fbpx

The Second Phase of The Menstrual Cycle: The Follicular Phase

Photo by Diana Simumpande

In my last post, I took you through an overview of what happens during the first phase of the menstrual cycle, aptly called, the menstrual phase.  

.

Did it help you understand a bit more about what’s happening during that time of your cycle? 

.

Let’s talk about what happens next! 

.

As you all know by now, I used to be be blissfully unaware of what happened in my cycle after my period ended.  All I cared about was that the terrible week of my period was over and I could get on with my life (and put the horrible period underwear away!).

.

What I didn’t know is that what happens in the next phase sets up the groundwork for the rest of the menstrual cycle. 

.

When we enter into the follicular phase (phase two of the menstrual cycle), our estrogen, testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone  (FSH) begin to increase again in preparation for ovulation (i.e. your body is getting ready to release an egg). 

.

Do you feel an increase in your energy levels around this point?

.

That increase in energy is connected to  rising hormones, preparing us to get out of the house, get social and look & feel our best! You might find that you get quite horny around this time too! Yeah!

.

For many women, this is the time of their cycle when they feel their most vibrant, energetic and like their best selves. 

.

Your confidence is at all time high so if there’s anything you’ve been hesitant about, try it now

.

You also may feel more creative and the rising testosterone also means that you’ll be up for more risk taking and trying new things.

.

Have you noticed this come up for you? 

.

There’s a lot going on in your body during this phase of your cycle, so nourishing your hormones with lots of dark leafy greens and brassicas really helps (and the fibre keeps you regular!).

.

Grass-fed beef & lamb are also superstar foods during this phase – they help replace the iron that has been lost during menstruation and can keep your energy levels high too! 

.

What do you think? Is there anything else you want to learn more about this phase of your menstrual cycle? 

.

Share your questions about the follicular phase of your cycle in the comments below!

.

Next up: ovulation, or when one of our ovaries releases an egg! 

.

Are your hormones up and down? Do you want to talk more about ways to improve your hormone health? Get in touch for a free 30 minute hormone & menstrual health review.

Le’Nise Brothers is a nutritional therapist, women’s health coach and founder of Eat Love Move.

Le’Nise works primarily with women who feel like they’re being ruled by their sugar cravings, mood swings and hormonal acne & bloating.

They want to get to grips with heavy, missing, irregular & painful periods, fibroids, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, post-natal depletion and perimenopause. 

Her mission is for women to understand and embrace their hormones & menstrual cycle!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.