HOW DO I KNOW IN WHICH PHASE I AM IN?

3 SIMPLE METHODS TO IDENTIFY THE CYCLE PHASES

01 TRACK YOUR CYCLE

Note exactly when your period starts and when it ends. This allows you to directly identify your first cycle phase (menstruation). It will also give you a good reference point for determining the subsequent phases. The best way to do this is with a cycle tracking app.

02 MEASURE YOUR TEMPERATURE

Take your temperature (basal body temperature) every day, immediately after waking up in the morning, before you move around. It is important that you measure with a basal thermometer, as this is more accurate than a normal clinical thermometer.

During the follicular phase (phase 2), your basal body temperature is at its lowest at around 36.5°. Once ovulation (phase 3) has taken place and the luteal phase (phase 4) begins, your basal body temperature rises by at least 0.2° and drops again when the next period begins.

03 OBSERVE YOUR CERVICAL MUCUS

Your cervical mucus (the whitish discharge) says a lot about which phase of your cycle you are in.

After your period you should start to observe your cervical mucus closely.

If it increases in quantity and becomes increasingly clear and spinnable like raw egg white, you are in the follicular phase (phase 2) and before ovulation (phase 3). If it becomes increasingly thicker, creamier and stickier, you are most likely going through the luteal phase and are about to have your next period.

PHASE 1

SIGNS FOR MENSTRUATION

01. Menstruation begins when the bleeding starts.

02. Menstruation ends when the bleeding has stopped.

PHASE 2

SIGNS FOR THE FOLLICULAR PHASE

01. Your period has just stopped.

02. Your skin is getting better, more radiant and glowy.

03. Your cervical mucus is creamy at first and then becomes stronger and more transparent.

04. You have more energy and a higher self-confidence.

PHASE 3

SIGNS FOR OVULATION

01. You feel a pulling or cramp-like pain in your lower abdomen (Mittelschmerz).

02. Your cervical mucus is transparent, spinnable and resembles raw eggwhite.

03. Shortly before ovulation, your basal body temperature (temperature shortly after waking up) reaches its lowest value.

04. You have light bleeding or brownish-colored discharge (spotting).

05. You have a higher libido.

06. You feel a tightness in your breasts.

PHASE 4

SIGNS FOR THE LUTEAL PHASE

01. Your skin is oily, blemished, uneven and prone to pimples.

02. You have a feeling of tension or even pain in your breasts.

03. You have an increased basal body temperature.

04. Your cervical mucus becomes less, creamier and thicker or even stops altogether.

05. You feel anxious, sad, tired and irritable and withdraw from social surroundings.

06. You have a stronger feeling of hunger or cravings and have more appetite than usual.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR CYCLE?

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