During the luteal phase, your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. Your body is determining if the egg released in ovulation will be met with a sperm, and your body thickens the lining of the uterus in preparation. Your body’s temperature will also be higher than it was pre-ovulation.
This time is crucial for pregnancies, but for many of us not seeking a pregnancy, the rapid hormonal changes can cause challenging symptoms, especially in the final days before your period.
This is when cycle syncing and awareness can create a huge shift in our perspective: the luteal phase is your body’s fall as it prepares for your menstrual winter. By treating your body differently, including eating warmer foods, prioritizing sleep, focusing on lower impact movements, and decreasing alcohol and caffeine, your body can feel cared for and supported through the hormonal shifts. Even having the awareness that your feelings are normal can help with the mental toll the luteal phase can bring.
While society may have demonized this week of our cycle, we can choose to celebrate the benefits: by eating more (because basal metabolic rate increases by about 300 calories per day!), sleeping more, spending introspective time alone, exercising in ways that feel rejuvenating, and appreciating the uniqueness of our body’s powerful fall season.