11/03/2023
We’ve been taught that if our cycle is the same length every month or if it falls between 26-35 days, then we must be healthy and fertile. End of story. No further questions.
But that’s the problem.
We HAVE to be asking more questions about our menstrual cycles.
Because our body is desperately trying to communicate with us and give us the answers we seek.
Here are some MUCH better questions to ask besides just “how long is my cycle?”…
1. How long is my follicular phase?
Did you know this phase can vary DRASTICALLY from month to month depending on what’s going on in your life? Travel, sickness, relational stress, antibiotics, vaccines, food allergies, exercise, and so much more can impact the length of this phase. In short, if your body suspects turmoil or danger, it will likely try to delay ovulation to keep you (and a potential pregnancy) safe. If you ever wonder why your cycle varies in length from one month to the next, this is why. It’s also important for you to ask WHY your follicular phase may be on the longer side to get to the root of any potential hormonal challenges.
2. Did I ovulate? And when?
Ovulation (not your period) is the star of the menstrual cycle (poorly named IMO)! Ovulating regularly is a key component to health and a necessity for becoming pregnant. Short of a perfectly well-timed ultrasound, basal body temperature (BBT) is the only way to CONFIRM if and when ovulation occurred. And fun fact, knowing FOR CERTAIN when you ovulate, helps you accurately determine the length of your follicular AND luteal phases.
3.) How long is my luteal phase?
The luteal phase is the second half of your cycle and is when progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. The length of this phase is critically important to the ability to sustain a pregnancy and is extremely indicative of overall hormonal balance. If you’re experiencing PMS symptoms or a brutal bleed phase, there’s a good chance your body needs more TLC in the luteal phase.
Can you see how asking THESE questions provides so much more insight than simply how long your cycle is?!
EVERY woman should know the answer to these questions EVERY month.
Do you? 👇
