Ever wondered why at some points of the month you feel like going out and socializing with friends, whereas at others you’d rather curl up in a ball at home and see no one? Well, it might be the stage of your cycle that is to blame.
For our hormones don’t only affect fertility – they also knock on our energy levels, creativity, social life, and more.
Here, FEMAIL speaks to the Melbourne-based fertility expert, Nat Kringoudis, to find out how your cycle can dictate how you think and feel. She also explained why it’s vital to approach the cycle like you do the seasons.
FEMAIL speaks to the Melbourne-based fertility expert, Nat Kringoudis (pictured), to find out how your cycle can dictate your lifestyle – and how to make the most of every stage
OVULATION
According to Ms. Kringoudis, ovulation can signify many things – but it should also represent the time you feel most sociable.
‘Innately, ovulation is a time our bodies want to be more social, to meet somebody and procreate,’ Ms. Kringoudis explained to Daily Mail Australia.
‘We should be most sociable at the time of ovulation – if we find ourselves feeling less than average at this time, it tells us more about what may be going on internally or hormonally.’
The expert said that you can expect to feel ‘more vibrant, attractive and social’ during ovulation.
‘You may also find yourself feeling less sociable in the timeframe leading up to your period and in the first one or two days. Again, this is innate and very normal.’
Day one is the first day of the menstrual period and the last day is the day before the next period begins.
Ovulation happens about two weeks before the next expected period -so if your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, you ovulate around day 14.
‘You should also feel like being most active during ovulation,’ Ms. Kringoudis told FEMAIL.
‘If you are down at this time, it may be a sign that there is too much oestrogen in the body – there isn’t an issue with ovulation as such, but more one of hormonal imbalance.’
During ovulation, you may feel more sociable and active – this is the body’s way of telling us to procreate (stock image)
THE FOLLICULAR PHASE
Ms. Kringoudis (pictured) said that during the follicular phase, we are most creative
The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation.
At this time of the month, Ms. Kringoudis said you should feel a little more creative.
‘The follicular phase is the phase of new beginnings – like spring,’ she said.
‘It’s often likened to spring because it’s where we see new growth and planning.’
Ms Kringoudis believes you can capitalise on the follicular phase when you’re feeling motivated by ‘starting something new’.
‘It’s a good idea to think of the phases of the period like the seasons in our environment – winter is period time, spring is post-period and during ovulation, summer is ovulation and post-ovulation and autumn is pre-period when you’re getting ready to shed the lining.’
During our periods, we need to listen to our bodies – and make sure they are getting plenty of nourishment from food and sleep (stock image)
PERIOD
For many women, the time of the month can leave many feeling under the weather, grouchy, and in need of more sugar than normal.
‘Listen to your body,’ Ms Kringoudis said. ‘Quite commonly during the period time we feel like going inward and resting – and rightly so.
‘The period is a big event! Just before your period, your body may ask for more sleep or nourishment from food.’
Indulge yourself a little at this point of the cycle, with nourishing delicious meals and plenty of early nights. Your mood will thank you.
Think of the phases of the period like the seasons – winter is period time, spring is post-period and during ovulation, summer is ovulation and post-ovulation and autumn is pre-period
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CYCLE
Lastly, Ms. Kringoudis revealed how you can make the most of your cycle – and benefit from each and every stage.
‘Signs and symptoms are the best window into the internal landscape of the body,’ she explained.
‘Using the season as a guide can really tell you if there are any imbalances that could be attended to.
‘Hormone imbalance is super simple to treat and the information is so important – many women don’t understand their body and think there is something wrong.
‘They might use the pill to treat an issue, even though it can’t actually treat something – merely mask the symptoms.
‘To achieve long-lasting results and long-term balance, treating the root rather than the symptoms is key.’
To find out more about Nat Kringoudis, visit her website here.
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