After our post on the four stages of the menstrual cycle, we really wanted to look more into how each stage of the menstrual cycle affects us. Next we’re looking at Inner Summer, the Ovulation phase! Make sure to keep reading below to learn all about how this phase affects you and what you should be doing during it!
If you want to learn more and deep dive into this topic, check out our UM Club Episode with Period Coach Sarah Starrs! Don’t miss out on anything the UM Club has to offer, and make sure to check out our previous menstrual cycle post on the follicular phase!
Related Articles:
Stages Of the Menstrual Cycle – Follicular Phase
The Stages of the Menstrual Cycle Explained
UM Club Episode – Menstrual Cycle 101: How to Tune in to Your Cycle For A More Aligned Life
UM Club Episode – Menstrual Health with Stefanie Miska
UM Club Episode – Vulva 101 with Jo Corrall
7 Symptoms and Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
9 Body Acceptance Quotes to Help Moms Improve Their Body Image
Calming Mantras for Moms Who Need a Break
What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the course that our bodies go through to get the body ready to be pregnant, resulting in our period if fertilization doesn’t occur. We tend to think of it as around 28 days, but everyone’s cycle is going to look different, and will probably change over time too. The menstrual cycle happens in four stages – the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation. In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the ovulation phase!
What is the Ovulation Phase?
Ovulation – Inner Summer and Full Moon
Ovulation is when the egg actually does get released, and your hormones peak. You get a real surge of estrogen and a little boost of testosterone, which really brings your sex drive to the forefront. This is like the peak of summer and the full moon – everything’s bright and intense and full of life. There’s a huge peak of energy and a lot of people find themselves feeling really social, outgoing, productive, and confident in this phase.
Ovulation is when the egg will be released, but it doesn’t mean an automatic pregnancy. Right after the eggs have been released is when you can get pregnant, but this is only around a 3 or 4 day window. Want to learn more about the ovulatory phase? Keep reading below!
The Ovulation Phase Explained
Nutrition
During the ovulation phase you might not feel as hungry as you normally do – this is because estrogen levels during ovulation are going crazy, and estrogen can suppress your appetite. To keep your energy up while maybe not eating your normal amount, ovulatory phase foods should be focused on proteins and fats, so things like red meat, eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, veggies with lots of fibre (think asparagus and spinach), and antioxidant rich fruit like strawberries and raspberries.
Exercise
During your ovulation phase, your energy is going to be similar to how you were feeling during your follicular phase (which you can read about in our previous post). Keeping up with higher intensity workouts like weightlifting is going to be the best, as your energy will start to drop after this phase. You might notice you have shorter bursts of really intense energy, so doing sprints and other short but intense workouts might work out better than the long jogs you were going for during your follicular phase.
Social Life
During the ovulation phase of your cycle, you’re probably still going to be riding the good social energy you were feeling during your follicular phase. This is when you start doing those plans you made, and really get out there for new things. Looking for a time to go shopping? The ovulation phase might be it. According to The Journal of Consumer Psychology, people who are ovulating are more likely to buy clothes, makeup, and other things to help them feel more attractive!
Sex Life
The ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle means one thing for our body: it’s ready to have a baby. This means that during this faze you are probably going to be raring to go, whether that’s solo play or with a partner. Now is the time to try out new spicy things, maybe take that alone time with your partner you’ve been putting off. The ovulation phase may just be the perfect time for your little ones to take a trip to grandma’s!
Parenting
Because you’re going to be feeling more energized during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle, it’s definitely a good time to still be out with our kids and doing the fun activities! The ovulation phase does mean you have lots of energy, but it’s also coming in smaller bursts, so shorter activities might be better to do. Going to events in the park or maybe taking your kids to something like a petting zoo (really fun activities that only tend to last a couple hours and tire your kids out) are great things to plan!
Each stage of your menstrual cycle means something different for how you’re feeling and how much you want to do certain things. To help figure out which cycle of your period is best for what, we’re making an in-depth guide to all four phases of the menstrual cycle! Our next post will be focused on the luteal phase, so keep an eye out for that!
Related Articles:
Stages Of the Menstrual Cycle – Follicular Phase
The Stages of the Menstrual Cycle Explained
UM Club Episode – Menstrual Cycle 101: How to Tune in to Your Cycle For A More Aligned Life
UM Club Episode – Menstrual Health with Stefanie Miska
UM Club Episode – Vulva 101 with Jo Corrall
7 Symptoms and Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
9 Body Acceptance Quotes to Help Moms Improve Their Body Image
Calming Mantras for Moms Who Need a Break
