kateandlisaCycle Phases
There is a lot of information about our four phases of our cycles. How can you support your cycle without getting overwhelmed?
How do we figure out our cycle phases? There is a lot more going on 
with our cycles than having our period or being off our period. In fact, our period is not even the main event of our cycle! We actually have four distinct phases that we cycle through each month. Our cycles actually follow the moon cycles! Our hormones fluctuate throughout the month which determines which phase we are in.
So, are you thinking –
- News to me!
- I’ve heard this but have no idea how to figure my cycle phases out or why it’s important
- I do know this but want to learn more!
Our hormonal rhythm ebbs and flows each month. The symptoms you are experiencing are a signal from your body that something could out of balance in this hormonal rhythm. Here are the basics for determining each phase:
- Menstrual Phase: The days you are on your period
- Follicular Phase: The day after your period ends up until ovulation
- Ovulation Phase: Ovulation occurs within a 24 hour window somewhere around mid cycle
- Luteal Phase: This is after ovulation occurs up until the day before your next period – this is the longest phase of your cycle lasting from 10-16 days.
Determining your menstrual phase is the easiest:
Day 1 of your menstrual phase is day 1 of your period – a full bleed not spotting. The last day of your menstrual phase is the last day of your period.
The first day of your follicular phase is the day after your period ends.
You probably have the most experience determining when ovulation happens – the ovulation phase. Most think by using their period tacking app it tells you when ovulation is happening. This really isn’t a reliable way to know when ovulation is happening.
The reason for this is your app is using past cycle data to make the best possible prediction of when ovulation will happen but ovulation is super sensitive to things like stress, changes in routine, travel, illness, bad sleep and can happen on a different day than what your app is predicting.
If you are having irregular cycles or have PCOS relying on your app to predict ovulation is not your best way of determining ovulation.
Using your own body metrics you may realize your app is telling you that you are ovulating later or earlier than you actually are. Using your own body metrics can predict data that can help you get pregnant, or not conceive. Your app can be telling you the wrong ovulation day.
So, How Do You Figure Out Ovulation?
There are ways to predict ovulation:
- LH strips
- Monitoring cervical fluid changes
And, ways to confirm ovulation:
- Basal body temperature tracking
- Progesterone testing with at-home strips
Once you know when ovulation is happening you have all the info you need to know the end of your follicular phase and the start of your luteal phase – even if your cycle is long or irregular.
The Proov system of testing can help. Find information at proovtest.com. I recommend the Complete kit as it tests for LH and progesterone and tests throughout your cycle for complete picture of what your hormones are doing. You can use your HSA/FSA card for purchase. At checkout use code LisaCartier for a discount.
For more information on your cycle and charting, get in touch. Book a free introductory call to learn how I can help you balance your hormones naturally. If you want to learn more about how to heal your hormones and have symptom-free periods without more stress, let me know. Just click here! I look forward to chatting with you!
