The Power of Living With Your Menstrual Cycle

Jyoti Rani is a menstrual cycle coach, Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher. She is passionate about supporting women and people with periods to connect to their cycle and live in sync with their body's natural rhythms.

Q: How specifically do the different phases of our cycle affect us?
Our menstrual cycle is split into 4 phases with our hormone levels shifting in each. This impacts everything ~ our energy levels, our mood, our digestion, our response to stress etc. The four phases mirror the four seasons and we can use the seasonal framework to help us understand our menstrual cycle. Each phase holds its own superpowers and vulnerabilities and through tracking your cycle you can begin to understand these.

Before I explain how each of the 4 phases can affect us, please remember that everyone’s cycle is unique. There is no right way, correct way or perfect way to experience your menstrual cycle. So as you continue reading, take what feels right for you and discard the rest. Ultimately, your experience overrides anything I say. The most important thing is that you understand and honour your unique cycle.

Menstruation ~ Inner Winter

During this phase, as the uterine lining breaks down, your hormone levels are at their lowest. This can mean your energy levels are at their lowest too. Your period is a time to embrace the energy of winter ~ a time of slowing down & hibernation, of rest & stillness, of reflection & release. Take time to rest, tune into your intuition and reflect on your last cycle.

Pre-ovulation ~ Inner Spring
As your body prepares for ovulation, the uterine lining thickens during this phase. With a gradual rise in oestrogen, your energy levels start to increase again. Testosterone increases in the last few days of this phase. Just like the season of spring, this phase represents new beginnings, fresh perspectives and hope. As energy levels begin to grow, we feel like going out into the world more. This is a good time to start something new, to focus on creative projects and plan for the cycle ahead.

Ovulation ~ Inner Summer
Your oestrogen and testosterone levels peak and an egg is released. After ovulation occurs, progesterone is released. This phase is like the season of summer marked by celebration, joy and gratitude. You may find that your energy levels are at their highest point, and you feel motivated for action and adventure. However, with the peaking of your hormones, you may also experience feelings of being overwhelmed and frazzled. This can be a great time for communication, collaboration, presentations and negotiations. 

Premenstrual ~ Inner Autumn
As your progesterone level rises and falls, along with oestrogen if you’re not pregnant, your body goes through a process similar to autumn ~ a time for harvesting, editing, and letting go. Just as animals prepare for winter, your body is preparing to bleed. During this phase, you may experience a decrease in energy and prefer solitude as your awareness turns inward. This is a time to focus on the details, complete admin tasks and wrap up projects.

Q: How has your life changed since you’ve been living in sync with your cycle? 

Living in sync with my cycle has changed my life ~ that may sound dramatic but it’s true. Before living this way, my life felt as though it was happening to me and not for me. I was constantly stressed and disconnected from myself, trying to suppress my emotions and meet societal expectations.

Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) and cyclical living gave me the tools I needed to stop fighting my body’s natural rhythms and instead connect with my inner world and my outer world. It supports me to feel grounded and rooted within myself. The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that I am not meant to feel the same everyday. This changed everything for me, providing me with a sense of freedom and liberation…

~ I no longer feel like I am failing when I don't feel 100% every day. 

~ I know I don’t need to feel energised all the time. 

~ I don’t beat myself up for feeling tired for ‘no reason’ or for wanting to stay in. 

~ I don’t punish myself for not wanting to go to the gym everyday or go for a run.

Instead, I have learnt to understand my body and my cycle. I understand that my hormones are constantly shifting and this affects every part of my existence ~ my mood, energy levels, mental state, emotions, digestion. The list is endless. Armed with this knowledge, each day I meet myself where I am and give myself what I need.

~ I give myself permission to rest.

~ I adjust plans when needed.

~ I sit with my emotions and allow them to move through me. 

~ I give myself permission to lie in.

~ I move my body and exercise differently each day, depending on my energy levels and cycle phase. 

These simple shifts have had a profound impact on my life. Every menstrual cycle, I feel myself shedding my conditioning and sinking deeper into this cyclical way of living and thinking. I am honouring my body, decolonising my mind and nourishing my soul. As I peel back the layers, I feel more connected to myself than ever before. I am now living an intentional life that I love, feeling ever-present and grounded. It’s a gift to be able to live this way and guide others to do the same. 

If you’d like to learn more about how I support myself and my clients during each of these phases you can read more here.