For centuries, women lived in tune with their bodies. Our menstrual cycle—shared with only a few other species like some primates, elephants, and bats—evolved not just to support reproduction, but also to guide us emotionally, mentally, and physically toward rhythm, rest, and renewal.
In ancient times, women moved with the seasons. They lived by their cycle, by pregnancy, by nature. Many cultures honored menstruation with rituals, rest, and sacred spaces. Women were held, supported, and celebrated in every phase.
Then, it all changed.
When Productivity Replaced Intuition
During industrialization in the early 1900s, women were pulled into systems designed for relentless output—systems built around the male hormonal cycle. Menstruation became an “inconvenience.” Something to be hidden, silenced, and pushed aside.
By the 1960s, the birth control pill revolutionized reproductive freedom—but it also disconnected millions of women from their natural rhythms. I was one of them. I got on the pill as soon as I could. No period. No cramps. No highs or lows. I thought I was winning.
But I didn’t realize I was becoming a stranger in my own body—disconnected from my rhythm, intuition, and deepest knowing.
Equality ≠ Sameness
The feminist movement fought for equal rights—but “equality” often translated to sameness. Women were expected to work like men, perform like men, and ignore their cycles. The 9–5 workweek was never built for us.
But here’s the truth: we’re not men.
We’re cyclical.
We bleed.
We birth.
And our hormones shift every few days—not every 24 hours like a man’s.
We don’t need to fight our cycle—we need to follow it.
Your 4-Phase Cycle (and How to Work With It)
1. Menstruation (Days 1–5) — Inner Winter
Your uterine lining sheds. Hormones are at their lowest. You may feel raw, emotional, introverted. This is your time to pause.
Supportive practices:
- Rest, say no, journal
- Gentle movement: stretching, walking, yin yoga
- Warm, iron-rich foods: soups, stews, cooked greens
- Eat magnesium-rich foods and teas
👉 Life tip: Avoid big conversations or decisions here if you can. Emotions are louder than logic. Wait until your hormones are more supportive. Game changer.
2. Follicular Phase (Days 6–13) — Inner Spring
Estrogen begins to rise. You feel alive again. This is your “let’s go” energy coming online.
Supportive practices:
- Begin new projects
- Movement: light cardio, dance, pilates
- Brainstorm, socialize, plan
- Great time for therapy, ice baths, breathwork
- Eat lean protein, fermented foods, cruciferous veggies, healthy fats
👉 Try intermittent fasting here if your body responds well (per Dr. Mindy Pelz’s Fast Like a Girl).
3. Ovulation (Days 14–17) — Inner Summer
Estrogen peaks. You feel radiant, magnetic, extroverted. This is your time to shine.
Supportive practices:
- Host events, pitch ideas, have important talks
- High-intensity workouts
- Longer fasts (if it feels good)
- Eat raw fruits & veggies, zinc-rich foods, light meals
👉 Schedule your harder conversations, therapy sessions, launches, or presentations here. You’re hormonally supported to handle more.
4. Luteal Phase (Days 18–28) — Inner Autumn
Progesterone rises, then drops. You may feel more sensitive, tired, or inward.
Supportive practices:
- Declutter, nest, slow down
- Movement: gentle yoga, walking
- Focus on self-care and boundaries
- Eat more complex carbs (sweet potatoes, rice, oats), B6, magnesium, warming spices
👉 Avoid fasting and intense workouts. They spike cortisol, which antagonizes progesterone and increases PMS symptoms.
👉 Be mindful of PMS. If you’re irritable, bloated, emotional—listen to the signal, not just silence it. You’re being asked to rest.
The Work Week Wasn’t Made for Us
Let’s be honest—the 5-day workweek wasn’t built for women’s biology. It was built for men’s 24-hour hormone cycles.
But what if we did things differently?
- 3 weeks of strong output
- 1 week of rest and recalibration
Imagine the energy, creativity, and flow you’d gain.
This isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom. And it’s time we honor it.
A Personal Note
When I started syncing my life to my cycle—everything shifted.
I paused hard conversations during PMS – especially with my husband.
I stopped launching during my bleed.
I stopped forcing, and started feeling.
And I found myself again.
Resources to Support You:
🌸 Cycle Tracking Apps:
📚 Recommended Reads:
- Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz
You Are Not Broken — You Are Rhythmic
Your body is wise.
Your cycle is a compass.
Let it lead you.
Come back to your rhythm.
Come back to your knowing.
Come back home to you.
With love,
Rachel
