Emotional changes are expected before and after your menstrual cycle due to hormonal shifts. These hormonal fluctuations can also affect your energy levels drastically. Most women feel sluggish and fatigued on the first day of their period, although these low energy levels can last after your cycle. According to Medical News Today, 85 percent of menstruating women experience PMS symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, and fatigue. Everyone’s body isn’t the same. Some women experience high levels of energy during and after their cycle. It’s up to you to learn the phases of your cycle and work with your energy levels.
The Follicular Phase
During day one of your period, follicles are forming on the ovaries. A mature ovum will develop in between one of these follicles around day 10. In the follicular phase, estrogen and progesterone levels will rise. According to Very Well Mind, these hormones assist in follicle development, helping the uterus lining grow and thicken to promote potential pregnancy.
Energy levels during this time have a tendency to rise or remain the same. Rising estrogen levels can cause a spike in energy for many women. During this time increase your productivity to prepare for energy levels dropping later on.
Although many women experience an increase in energy, others may feel tired and fatigued.
The Ovulation Phase
In the ovulation phase (2 weeks before your period) a number of things are going on in the female reproductive system. The mature egg is released from the ovary during this phase in preparation for potential conception. The luteinizing hormone gives the body the okay to release the egg causing an increase in estrogen and progesterone. Energy levels are heightened making you feel happier and more energetic than usual during this time.
The Luteal Phase
The second half of your menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. When the egg is released during ovulation, the ruptured follicle begins to close and forms the corpus luteum. This produces increased quantities of progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone work together in further thickening the lining of the uterus. If the egg isn’t fertilized, there is a cease in production of progesterone and estrogen levels drop. The top lining of the uterus is broken down and shed causing menstruation. The initial increase in progesterone causes sleepiness and fatigue. During this hormonal shift, there is a substantial drop in energy levels.
Around this time is when you want to curl up and dive into a new Netflix series. Prioritize self-care during this phase and focus on more mundane tasks. If you have a craving for a sweet treat, treat yourself.
Work With Your Cycle
No individual is the same when it comes to how energy is affected during the menstrual cycle. Women experience increased energy levels at different times than others. For some, they feel fatigued for the entirety of their menstrual cycles. Track how you feel during your cycle with a period tracker App or a journal. It’s important that you learn what phases your body goes through and work with your cycle.
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