Happiful April 2021

wellbeing
As you reach the middle of the
cycle, ovulation usually happens.
This is when you hit the peak
oestrogen levels, so your moods
may continue to be positive, with
studies showing women are more
sexually active in the days leading
up to ovulation. Body temperature
rises slightly when ovulating too,
so you might feel warmer.
Just after ovulation, our
progesterone levels start to rise.
This hormone is responsible for
helping our body make the stress
hormone cortisol, so you might
notice moodiness begin to kick in,
along with feeling bloated.
“Studies of women with IBS
have shown that symptoms tend
to be worse during the luteal
phase, just after ovulation,”
explains dietitian, and director
of CityDietitians, Sophie Medlin.
“The bowel contains receptors
for the hormones oestrogen and
progesterone, telling us that the
bowel is designed to sense and
react to them – and the luteal
phase is when they peak.”
Assuming you haven’t fallen
pregnant, the last part of your
cycle is the week before your
period, and it’s
here when both
your oestrogen and
progesterone levels
drop in anticipation.
This sudden dip
can cause the mood
swings we associate
with PMS, but this
isn’t something
that everyone will
experience.
Why tracking your
menstrual cycle can help
Although we know the science
behind our monthly cycle,
naturally we’re all a little different.
“Lots of factors can have
an impact on our hormones,
including: sleep, the foods we
eat, especially getting enough
fibre and the nutrients which are
building blocks for hormones;
and, of course, stress,” registered
nutritionist Uta Boellinger
explains. “When we are stressed,
our body produces stress
hormones including cortisol.
These take priority over other
hormones. So it’s a really good
idea to track your cycle to make
Oestrogen helps modify
the effects of our feel-good
endorphins and boosts
serotonin, so we can feel teary
and emotional when our levels
drop as our periods start
sure you notice any changes
that can indicate hormonal
imbalance.”
Some of this is out of our control,
but getting to know your cycle can
be really helpful in pinpointing
these highs and lows. It has a
practical purpose, too; you can
schedule in projects during the
times in your cycle when you
know you’re more clear-headed
and productive, and arrange that
pampering evening for the time
you know you might feel low.
Top tips for tracking
your monthly cycle
• Get appy: A simple app can help
you track your cycle, and receive
notifications at different points in
the month. >>>
happiful.com | April 2021 | 23