Have you ever complained about feeling like you only have one or two good weeks a month? Same. I set out to better understand what my body is going through during each of the four phases of the menstrual cycle, and how it effects me holistically. The four phases are based on a 28-day cycle, says Westchester, NY OBGYN Alyssa Dweck, MD, but she notes that normal cycles can vary from 21 to 35 days.
“Each phase brings different changes to the mood and body,” says founder of cycle-based wellness app 28, Brittany Hugoboom. Mood, nutrient needs, energy and more shift with each cycle. Hugoboom recommends adjusting exercise and diet based on your cycle to maintain a healthy balance in your weight, hormone levels, and overall mood.