disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, I am simply sharing my own experience
and what has worked for me … also this post *is not sponsored*
Tracking your menstrual cycle seems very complicated, which is why many girls opt into hormonal birth control. In reality, learning to live with your cycle or to cycle sync can lead to so many health benefits. In a world where our natural rhythms are misunderstood, take the time to learn, grow, and love your body in all her phases.
here’s the tea
Your body goes through four main phases every month (more information about that here). How do we know when these occur or how to track them? There are many apps out there that allow you to log the days on your period. From this, the algorithm generates predictions on ovulation days, but it’s not that accurate. On the contrary, apps such as Natural Cycles, allow you to input real, quantitative data. This provides us with a much more accurate intel on what your body is going through. For simplicity, your cycle can be looked at in two parts:
pre-ovulation (includes menstrual and follicular phase)
post-ovulation (includes luteal phase)
The ovulation phase is typically 3-5 days long in most cases. So, the bottom line is that theoretically a woman can only get pregnant during that window. Many couples use this information to plan pregnancies, or to avoid unwanted ones. Some of you might think this is old news, but I was 21 years old when I found out that a woman can only get pregnant on certain days.
basal temperature
It’s pretty simple. As soon as your alarm goes off in the morning, you take your temperature. This reading is known as the basal temperature because it is taken right when you wake up (BEFORE snoozing the alarm!). There are some instances when you would omit the data. For instance, if you are hungover, sick, or even after you snooze the alarm. The basal temperature is the lowest natural body temperature recorded after a period of rest.
In the first half of your phase (pre-ovulation) your basal temperature will be about 0.5 to 1 degree LOWER than when it hits the second half (post-ovulation). Ovulation will occur at the time of the shift from low to high temperature. Therefore, if you are trying to prevent pregnancy, just don’t have unprotected sex on those red days. I know this sounds a bit sus, but Natural Cycles is an FDA approved form of birth control with a 98% effective rate.
My pre-ovulation phase tends to me in the 97s. Once I hit that transition (ovulation), I notice my temperature gets up in the 98s. It’s not drastic, but knowing what phase my body is in helps me to :
- better plan my schedule
- shape my workout routine
- make plans with friends
- understand my emotions
- know what foods to eat
LH tests
These are tests which measure the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. LH is developed in the pituitary gland and plays a major role in the menstrual cycle. A rise in this hormone signals the ovary to release the egg. By testing for this at home with urine, you will be able to more accurately track when you are ovulating.
step 1: pee in a cup
step 2: open up the LH test packet
step 3: dip the strip into the urine
step 4: hold the strip in the urine for about 5 seconds up to the MAX line
step 5: lay the strip flat
step 6: check the results in about 3-5 minutes (two solid lines means positive, single means negative)
cervical mucus
Your discharge will also be an indicator of what phase of the menstrual cycle you are in. During menstruation (clearly you are bleeding) you may experience some dry discharge after your period. As we move into the follicular phase, the cervical mucus might become a bit more sticky (indicating non-fertility) into creamy (semi-fertile). During ovulation, the discharge becomes very long, clear and sticky (kind of like snot!). As the luteal approaches, the mucus becomes dry again. Although this isn’t exactly the most accurate way to determine when you should raw dog, definitely keep an eye out on your discharge in general. This can be a good indication of diseases/STDs you might have as well. She is also communicating with you if her PH is too high or what else she needs down there.
emotions !!
How you feel can also hint to which phase you are in. Below is a guide to navigate how you may feel in each phase, and also what your partner can do to help 😉 Remember this is a team effort men!
| phase | your potential moods | advice for your partner! |
| menstruation | sadness, sulking, aches and pains 🙁 | time for lots of cuddles, kisses, and chocolates! |
| follicular | we made it through, now it’s time to embrace these feelings of happiness and bursts of energy | she’s got a lot of heightened energy, go out and party!! |
| ovulation | peak time!! you may be feeling overly joyous, excited, and on cloud 9 | i hope you are prepared for the multiple rounds in the bedroom |
| luteal | PMS symptoms/moodiness may occur so make sure you take care of yourself | don’t worry, it will end soon … just don’t piss her off LOL |
a few more words…
Having a menstrual cycle is truly a blessing in disguise. We as women are incredible beautiful, powerful, spiritual beings. We hold the power to bring life into this dimension through a portal in our legs. A women in her divine feminine energy, knowing her worth, and spreading love is a magnetic force. I hope you learn to take your power back that society has dimmed. To realize the beauty within you and the sacredness of your cycle. Cherish this temporary vessel you are in. Honor her and show her grace like you would to a child. This week, try and pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. Take rest when needed and nourish yourself with high vibrations.
much love, peace & vibez 2 u & all beings everywhere
-EC <3