Have you ever noticed how the four seasons are suspiciously similar to the phases of your cycle? In fact, the individual phases can be categorized as spring, summer, autumn, and winter. By using this metaphor, it's easier to recognize the benefits of your cycle and use it to your advantage. Ready? Then let's flow.
Table of contents
1. 4 basic principles: This applies to every cycle
Before we talk about the individual phases, you should internalize the following 4 basic principles that are characteristic of each cycle:
- Everything is always changing
- Things repeat themselves : You will probably arrive at the same point in your next cycle as last time – a perfect opportunity to draw conclusions and apply them to the next cycle.
- Nothing happens by chance : In each phase of the cycle, certain hormones are released that have a deeper purpose – use them to your advantage!
- Cycles are always archetypal , meaning they differ from person to person. Therefore, don't orient yourself according to others; instead, listen to your own body.
2. How to use the cycle phases strategically
Each phase of our cycle is determined by specific hormones and is therefore suited to different things to varying degrees. While we can't completely align our lives with our cycle, we can try to better understand the characteristics of each phase and embrace them.
Depending on the hormones released during each phase of your cycle, each inner season brings with it certain challenges, but also strengths and abilities. By observing your cycle and tracking symptoms, you'll be able to identify these strengths and literally make the most of your days.
To help you feel more balanced during your cycle, our experts Dr. Malou Mampell and Christina Habranke have developed the HORMONE BALANCE capsules for you. They feature an innovative formula made from high-quality botanicals like lady's mantle and vitamin B6, which helps regulate your hormone levels.
Try HORMONES BALANCE CAPSULES now
3. The cycle phases - your inner seasons
3.1 Winter - Menstrual Phase
The cycle begins with menstruation and the cleansing phase. During this phase, the uterine lining built up by your body is shed—assuming the egg remains unfertilized.
Just like during the colder season, this first phase of your cycle is a time of retreat: Your estrogen and progesterone levels reach their absolute lowest, which can trigger symptoms like cramps or fatigue. Mood swings and tears are part of the menstrual cycle for many women. But there's also something good about this: your intuition is particularly strong right now. You long for peace and quiet and withdraw until your body can recharge.
Food hack: Warming dishes, such as stews or porridge, are especially good for your body right now. Iron- and zinc-rich foods, as well as water-rich fruits and coconut water, also help your body quickly return to hormonal balance.
Your superpower in Phase 1: Intuition.
3.2 Spring - Follicular Phase
As your period ends, the uterine lining begins to regenerate. This growth phase lasts up to 14 days and is also known as the follicular phase. The follicle grows, and your estrogen levels rise. In other words: You have more energy, and your mood improves.
It's no wonder that this phase of the cycle corresponds to spring, according to the seasonal metaphor: When the clouds finally clear, a good mood spreads. You feel motivated and sociable. A good opportunity to cultivate contacts, exercise, or make plans.
Food hack: During the follicular phase, fresh, light foods rich in protein and vitamin B12, as well as vegetables and grain products, give your body exactly what it needs. If you want to further support your estrogen levels, reach for phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as fermented soy products.
Your superpower in Phase 2: Creativity.
3.3 The summer - ovulation phase
Ovulation occurs during the three- to four-day ovulation phase. During this time, estrogen production and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels peak. Your testosterone, dopamine, and serotonin levels can also be elevated during this time, boosting self-confidence and satisfaction. It's a good time to face your challenges or set new goals. If there's one phase of your cycle that can be described as your inner summer, it's the ovulation phase.
Food hack: Focus on easily digestible carbohydrates, proteins, good fats, as well as antioxidant-rich fruits and plenty of vegetables – keyword: fiber .
Your superpower in Phase 3: Communication
3.4 Autumn - Luteal phase
About a week before your period starts, estrogen levels drop again, marking the start of your inner autumn, the luteal phase. During this phase, the ruptured follicle is transformed into the corpus luteum and begins to produce the hormone progesterone. The energy we had during spring and summer slowly ebbs away, and we begin to prepare for our inner winter. Both physical and psychological symptoms can make life difficult: mood swings, tender breasts, cramps—it's a hormonal rollercoaster. At the same time, during this phase, we have more access to our gut instincts and can devote ourselves to the things that are truly important to us. Now is a good time to finish projects, break bad habits, and clean up, whether it's our own home or our relationships.
The declining estrogen level creates new clarity; by giving us feedback about our current state of mind, our bodies can identify physical and psychological problems more quickly and initiate changes.
Food hack: Your body reacts very sensitively to fluctuations in blood sugar during this phase – with cravings and bad moods. To avoid this, you should supply your body with the right nutrients and sufficient calories (every 3-4 hours or whenever hunger strikes). Eating a little more during this phase is perfectly fine.
Your superpower in Phase 4: Focus.
4. Conclusion: This closes the cycle
The cycle ends on the first day of menstrual bleeding and then everything starts again.
To support you throughout all four seasons of your cycle, we've developed the HORMONE BALANCE capsules with high-quality botanicals such as lady's mantle and saffron, as well as valuable minerals and vitamins. Thanks to vitamin B6, they contribute to regulated hormonal activity, and iron and vitamin C support your body's normal production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Because your cycle is your superpower - not your enemy!
