Most women choose to complain and curse this necessary evil and fail to make the best out of it. Like it or not, menstrual periods is a reality women are forced to face every month. An average woman menstruates around 450 times in her life span. Most women choose to complain and curse this necessary evil and fail to make the best out of it.
A woman's month can be divided into four stages based on her menstrual cycle.
1. Follicular phase (1-7 days): the period in which the tiny follicles in the ovary mature to form ovums.
2. Ovulation (7-15 days): the period where mature follicles release ovums ready to fertilize.
3. Luteal phase (15-21 days): when the walls of uterus develop a lining of blood vessels to receive the fertilized egg in preparation for a possible pregnancy.
4. Menstruation (21-28 days): the period in which the unfertilized egg is excreted from the body along with the blood vessels collapsed from the walls of the uterus.
A lot of minute changes happen to a woman's body in each of these phases. Some of them are listed below.
Beauty:
Follicular phase, the period that starts immediately after your menstruation, is the best time to take care of your skin. Eostregen secretion is high during this phase and it enhances the condition of mind, body and skin. As the oil secretion and moisture reduce, you may apply face-packs and masks suitable to your skin type in this phase. This is also the best time to try out new cosmetics and skincare products. Just be cautious to moisturize your skin once in a while to keep the oil level in check. Use foaming cleansers to wash away impurities.
Sebum secretion increases towards the beginning of ovulation phase and you may start getting pimples. You are advised to use hypo-allergenic cosmetics and skin care products during this time. During the luteal phase or the pre-menstrual stage, the skin will be extremely oily and prone to pimples and acnes. Although luteal phase can spell doom to your skin care regimen, using products rich in Vitamin C will nourish your skin.
Menstruation is a term to let your body relax. You are not supposed to experiment any cosmetics during this period. Your skin would be extremely vulnerable and sensitive. So, keep yourself hydrated by drinking gallons of water.
Physical fitness:
A woman's physical and mental fitness will be at its best during the follicular phase. This is the best time for detoxification, dieting and exercise. This is also the best time to shed weight. You may switch your detox methods and try new exercises during this time. This is also the best time to start dieting. Just keep your sleep hours and exposure to sunlight in check.
Towards the beginning of the ovulation stage, your body starts storing fluids and fat which worsens metabolism and blood circulation. You might feel constipated and bloated. Progesterone secretion increases in the leutal phase, causing increased sweat and odor. Keep your body cool in luteal phase to avoid blisters and rashes.
The body becomes very weak and sensitive during menstruation. Do not exert pressure on your body during this phase by stretches or strict diets. Consume food items with enough iron and keep the body warm. If you are a person with sweet cravings during menstruation, eat dry fruits and antioxidant food items instead of cookies and cakes.
Mind:
You feel at your full in the follicular phase. The increase in testosterone level increases your impulsiveness and sex drive. You may find yourself open to new friendships and acquaintances. This is a good time to make a presentation or attend an interview. Flirting or making love with your partner will be exciting during this phase. You may read motivational books or watch good movies and add energy to your mood.
Though you'd still be impulsive and energetic in your ovulation stage, mood swings and skin problems may worry you. You'd find peace in an open-heart conversations or a good make-out with your partner. You may also practice yoga and breathing exercises to maintain a peace of mind.
In luteal phase, you may come across a level of insecurity, which makes you trust or fall for every person you speak with. The increase in sexual drive and low energy levels add to it. Premenstrual syndromes like mood swings, quick temper and a loss of appetite will also turn up. Keeping control over your mind, having good communication with your partner and listening to music will help you get through these.
You will feel low and melancholic during menstruation, following the rise in testosterone levels. Better not to think too much about your problems during this phase. Just sip a cup of coffee, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and unwind yourself.
