Did you know our menstrual cycles are intimately linked to the cycle of the moon?
According to the work of women's health experts such as Dr Christiane Northrup and psychotherapist Alexandra Pope, awareness of this is a key a happier menstrual cycle and less severe PMT.
The two phases of the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle, which Pope refers to as a stress-sensitive barometer, has two main stages: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular stage is the time from our period to ovulation, and the luteal phase is the time from ovulation to the beginning of our next period.
1. Follicular stage – Physically, this stage is characterised by the growth and development of the egg. For many women, this is the body's equivalent to spring or summer, bursting with energy and creativity. You may feel out there and extroverted, productive and brimming with ideas. Next is ovulation, a time when we're often at our most receptive to people and ideas.
2. Luteal phase – If a pregnancy hasn't occurred, we move into the luteal phase. Women often associate this time with being more introverted. If you haven't guessed it already, this would be the body's autumn or winter, and the ‘problem' part of the cycle! The luteal phase can be characterised by feeling reflective, intuitive and sometimes wanting to retreat from the world.
It's during the luteal stage that we can really benefit from being in tune with our cycles and working with them.
In doing so, we may be able to avoid the deluge of PMT symptoms, particularly the extremes of emotion such as sadness, anger, frustration, reactivity and irritation.
Top 5 ways to work with your cycle
Keep track of your cycle in a diary or calendar. Mark in not just when your period comes, but also the lead-up days when you may normally experience PMT symptoms. During this time, learn to:
1. Make a habit of relaxing
Set aside at least 15 minutes of ‘you' time. Try meditating, deep breathing or tai chi – whatever works for you.
2. Do some gentle exercise
Even if you're a runner during the follicular stage, you just might benefit from more gentle exercise in phase two. Consider a stretch class, bellydance session or some yoga.
3. Get enough sleep
If possible, sleep a little more than you normally would. Remember, what your body needs and can do during the first stage of the cycle may be different from the second.
4. Avoid extra commitments
Don't over-schedule yourself. Say no to extra work and any non-essential tasks. Your body will thank you for the break.
5. Nurture yourself
There's never a bad time for a facial, massage or any other form of pampering, but prior to your period may be the time you need it most.
Further reading
1)
www.drnorthrup.com
(Dr Northrup's website)
2)
www.wildgenie.com
(Alexandra Pope's website)
3)
www.menstruation.com.au
4) Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, Dr Christiane Northrup, London: Piatkus, 1999.
5) Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle, Ruth Trickey, Allen & Unwin, 2003.