You probably tracked your cycle when trying to get pregnant. But a growing number of women are now using the same method to improve their lives.

Cycle tracking is enabling them to improve how they exercise, socialise and eat.

This is because most people’s cycles are about 28 days and include four phases. During this time, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone ebb and flow, producing varying energy levels.

Understanding and acknowledging these ups and downs can enable you to be happier when doing certain things. And it can enhance how you feel, how you sleep, and even improve your sex life (or give you one – literally).

By TMC Editor, Lydia House

“A few months after the birth of our second child, my husband booked in for the snip. What a relief to no longer panic that my forgetful nature (and the reason for the early arrival of pregnancy no2) could result in another unexpected bump.
Pre-pregnancies, I’d been on and off the pill since I was 19. So, understanding the natural ups and downs of a monthly cycle wasn’t something I could remember.
Being a busy mum of two under two, life was suddenly about survival, but as our babies became toddlers, I noticed that certain days of the month were more of a struggle for me. And I started to see patterns where my period and cycle was affecting my mood, energy levels, exercise, and relationships. *Translation: The days I hate my husband.
I did start to think, ok, this is me now. I’m just going to be mental every few days a month – forever. But then the cramps got worse. And the headaches came. So, I started to investigate and talk to other women who had learnt more about their cycles and began to manage their emotions and enhance their energy levels.”

1.

I Got My Iron Levels Checked

“I found out I was deficient in iron. And this could be affecting my energy levels. My doctor advised me to take extra iron before and during my period, and it’s helped so much.”

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2.

I Take a Break

“I started to notice I was snappy the week before my period. So now I’m kind to myself. I usually have a massage around that time and do low-impact exercise, like yoga, walks or a low-impact bike ride. I have no guilt about reducing what I do around that time. Because I know that in a few days, after my period, I will have more energy, and that’s when I book things with friends or commit to higher-intensity exercise and activities. Things don’t always go as planned, as kids might not sleep or get sick. But this way of managing my time is helping.”

3.

I Take Good-Quality Magnesium

“I have always been such a believer in taking magnesium before bed to help with sleep, and recently, I was told that it can also help with menstrual cramps. Quality is essential (as with all vits and sups), as it’s the difference between something working and not.”

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By Olympic Champion, Dame Jessica Ennis

“I wasn’t confident about having an open conversation about how my period was making me feel when I trained.” “I never really researched my period cycle and the effects having a baby had on my body until I had issues. “I always remember it being an awkward conversation. It was predominantly a male environment, and I remember having those small conversations of, ‘I’m on my period, or I’m a bit tired, or I’m not feeling 100%,’ but never feeling fully confident about having an open conversation about how I felt and how it was making me feel. Maybe if I had spent more time understanding my cycle, particularly when pushing myself, I would have built more lean muscle and become stronger. I launched Jennis to show that by talking openly and moving differently, we can regain power over our bodies, symptoms and hormonal health.”

Jessica Ennis’ Health Platform: Jennis

The Jennis hormonal health platform uses the very latest women’s health science to help women understand their body and hormones.
It includes expert information, education, amazing fitness, lifestyle and nutrition guides.
That means reduced symptoms, increased productivity in the workplace and a complete understanding of your hormone power.

Find out more

By TMC Wokingham Host, Luzaan Shaw

“I often feel bloated, and I’ve had phases where my menstrual cramps have been uncomfortable, but I found that having kids changed things. I started getting menstrual migraines. I only realised these were related to my cycle when I started tracking them.
I started using flo, which uses the information you add and helps predict roughly when your next period will be. It also has tons of info you can read, a forum and gives you access to experts who can talk to you about your symptoms.
A couple of months ago, I invested in another paid-for app called Natural Cycles, which considers your previous cycle info, Basal body temp and ovulation tests. This is the most accurate app I’ve used so far. My period came on the exact date it predicted last month. I know now what to expect in terms of PMS as well as the different phases of my cycle, and I adapt how I go about my days accordingly, whether it’s taking it easy or getting sh*t ticked off my to-do list and going harder in the gym!

Natural Cycles

Flo

Clue