Our Cycles and Periods | V2: The Hormonal Patterns

A

THE HORMONAL PATTERNS

• NU OW

of menstruation OUR CYCLES AND PERIODS : VOLUME 2

• NUA FL

W O L • F

F L A OW U N

Foreword There is a rhythm to the way menstruation works. It moves in a pattern, and as we grow older, this pattern changes and moulds to fit our lives.

Of course, every sort of change will always leave a mark - and our menstrual cycles certainly create some distinctive marks on our body! These might also have some impact on our mind and mental health.

In our previous volume, Age and Menstruation, we explored the four phases in our cycle. Each phase has unique properties to which our bodies and mind respond just as uniquely.

In this volume, we will look closely at how the four phases function, leaving some invisible and some visible patterns on our skin, hair, and also our minds.

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PHASE 1:

Follicular As the uterus thickens to prepare a fertilised egg, the part of the brain which is called the pituitary gland begins to produce two hormones - the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH is largely responsible for the growth of eggs in the follicles that produce oestrogen.

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The phase lasts for around 14 days, leading you to experience a few things thanks to the rise in oestrogen: Hair might feel dull and dry

Less hair fall due to high oestrogen levels

Pores on skin reduce in size

High production of collagen might moisten skin Boost in confidence, high energy levels

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But there are always things you can do to ease yourself into the phase. Here are a few tips that you can try at home: Wash your face with cold water.

Use a gentle face wash.

Avoid using too much shampoo as it might dry your hair even further. Moisturize your hair with deep conditioning.

Indulge in things that you love to do.

It could be reading a book or eating your favourite dish!

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HA M A IR SK

TIME FOR A BREAK

FLOWCABULARY by nua

OVARYACT

MENSTRUWAIT

(verb)

(noun)

The reaction you give to your friends when they tell you to calm down because you are PMS-ing.

The phase after sex when you desperately wait for your periods to know you are not pregnant.

PAD-STABBING (noun)

When you’re happy not wearing a pad on the fourth day but your uterus has bloody plans.

CRAMPLEXITY (noun)

When you’re unsure if you are having period cramps or just need to poop.

Check out our Story Highlight #Flowcabulary for more fun words made for you by @nuawoman OUR CYCLES AND PERIODS : VOLUME 2 | 05

PHASE 2:

Ovulation The high levels of oestrogen released during the follicular phase results in the continuing surge of luteinizing hormones (LH) during the ovulation period. This leads to the maturation of the egg - an event that lasts for about 72 hours.

In the process, some cells are left behind in the ovarian follicle, which later transform into a mass called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum pumps out hormones into the uterine lining.

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Along with oestrogen, the body begins to produce high levels of progesterone. Here’s what you can expect: Hair might appear slightly thicker than usual

Increase in oily sensations on the skin

LH activated sebum production

Energy levels lead to higher productivity

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During this phase, women with naturally oily skin might experience acne.

On the other hand, women with dry skin may have blemishes and tiny pimple-like bumps.

Hair dryness might reduce, but there may be chances of slight hair fall.

Here are some things that you can try: Add a few extra fruits to your meal. This will give both your hair and skin the necessary nutrients that they need.

Drink lots of water. This ensures the skin on your face and scalp is being cleaned from within.

Continue moisturizing your hair and avoid over-washing it.

Practice yoga and give yourself some time to stay calm and relax.

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TIME FOR A BREAK

BECOME A

self-care queen TO DO LIST

Nothing

Read a book

Wash my hair

Do nothing

Scroll through IG

Stretch a little

Popped a pimple

Online shopping

Sleep all day

Found my scrunchy (Finally!)

How many did you get?

Post on IG and tag us @nuawoman OUR CYCLES AND PERIODS : VOLUME 2 | 09

PHASE 3:

Luteal As the walls of the uterus thicken and with the release of prostaglandins, there is an increase in the levels of progesterone. Your body might be more sensitive to pain.

This is also the phase when the follicle transforms into a group of cells in the ovary which eventually help stimulate pregnancy.

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Since this is a time when the body goes through quite a big change, here’s what you might observe: Hair is oily and might shed more than usual

Skin retains water making it appear more oily

Basal body temperature rises

Sweating tendency increases

PMS might lead to low mood

It’s okay! We are in this together.

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Try and give yourself a little extra attention. Here are some things you can do: Add some fruits to your diet to retain nutrients.

Wash your face twice a day. Pat gently for a soothing effect.

Avoid using too much product on your hair.

Continue hydrating and try to avoid drinks packaged in plastic bottles.

Try not to exert yourself too much and practice self-compassion.

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TIME FOR A BREAK

build your routine Take a few deep breaths ............. 5 mins Use essential oils .......................... 5 mins

z

Listen to your favourite song ...... 5 mins

Zz

Take a power nap ........................ 15 mins Read a chapter of a book ........... 15 mins Journal your thoughts .......... 15 mins

Take a walk outside ................... 30 mins Get crafty ..................................... 30 mins Cook a new recipe ...................... 30 mins

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PHASE 4:

Menstrual As the uterine wall sheds itself and comes out in the form of menstrual blood, the body sees a fall in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Some women might experience cramps, light-headedness or headaches. During the menstrual phase, the body typically loses 35-40ml of fluid.

However, it is important to remember that the menstrual phase might vary for every woman. While some women might experience it for 3-5 days, others can experience it for 7 days.

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Here are a few things that you might notice: Some hair types appear thicker while others appear dull Despite hair type, hair fall might occur

Skin becomes dry, sensitive & wrinkly Spots appear around jaw & cheek

Loss of energy

!

Bouts of depression might take over

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To help yourself with the changes, here’s what you can do:

Stay hydrated. Make sure that your body receives the suitable amount of water that it needs.

Take breaks. Give your mind the space to be by itself until you feel like doing something.

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80% choc olat

Treat yourself to dark chocolate. An excellent source of magnesium, it can help regulate mood swings.

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Reduce caffeine and sugar. These can increase blood-sugar levels and activate other hormones which could lead to acne.

TIME FOR A BREAK

period maze Find your path to comfort!

Explore period care products that are thought around you.

OUR CYCLES AND PERIODS : VOLUME 2 | 17

The body and the mind change, so do we!

Every phase is unique. And every menstrual experience is unique.

It is therefore absolutely normal to have acne, experience hair fall, and not feel like participating in things at all. These are your body’s ways of telling you about your cycles and the changes that come with it.

All you have to do is make sure that you eat healthy, drink a lot of water, and workout when you can. As one cycle leads to the other, the body and mind also wrap themselves around it.

Did you like what we had to say about the changes during the four phases? Write to us at tools@nuawoman.com.

BIBLIOGRAPHY • • • •

InSync, Nua Blog Planned Parenthood National Health Service The Age of Menarche (PubMed)

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