Information gathered from the Balanced Black Girl podcast
Things that can effect your cycle:
- exposure to sunlight/moonlight
- birth control
- stress/anxiety
4 Phases of Your Cycle
Menstruation is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus. Fluid contains blood, cells of the lining, and mucus. During this phase estrogen and progesterone are very low, your mood tends to be low, and, typically, your energy level is low.
The Follicular Phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. This hormone stimulates the ovary to produce around 5 to 20 follicles, however, only one will mature into an egg. This can occur around day 10 of the 28-day cycle. The follicle stimulates the lining of the thicken in preparation of potential pregnancy. During this phase estrogen begins to rise, you begin to think more clearly, and begin to interact with people more.
Ovulation is the phase where the mature egg is released from the surface of the ovary. This usually occurs around 2 weeks before menstruation starts. Ovulation is triggered by high levels of a luteinising hormone which causes the egg to funnel through the Fallopian tube towards the uterus. The lifespan of the egg is 24 hours unless it meets a sperm cell during its time. During this phase estrogen is at its peak and you, typically, feel really great.
Luteal is a somewhat complicated stage. Progesterone rises and estrogen lowers, which allows women to do some emotional processing. This is the PMS phase. This is the phase women are usually tested for pregnancy via urine test. How does urine determine pregnancy? During the ovulation phase, the egg bursts from its follicle, but the ruptured follicle still sits on the surface of the ovary. For about 2 weeks, this ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which is what release progesterone. The combination of the two hormones (progesterone and estrogen) maintains the thickened lining of the uterus, waiting for a fertilised egg to stick. If a fertilized egg inserts the lining of the uterus, then it produces a specific hormone that is detected in urine. If a fertilized egg does not enter the uterus, the corpus luteum will die around day 22.
Moon Phases and Menstruation
I, personally, have always been insanely connected to the moon and its phases. After doing some research and listening to the Balanced Black Girl podcast, I understand more as to why that is. Typically, the moon phases and the menstruation phases correlate.
New Moon — Menstruation
Waxing Moon — Follicular
Full Moon — Ovulation
Waning Moon — Luteal
This does not mean your cycle will align with these moon phases. It mainly focuses on the energy associated with each moon phase and the specific menstruation phase. A menstrual cycle is a cycle of nature. To be more connected to nature is to be more connected to your body.
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