What is happening when you are on your period?

The first day of bleeding is considered day one of your menstrual cycle. On this day, the hormone progesterone plunges, which causes the uterine lining to shed, AKA “your period”

Each menstrual cycle starts with menstruation (the period). A period is the normal shedding of blood and endometrium (the lining of the uterus) through the cervix and vagina.

A normal period may last up to 8 days, but on average lasts about 3 to 6.

The first day of your period is the start of your menstrual cycle. The reason you might experience menstrual cramps during the first days of your periods is that the uterus lining breaks down and sheds. In order to do this, the muscles of the uterus contract (to help push the blood and tissue down) which can cause cramping.

You begin menstruation- old blood and tissue from inside the uterus is shed through the vagina

Why energy is lower on your period

During your first week, estrogen starts out at its lowest point and begins a steady climb. For the first day or so of this cycle week, the low level of this hormone combined with period-related aches and fatigue may make you a bit quiet and have you preferring to stay close to home.

This is why it is important to rest while you are bleeding. This can be counterintuitive to how society and your schedule is structured. While it may seem less productive for those few days while bleeding, if you allow your body space to rest during this time, your overall productivity will be greater.

What exercise to do when you are on your period

This is a great time to keep your to- do list short, and your calendar clear.

By honouring your body and its rhythms, unwanted symptoms tend to be less.

Simple and gentle movement like yoga, deep stretching, or a walk out in nature are great things to schedule during this time. Strenuous activity should be kept for the other few weeks of your cycle.

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Menstrual cycle basics

For many, the understanding is that the menstrual cycle is comprised of the only ‘obvious’ phase of the cycle … when you have your period.

Your period, or your menstrual cycle, is actually the entire time from the first day of your period, all the way until your next period starts, but the length may vary from cycle to cycle, and may also change over the years.

Cycle length changes between menarche (when periods first start during puberty) and menopause (when periods stop permanently).

The average number of days for this is 28, however for some, it is still considered a normal cycle anywhere between 22-35 days.

All bodies are different, so the length of your own menstrual cycle may be shorter or longer and not all menstrual cycles are regular.

Hormone signals are sent back and forth between the brain and the ovaries, causing changes to the sacs in the ovaries that contain eggs (follicles) and the uterus

Understanding your period

Your menstrual cycle is actually made up of 4 distinct phases:

Menstruation (your period)

This phase can range from 2-7 days, this is when you are bleeding- the shedding of the uterine lining. Levels of estrogen and progesterone are low.

How it might affect you: During menstruation, you may feel low on energy and have aches or pains. This is a time for rest and inward contemplation, this is not a time for high intensity exercise or expanding your energy outward.

Follicular Phase

This is the phase after bleeding until ovulation (around day 14) Estrogen rises as an egg prepares to be released.

How it might affect you: Your estrogen levels start to rise and you might find yourself being in a better mood and having more energy. During this phase you might notice a higher sex drive and more discharge (clear or white sticky mucus).

Ovulation

The release of the egg from the ovary, mid-cycle. Estrogen peaks just beforehand, and then drops shortly afterwards.

How it might affect you: During this phase you might feel a boost of energy and inspiration. You might also feel an increase in your sex drive.

Luteal Phase

The time between ovulation and before the start of menstruation, when the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Progesterone is produced, peaks, and then drops.

How it might affect you: In the first part of this phase, you will experience the benefits of the hormone surges from ovulation. During the second half of this phase, due to the rise in progesterone your stress levels can increase easily and you might feel moodier during this phase. You might also feel easily irritated, experience some sadness or feel anxious. Your breast might feel more sensitive or even sore.