Your periods will always suck if you do this

As we inch closer to the Autumn Equinox, the beginning or the high point of autumn depending on how you practice the Wheel of the Year seasonal celebrations, I can't help but think about the autumn phase of our menstrual cycles - the luteal phase.

For those that are unfamiliar there are only two physical, or physiological, phases of the menstrual cycle - the follicular phase and the luteal phase with the menstrual bleed marking the beginning of the follicular phase and ovulation occurring at the exact moment between the follicular and luteal phases. However, for today, we are going to talk about how we *energetically* experience the phases of the cycle, which is better represented in four cyclical phases - the follicular phase, the ovulation phase, the luteal phase, and the menstrual phase - with special attention on the luteal phase.

The luteal phase gets a bad rap. Why? Because it includes the week before one's period when, in our modern world that grinds against the rhythms of the menstrual cycle, pms symptoms tend to wreck havoc on our lives and bodies. It doesn't have to be this way. When the menstrual cycle is appropriately nourished and supported the luteal phase transitions from this agonizing phase plagued with uncomfortable symptoms to a 10 to 16 day phase that feels grounded, gentle, and primal where we feel deeply connected to our most natural & wild selves. Since healing my own struggles with uncomfortable pms and period symptoms the luteal phase has quickly become my favorite time of the month.

People love to ask me how they can start enjoying their luteal phase more. Sure we could radically change our diets, take a bunch of supplements, and start a rigid daily self-care practice... and for some folks that might be necessary... however, the quickest way to start enjoying your luteal phase more is to begin viewing it as the autumn season of your cycle.

Hear me out...

The four phases of the menstrual cycle very beautifully mimic the four seasons of nature. The follicular phase at the start of the cycle when hormones are beginning to rise after the period bleed is the spring season of the cycle - the re-awakening. The ovulation phase when ovulatory hormones are at their peak is the summer season of the cycle - the peak. The luteal phase of the cycle when calming, grounding progesterone sweeps in to steal the show (in a well nourished & supported cycle that is!) is the autumn season of the cycle - the slowing, winding down season. And, the menstrual phase when hormones are at their lowest and we're shedding & resting to start a brand new cycle is the winter season of the cycle - the hibernation. I teach all about this in much more depth in my Cycle Wisdom Course if you're interested in diving in deeper!

Therefore, if the luteal phase (post-ovulation & pre-period) is the autumn phase of your cycle, I dare you to ask yourself - "Where am I living out of alignment at that time in my cycle?"

You see, the autumn season of nature asks us to slow down. Summer vacations are over. Backyard bbqs, summer camps, family reunions, the constant desire to go-go-go and take advantage of every single sunny day have all come to a close. We head back indoors for warming meals, cozy nights, back-to-school routines, and more quiet days with our family and less "do all the things" energy. We stop to breathe in the air on those first few chilly nights. We stroll through apple orchards and pumpkin patches. We watch our favorite fall movies & shows (Gilmore Girls and Hocus Pocus, anyone?!). And we slow the f*ck down.

Now, quick question, is that how you live during the luteal phase of your cycle? You slow down, get cozy, get out in nature, really take your time, and do less? Hmmm. Interesting.

Here's the deal...

Your luteal phase WILL ALWAYS BE SUCKY if you're doing too much and being too busy. Even if you eat all the right foods, take all the supplements, and meditate your ass off every morning. If you follow all of that up with a jam-packed schedule, cardio workouts, and trying to keep up the pace from earlier in your cycle... your luteal phase will feel like a frazzled mess. Trust me, I've been there.

This is because on a physical level the primary hormone of the luteal phase is progesterone - a calming, grounding hormone. When we refuse to slow down during the luteal phase we create internal friction with our current hormonal state. This, in turn, can lead to the physical symptoms of pms. On an energetic level we can feel like a frazzled mess during out luteal phases because we're trying to live like it's summer time, but the sun has quite literally set on that season of our cycle.

So as we usher in & embrace the wonders of the autumn season of nature with the impending autumnal equinox, I challenge you to lean in and embrace the wonders of the autumn season of your menstrual cycle too. Ask yourself, "How can I shift gears with each luteal phase of my menstrual cycle to live more like it is the fall season because inside my body it is?"

Now, please excuse me as I go out and enjoy my favorite season of nature and my menstrual cycle - sweet, glorious, grounding Autumn. You can find me eating all the homemade pumpkin pie (always made from a real, baked pumpkin), watching Gilmore Girls on repeat, celebrating my wedding anniversary, drinking alllll the herbal tea, and hiking every wooded path I can get my paws on.

Ready to learn how to finally live in alignment with your body and your menstrual cycle? Let’s chat! I’d love to show you how. Book a free consult call with me today!