Have you ever noticed that you feel different day-to-day?
Maybe some days you feel like superwoman and you’re knocking out to-do’s left and right. And then there are other days where you feel like you can barely do the minimum.
Or maybe some days during your workout you’re crushing it, and other days it feels like you can’t keep up.
Or perhaps you go from sleeping like a baby to suddenly struggling with sleep.
As with most things in nature, rhythms are at play here. Throughout a woman’s cycle, there are hormone fluctuations that can make you feel and perform differently.
When we look at the body as a whole, our hormones impact virtually every part or function of our body — so it makes sense that we may not feel the same day in, day out.
I get it, these changes can make us feel crazy if we don’t understand what’s really going on.
In this article, I’ll share how the how the following changes throughout each cycle phase:
Cervical fluid
Monthly fluctuations in our cervical fluid is normal as our hormone levels naturally rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle. Monitoring your cervical fluid can also help you determine when you’re most fertile!
Stool Changes
Changes in our stools as our hormone levels naturally rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle is normal, however, stool changes could also indicate that hormones are not well balanced.
Sleep
Progesterone is the hormone associated with calming, relaxing effects. So if one has estrogen dominance or low levels of progesterone, sleep may be more difficult. This includes both falling and staying asleep.
Energy
Throughout a woman’s cycle, there are hormone fluctuations that can make you feel and perform differently.
Mood
Perhaps one of the most known and experienced changes during the cycle, mood can be affected by changing hormone levels. Those struggling with PMS and PMDD can be particularly affected.
Menses
What your hormones are doing:
When you start bleeding this marks the start of your menstrual phase. During this time, both progesterone and estrogen levels are low.
Cervical Fluid
At the beginning of your cycle, since levels of both progesterone and estrogen are low, there will be little to no cervical fluid. Just blood coming through the cervix from the uterus.
Stool Changes
Frequent, sometimes loose bowel movements that can be very crampy at the onset, then normalize towards the end of your period.
Sleep
Since progesterone is the hormone associated with calming, relaxing effects, you may have a more difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep during this phase as it is at its lowest.
Energy
Hormone levels (and energy levels) are at their lowest concentrations during this time. Losing blood is also a time when we lose iron which can contribute to this natural lower energy state. This is a great time to go inward, and not push too hard or rest if you can.
Mood
You might feel like turning inward a bit more and fatigued. Making time for rest is key!
Follicular Phase
What your hormones are doing:
During this time, both estrogen and progesterone levels are rising in preparation for ovulation.
Cervical Fluid
Estrogen is beginning to rise and the cervix begins to produce more fluid. In the beginning of this phase it might be a little drier, then become creamier and wetter — whitish and cloudy in color.
Stool Changes
The best of your entire cycle.
Sleep
You may feel more sleepy or drowsy during this time.
Energy
Hormone levels are still quite low during the initial part of this phase, but start to increase. You’ll find that you will start to have more energy after menstruation.
Mood
You could go from feeling fatigued to energized, from inward focused to more social and outgoing.
Ovulation Phase
What your hormones are doing:
As estrogen levels peak, an egg will likely be released from its follicle in the ovary, and it will survive for 12-24 hrs.
Cervical Fluid
As you are about to ovulate, estrogen begins to peak and cervical fluid production will increase and turn more into an eggwhite-like consistency. It should be wet, slippery to the touch, and clear. This is cervical fluid is called #spinnbarkeit
Stool Changes
Possibly no change or you may experience a tendency towards constipation
Sleep
You may drift off to sleep easily and stay asleep easily, UNLESS you don’t ovulate or aren’t responding well to the progesterone you are producing.
Energy
Estrogen levels peak at this time, as do energy levels. Often this is the time when you crave harder, more intense workouts and that they feel easier! Since you’ll most likely have more energy during this time, it’s also a great time to connect and communicate more with others
Mood
You could feel an increase in libido and energy. The body knows what it wants to do (;
Luteal Phase
What your hormones are doing:
In the beginning of the luteal phase, as your body is preparing for ovulation (and possible pregnancy), both progesterone and estrogen peak.
Cervical Fluid
As progesterone increases with estrogen, and then levels decrease again closer to your period, cervical fluid can be thicker and then decrease again closer to your period.
Stool Changes
Many experience bloating and/or constipation as progesterone and estrogen (somewhat) rise.
Sleep
The second part of your luteal phase, right before menstruation, hormone levels drop, which can lead to PMS and a more difficult time sleeping.
Energy
After ovulation and if ovulation occurs, progesterone peaks. In the first half of this phase you have more energy, and the second half you have less. You may find yourself starting to turn inward as you get closer to your period, and organizing projects feel very satisfying.
Mood
The most troubling time for those who suffer from PMS and/or PMDD. Emotional fluctuations will increase the closer you get to menses, and you will likely feel more sluggish and withdrawn/introverted. The second part of your luteal phase, right before menstruation, hormone levels drop, which can lead to PMS and more severe mood swings that are often associated with PMDD.
Abnormal Changes / Signs / Symptoms
Cervical Fluid
- Unusual consistency: extra thick, thin, or chunky
- Amount: increased or diminished amount than normal
- Smell: metalicy, fishy, or different than normal
- Color: yellow, green, gray, brown, or w/blood outside of your period
Stool Changes
- A chronic predisposition to loose stools can be a potential sign of high thyroid, low estrogen, or low progesterone.
- A chronic predisposition to constipation can be a potential sign of low thyroid, high estrogen, or excess stress (although stress can induce loose stools in some).
Sleep
If one is struggling with hormonal imbalances, PCOS, or other ovulatory disorders, and if you don’t ovulate, it can greatly impact your sleep. If you struggle to fall or stay asleep consistently, it’s time to reach out to your provider.
Energy
Are you tired, groggy, or with brain fog for most of the month? Then it’s time to get your hormone levels checked!
Mood
If you find yourself every month struggling with angry outbursts, debilitating anxiety or depression, extreme irritability, this is a sign that something deeper is going on. Even though many of these PMS/PMDD symptoms are common, they are not normal if they affect your daily life every single month.
One Final Comment:
Another interesting point to illuminate here is that many human trials have not always adequately enrolled women due to variations in their hormone levels and the possibility of pregnancy making them an at risk population, especially in drug trials. Women metabolize drugs differently for many reasons, but hormones play a part too. There are many efforts to change this, but we still have a long way to go.
So the next time that you find yourself wondering why you don’t have the energy to do something or why your sleep suddenly seems to be off, be patient and see how you feel in a few days. Remember to be kind to yourself and that it can be due to the natural ebb and flow. If any symptom is sustained, then check in with your health provider to learn more.
