“Our bodies have long been weaponized against us and used to keep us out of positions of influence and power, but the red tide is turning and its time for us to take advantage of what our hormones can do for us”. For the month of January (New year new me), I decided to take an in-depth look at how a period works and the 4 different phases that make up the cycle. Before any of that new year new me can be done let us understand how the “me” part of the equation works. I am going to compare the menstrual cycle to the seasons of a year: winter, spring, summer and autumn. The average woman’s cycle is 28 days long, so we will use this as a guide to map out how long each season lasts. While not everyone is average and many cycles differ in length, its best to track your own cycle. “Winter is coming.” The first phase of a woman’s cycle is known as the Menstrual Phase (Winter), many women are not aware that the first day of their cycle actually starts on the first day of their period – not the first day of having no period. Depending on your cycle the Winter phase is usually day 1 – 5 however for those with a longer cycle it can last up to day 7. So, what exactly is happening to the body during this phase? Days before the start of your winter your hormone levels of oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, they basically collapse. This is the reason so many of us are left feeling the dreaded PMS, emotionally vulnerable, fatigued, anxious and often teary eyed. This dip in hormone can be seen on the graph image. Due to the decrease of these hormones the lining of your uterus, which is also known as the Endometrium, sheds and passes through the vagina resulting in a period. So...what happens when I am pregnant? When the egg is fertilized by a sperm the opposite happens whereby there is an increase in hormone levels, especially progesterone which many doctors may in fact test for when you first find out you are pregnant, this is to ensure they are at acceptable levels. Should the progesterone levels drop this could result in a miscarriage. Here is how you will know you are approaching your winter phase: Your body temperature will drop a day or two before your period starts or even once you start bleeding Many of the premenstrual symptoms start to subside – bloating, sore nipples and PMS Many women experience not only a physical cleansing but an emotional one too Spotting – I will dive more into this later Menstrual Pain – I’ll give you a great trick to ease this later You may feel as though you are disconnecting from the world around you and start focusing on being more inward You can feel a bit out of it, not all there Feeling of being more vulnerable to the world Due to more blood flowing to your womb and genitals you might even be feeling aroused. Spotting Although spotting is a clear sign your period is on the way, spotting can also be a cause for concern should it last for longer than it should. Not producing enough progesterone to support the second half of your cycle could lead to extended periods of spotting, it can also lead to anxiety and depression as the progesterone hormone has calming qualities. If you feel like you are suffering from extreme anxiety and depression during certain times of your cycle, it may be worthwhile monitoring your cycle for a few months to track the dips in your mood as well as body temperature, period dates etc. Taking this information to a GP will allow them to see where in your cycle you are, and blood tests can confirm your progesterone levels. Its Winter, now what? Set boundaries – safeguard yourself while you are bleeding and do not feel bad about saying no. This is your time to be as inward as you are able too allow yourself to be. Do you need time on your own or do you need more intimacy? Nourish – fill any empty time you have with a nourishing activity, and by nourishing, I mean something that is for you and you only. Read a book, attend a pottery class do something that makes you happy. Take some time off – REST, allow your body to build up more outward energy for the next seasons of your cycle. Sleeping is not the only way to rest, below are a few examples: Put down the cellphone, abstain from social media Read a book on the couch or outside under a tree Guided mediation Work from home (if you can) and stay in pjs all day. Arrange a playdate at another parent’s house, give yourself a timeout. Take your lunchbreak outside Light a candle, turn the lights off and have a bath Let go – release some of those built up feelings, situations and people that are not serving you. Out with the old and in with the new. Writing in a journal can often help with letting go, this can also go hand in hand with nourish if you enjoy writing. It’s a pain in my… A downside to winter may be what it brings along with it, period pain. Below is a natural remedy to improve the blood flow to your pelvis, please make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to caster oil by applying a small amount onto your skin and then wait to see if there is anything untoward. What you need: 250ml bottle of castor oil (organic is preferable) A piece of cotton material, large enough to cover your lower abdomen when folded in half. A muslin baby blanket cut into squares works well too. Hot water bottle Cling wrap / clean muslin cloth Old clothes and towel to lay on (castor oil stains) Glass container to soak the cotton / muslin cloth in between uses. What you need to do: Fold your cotton or muslin cloth to the size that will cover your lower abdomen Place your fabric into the glass container (you can fold it to fit) and saturate it with castor oil. The cloth does not need to be dripping wet as castor oil is quite thick – the heating from the water bottle will make it runnier. Put on some chilled music Place the old towel wherever you would like to lay down, the glass jar as well as hot water bottle next to you. Lay down on the towel, carefully remove the fabric from the glass jar and place it across your lower abdomen Cover the saturated fabric with the cling wrap / muslin cloth and place your hot water bottle on top. Keep the pack on for about 30-60 minutes – this is the perfect time to read the book you have neglected on your nightstand or focus on a guided mediation. When you are done place the saturated fabric back into the glass jar and reuse, the fabric may need to be topped up with castor oil. The cloth may also be reused up to 30 times before it needs to be washed. Be careful not to use a just boiled hot water bottle as oil gets hot quickly and can burn you. I hope the insight I have given in this blog will help you have a happier and a clearer understanding of the winter phase. Whether it be a relief to get your period or pure disappointment and heartache (for those trying to conceive), see your period as the blessing it is for there are not many things that can bleed for 5 days and stay alive Lots of love, Kayleigh Coutinho – I got married in December, so I am no longer a Cummins BaobabeSA
