What Does a Healthy Menstrual Cycle Look Like?
THe healthy menstrual cycle
This is a subject I am very passionate about because our menstrual cycle is the foundation of our fertility as well as our monthly “report card” of how well we have treated our bodies for that month.
Our body speaks to us by the way we feel physically, mentally or emotionally before we start our period. Are we tired or irritable the week leading up to our period? What is the color of blood when you have your period, do you notice the consistency or texture of your blood being thick, or do you experience clotting? Is there pain? Or perhaps a migraine a day before you begin your flow?
Our creator gave us the wisdom of knowing our bodies! I encourage you to listen, and don’t ignore the signals your body is trying to tell you. We have the ability to ward off depletions and imbalances.
Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if you don’t know how to track your menstrual cycle! So many women don’t in our fast paced culture. Luckily, there are many useful Apps and tools these days that help you track your days and even send alerts to you on your phone when you may be ovulating or about to start your period.
The first day you bleed, is your “cycle day 1”, and should last 3-4 days, with bright red blood and the heaviest flow being the first 2 days. After cycle day 2, you should experience your flow tapering off. Clots should be non-existent or minimal as well as your pain level.
Ovulation is usually around cycle days 14-21 and it is important to make note that this should come with a few days of cervical fluid that looks like “egg white”. Some women use a BBT thermometer to track ovulation, and you should see an increase of temperature of at least .4 or .5 of a degree.
Apps and kits that are on my " favorites” list are Oova and Proov. These can help you track & monitor your menstrual cycle. It will help give you insight to the first part of your cycle, the follicular phase, mid cycle- ovulation and the last part of your cycle, the luteal phase.
To learn more about your menstrual cycle & how to optimize it you can book an appointment with in the clinic or virtually!
