A woman’s womb creates life, nurtures and manifests her hopes and is the source of her creativity. The womb is a powerful energy center. It is a physical and energetic gateway to the outside world.
Here you can learn a basic understanding of a more natural approach to woman's wellness and reproductive health. Finally begin to nourish and nurture each phase of a period cycle rather than "treat" a normal bodily process such as a woman's period. Altering lifestyle habits around the period cycle has been around for centuries, predating modern medicine. Opening up dialogue around menstruation allows us to break down shame and misinformation around the topic. If women can't talk about menstruation, it becomes difficult to be advocates for their own health in the long run.
What is Cycle Syncing?
Keeping record of the length and timing of your period and overall menstrual cycle, qualities of your menstrual fluid (color, texture, amount), and symptoms like cramping or fatigue can help you learn what is normal for your body, it also works to help us notice when something is NOT normal.
Menstrual Cycle
What is the Menstruation?
Menstruation, also known as having a period, is when blood and tissue from the uterus works it ways out of the vagina. It usually happens about once a month as a part of the menstrual cycle. This cycle is the first steps in the preparation for the body to carry a pregnancy, if the egg goes unfertilized bleeding commences, if fertilized (become pregnant), they do not have a period until they are no longer pregnant.
The menstrual phase, part of the follicular phase, is the shortest phase of a woman's cycle. During this phase of 1-5 days the bodies estrogen and progesterone are lowered. The lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, is shed, causing bleeding, and this bleeding is the cause of most cramping.
The 6-14 day window after the period is over is called the Follicular phase. At this time estrogen and progesterone are beginning to rise.
Ovulatory phase, is 15-17 days long and is the time during the month where estrogen is at peak. At this time testosterone and progesterone continue to rise.
Last but not least, is the luteal phase, and when I say not least I mean it. The luteal phase is the longest phase in this cycle and can last anywhere from 18-28 days. During this time estrogen and progesterone levels are high. If the egg isn’t fertilized, hormone levels decrease and the menstrual cycle starts again.
Cycle Tracking
Rulings by the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade ended the federal right to an abortion, significantly increased the use of apps for period and cycle tracking. "Stolen" data from these apps could potentially be used against people seeking abortion care. This has led many people to notice that they have no idea how to track their own cycle without added tools and technology.
Remember, everyone’s body is different. Before you begin making lifestyle changes, track your cycle and learn your personal pattern. It can take up to 3 months before you can identify approximately how long each phase lasts.
This is an example of a (newly started) cycle tracking sheet. There are many ways of cycle tracking, some people prefer apps, tests and tools, such as a daisy device, thermometer, estrogen and progesterone strips. I prefer a natural tracking method that uses a pen and paper to simply record your feeling and understanding of the body. I mean who knows YOU better then, well, YOU!
As stated above I prefer simply tracking my cycle using a pen and paper and here is how.
Each day I am on my period (bleeding) I mark the day on the calendar with a symbol indicating I am bleeding and the number day of that particular period (1.2.3...)
Note: The first day of bleeding starts a NEW cycle, this would be represented by a 1 and whatever symbol is being used (I used a droplet for my symbol). This can be seen in the photo above.
A different symbol should be used to mark days that are DRY. This means you are no longer on your period and are not currently seeing any signs of mucus or discharge.
Another symbol is used to mark days where the body expresses mucus or discharge.
When you get to the end of each cycle you can start predict your next period (bleeding) cycle and indicate that in the calendar using a question mark. Say the first day you predicted your next period to start there was no bleeding, you would cross out the question mark and indicate using the necessary symbols(mucus or dry). Once the period has started you can place the appropriate symbol beside the question mark if the prediction was correct or mark as normal if it falls before or after predicted dates.
REPEAT!
Womb wellness is a key element to a woman’s health. The state of the womb is a major factor in every phase of womanhood. It is the main indicator of our well being. When our womb is healthy, we are emotionally grounded, creative, abundant, full of energy and ideas.
When our womb is unbalanced, we feel stuck, uninspired, dry, our inner light is dimmed, our capacity to relate and love is reduced.
Internal signals are sent to alert us when there is an imbalance. We cannot ignore our wombs if they are making pain. Symptoms are messages from the body.
Heavy Bleeding
Painful Periods
Hormonal Imbalances
Fertility Challenges
PMS
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
By altering your lifestyle to match your hormonal changes, you may be able to eliminate those “hormonal rollercoasters” for good. Own the power within yourself by knowing what's going on in your body! Pay attention to how your body is responding as you practice cycle syncing or any new lifestyle change. In turn, your body will thank you with the attention and care you’re giving it.
Resources
Kay, Carolyn, and Jillian Kubala. “Cycle Syncing: Hormone Balancing, Exercises, Food, and More.” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/guide-to-cycle-syncing-how-to-start#for-nutrition. Accessed 5 March 2023.
Spitz, Anna. “How To Track Your Menstrual Cycle Without An App.” Planned Parenthood, 21 July 2022, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-orange-san-bernardino/about-us/blog/how-to-track-your-menstrual-cycle-without-an-app. Accessed 5 March 2023.