Why is my girlfriend (or wife) so moody all of a sudden? You may ask this frightening question at least once a month while tiptoing around your princess turned dragon, trying not to awaken the beast inside. While there may be many reasons why all of use have a bad day once in a while, we, women, experience something a bit more complex.
Unfortunately, not only men but a lot of women have been done a huge discervice by not been properly taught about the different phases of women’s cycle and how hormonal changes affect the levels of their energy and mood. We are not barely talking about a couple of days of pre-menstruation. I want you, gentlemen, to understand how the full menstrual cycle works and how you consequently can better support her and make life easier for you both. Believe me, this is enlightening information.
Understanding Her Menstrual Cycle: The Basics
Every woman experiences a monthly process known as the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is more than just the period itself. It’s a month-long ballet of hormones, each phase bringing its own set of physical and emotional changes. It’s a complex interplay of hormones that unfolds in four stages: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase. Each of them can significantly influence her mood swings, energy levels, and overall well-being. Understanding these phases can help you better support your girlfriend not only when she’s on her period, but also during other phases. What is more, you can learn which days are the safest and least fertile, and which ones are the most fertile (for when you and your partner are planning a baby).
How Her Mood and Energy Levels Change
Please keep in mind that for the belwo explanation we took an average cycle of 28 days. However, everyone is different and this can be shorter or longer, or even irregular, meaning that sometimes her cycle is less than 28 days and sometimes longer than that. Nonetheless, in general every healthy woman experiences the four phases of the cycle.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s dive deeper:
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): This is when she has her period. Hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, moodiness, or even sadness. It’s a time when she might prefer rest and relaxation. For partners, it’s essential to be understanding and patient. As for conception, the chances are relatively low during this phase, but it’s not impossible.
- Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): Post-period, her body starts preparing for ovulation. Estrogen levels rise, leading to increased energy and often a more upbeat mood. This phase can be a good time for activities and outings. Ovulation occurs at the tail end of this phase, which means the chances of conception are highest around days 12-14.
- Ovulation (Day 14, but can vary): Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary, and it’s the time she’s most fertile. Estrogen peaks just before this phase, which can lead to increased libido and mood elevation. This is when she feels the most happy and beautiful. However, it’s also when she’s most likely to conceive. If you’re not planning on starting a family, it’s crucial to be particularly cautious during this time.
- Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): After ovulation, if the egg isn’t fertilized, the body prepares to start the cycle over. Progesterone rises, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Some women experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome) during this phase, which can involve emotional sensitivity, irritability, and fatigue. As a partner, being aware of these potential mood shifts and being supportive can make a world of difference. The chances of conception decrease as she moves further from the ovulation phase.
What Not to Do When Your Girlfriend is on Her Period?
Avoid making insensitive comments about her mood swings or energy levels. Remember, these changes are a natural part of her menstrual cycle and not something she can control. Also, don’t dismiss her feelings or experiences during this time. Instead, show empathy and understanding, and ty to do something nice for her.
Conclusion
Understanding her menstrual cycle and how it impacts her mood and energy levels can be enlightening. By being supportive and understanding, you can help her navigate her period with ease. Remember, every woman’s experience with her menstrual cycle is unique. It’s always best to ask her about her cycle experience to understand her body better and make informed decisions about her health.
So, gentlemen, I hope you will embrace the opportunity to understand and support your partners during their menstrual cycle. By doing so, you can help manage mood swings and contribute to their overall well-being. It’s time to align your actions with the natural ebb and flow of her cycle phases.
