your cycle is a great
time to do presentations and have those important conversations.
5. If Your Cycle Were Ruled by a Queen, She’d Be Ovulation.
Ovulation refers to the release of a tiny egg from one of your two
ovaries (they alternate from one cycle to the next). This typically
happens between Days 12-16, making it the time you are most
likely to get pregnant. You are also likely to feel more attracted to
others at this time and whether you believe it’s pheromones or just
a healthy glow, others are likely to find you more attractive than
ever, too!
6. Progesterone Heightens Introspection and Intuition. On the
other side of ovulation, you’ll feel the effects of decreasing
estrogen and testosterone and increasing progesterone.
Progesterone is the ‘ebb’ to estrogen’s ‘flow’. It will increase your
desire to move inward, like the waning moon. Research shows
greater activity in the right hemisphere of the brain–the part
associated with intuitive knowing–in weeks 3 and 4 of your cycle.
Always trust your intuition. But pay especially close attention to it
in the second half of your cycle!
7. Nutrition Profoundly Effects Your Cycle. You have the power to
maximize each phase and reduce physical and emotional
discomforts by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and taking
vitamins that support your female body. For example, increasing
your magnesium intake (via food or supplements), especially in
week 4 of your cycle, can significantly reduce cramping, while
regular intake of vitamin B6 throughout your cycle can help to
minimize bloating.
8. You’re Not Crazy! The Pre-Menstrual phase (week 4) consists
of the final days before you begin a new cycle. Progesterone
continues to rise until just before the end of this phase when
estrogen, testosterone and progesterone all plummet to their
lowest levels. If you deny the natural need you have to slow down
and turn inward, feelings of resentment, frustration and anger find
a way to surface. The solution? Give yourself permission to move
a little slower and take care of YOU.
9. A Little PMA (Positive Menstrual Attitude) Goes a Long Way!
Studies have shown that many of the less desirable physical and
emotional manifestations of the Pre-Menstrual Phase (week 4)
can be minimized by developing a more informed and positive
attitude around your menstrual cycle.