My Cyclical Body
Understanding Your Cyclical Body: Natural Solutions for Cyclical Balance
By Fia Ferri
Our bodies are beautifully designed to move through cyclical patterns, each phase serving a unique purpose in our reproductive health. Understanding these cycles, the hormones at play, and how to support our bodies holistically can lead to greater balance, health, and alignment. This guide explores the four phases of the menstrual cycle, the role of key hormones, and natural solutions to foster well-being.
Hormones at Play
Estrogen: Responsible for sex drive, energizing, thickening the uterine lining, and cervical fluid production.
Progesterone: Counterbalances estrogen to promote relaxation, sleep, and enhance mood. Holds uterus lining in-tact in case of pregnancy. Causes the primary fertility signs to change and prevents a new egg from being released.
Testosterone: Boosts sex drive, curbs appetite, promotes physical stamina and spatial awareness.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates ovarian follicles to mature and grow, which are the incubators for our eggs.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers the rupture + release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle.
The Four Phases of Your Cycle
Follicular Phase (Inner Spring)
This phase begins after menstruation and lasts around 7–10 days. The body rebuilds the uterine lining in preparation for ovulation. Hormones such as estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rise, giving energy and supporting cervical fluid production.
Ovulatory Phase (Inner Summer)
During this fertile phase, the body releases a mature egg, signaling peak fertility. Hormones like estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone peak, boosting energy, mood, and sex drive. This phase typically lasts 3–5 days, with ovulation occurring mid-cycle.
Luteal Phase (Inner Autumn)
This is the longest phase, lasting 12–16 days. After ovulation, progesterone rises, stabilizing the uterine lining for potential pregnancy. Estrogen and testosterone dip, and basal body temperature (BBT) shifts. This phase prepares the body for menstruation if pregnancy doesn’t occur.
Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter)
The bleeding phase marks the beginning of the cycle, lasting 3–7 days. Hormone levels are at their lowest, and the body sheds the uterine lining. This is a time for rest and renewal.
The Role of Hormones and Cervical Fluid
Key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work together to regulate the cycle, influencing energy, mood, and physical changes. Cervical fluid plays a vital role in maintaining vaginal health, balancing pH levels, and assisting in fertility during ovulation.
Tracking Your Cycle with BBT and the Sympto-Thermal Method
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) tracking is a powerful tool for understanding your cycle. Using a basal body thermometer upon waking, you can detect hormonal shifts throughout your cycle.
Ovulation: A slight rise in BBT occurs 24 hours before ovulation.
Menstruation: BBT drops 24–48 hours before bleeding begins.
Combine BBT tracking with cervical fluid observations and charting (Sympto-Thermal Method) for a comprehensive view of your cycle and fertility.
Natural Practices for Cyclical Balance
Eating for Your Cycle: Light, raw foods in the follicular and ovulatory phases. Nourishing, cooked foods during luteal and menstrual phases. Find some Nourishing Recipes here!
Anti-Inflammatory Practices: Hydration, anti-inflammatory foods, and minimizing alcohol and caffeine. Read that Blog Post here!
Vaginal Steaming: A gentle practice for relaxation and circulation, often used between menstrual cycles. Lean how here!
Cold Therapy: Ice baths reduce stress and inflammation, supporting hormonal balance when practiced consistently. Learn how here!
A Note on Sleep
In today’s world, sleep is often sacrificed. Yet, sleep deprivation is a form of harm to the body. Establishing consistent sleep habits is one of the most impactful ways to improve your health and support hormonal balance. Lean more here!
Empower Your Health
By understanding and working with your body’s natural rhythms, you can take charge of your health and well-being. Explore these practices, track your cycle, and make space for self-care to achieve cyclical harmony. For more information and support, visit My Cyclical Body on our website or reach out to Fia Ferri directly.
