Cycle Syncing: How to work with your hormones in each phase of your cycle
Cycle syncing is a method that aligns your exercise, nutrition and overall lifestyle to the natural rhythm of your menstrual cycle, which can help to reduce symptoms, optimize performance and improve overall well-being.
If you menstruate, you're probably all too familiar with some of the discomfort and symptoms that can come with it. From cramps and bloating to fatigue and mood swings, these symptoms can make it difficult to focus on daily tasks, let alone maintain a consistent exercise routine.
But what if there was a way to alleviate these symptoms and help you feel good throughout your cycle?
Cycle syncing is a method that aligns your exercise, nutrition, and overall lifestyle to the natural rhythm of your menstrual cycle, which can help to reduce symptoms, optimize performance, and improve overall well-being.
In this article, we will delve into the specific symptoms that cycle syncing can alleviate and how to implement it into your routine for a healthier and more balanced life.
If you'd like a Cycle Syncing Plan sent directly to your inbox at the start of each phase of your cycle, complete this form: Cycle Syncing Plan
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What is cycle syncing?
Cycle syncing, also known as menstrual cycle syncing, was first coined by Alice Vitti, an expert in women's hormones and integrative nutrition, in her book “Woman Code” in 2014.
In simple terms, cycle syncing involves aligning lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep patterns, social commitments, and more, in accordance with the different phases of your menstrual cycle to improve hormone balance and alleviate symptoms associated with hormones.
As mentioned by Dr. Natalie Brown in our video article, Phases of The Menstrual Cycle Explained, -
“By understanding your body, you can start working with it rather than against it or fighting the negative symptoms of the menstrual cycle.”
This approach can help optimize your health and fitness goals by taking into account the unique hormonal changes that occur during each phase of your menstrual cycle.
Understanding the importance of cycle syncing for the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is often mistaken for menstruation (period). However, your period is just the first part of your cycle, which starts on the day you start bleeding and ends when your next period starts.
Understanding the menstrual cycle and how it impacts your body and mind can help you understand changes in your hair, skin, bowel movements, mental health, physical strength, sex drive, and so on.
Based on a recent study (2020) on menstrual cycle length, a typical cycle lasts for an average of 27-29 days, and can be divided into 4 phases:
- Early Follicular phase (menstruation)
- Laet Follicular phase
- Mid-Luteal Phase
- Late Luteal phase
Phase 1: Early Follicular Phase (Menstruation)
The menstrual phase is the first phase of your menstrual cycle which usually lasts between 3 to 7 days, and is characterized by the shedding of the lining of the uterus (also known as the endometrium).
During this phase, your estrogen and progesterone levels are low, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and bloating.
Note, though we refer to this time as the menstrual phase, it's also the beginning of the follicular phase (see image above).
Phase 2: Late Follicular phase
The late follicular phase is the second phase of your menstrual cycle which can last from 14 to 21 days and is characterized by the growth of new follicles in the ovaries.
During this phase, your estrogen levels gradually increase, which can improve your mood and energy levels.
Phase 3: Ovulation and Mid-Luteal Phase
The ovulatory phase is the third phase of your menstrual cycle which typically lasts for about 1 to 2 days, and is characterized by the release of an egg from the ovaries (also known as ovulation).
During this phase, your estrogen and progesterone levels are at their highest, which can boost your mood, energy levels, and libido.
Phase 4: Late Luteal phase
The luteal phase is the final phase of your menstrual cycle and is characterized by the development of the corpus luteum in the ovaries.
During this phase, your progesterone levels increase, which can cause symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
Each phase is characterized by specific hormonal changes that can affect your mental health and physical health. Now that we know the key hormonal changes, we can discuss more how to adapt your nutrition and fitness routine to support your physical and mental health and maximize its benefits
If you would like to read a more in-depth explanation, find it here in our complete article on - The Menstrual Cycle - Phases, Hormones, and Their Functions
Benefits of cycle syncing
According to experts, cycle syncing can offer several benefits for women, including:
- Improve hormonal balance
- Reduce PMS symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and cravings
- Make your workout routine more effective
- Reduce the risk of injury during a workout
- Reduce period symptoms such as period pain and mood swings
- Feel more energized and balanced
- Provide fertility support and when best to conceive
- Better quality of sleep
Who can benefit the most from cycle syncing?
It’s important to note that every person is different and some will experience severe symptoms throughout their cycle whilst others will not be greatly impacted.
Understanding cycle syncing can benefit every person who menstruates, especially if you do not feel at your best in all phases of your cycle (i.e. suffer from PMS).
That being said, based on a study done in 2016 on a group of women aged from 25 to 46, you may benefit the most from cycle syncing if you are:
- Overweight
- Over fatigued
- Constant low libido
- Finding it hard to conceive
How long does it take to feel the effects of cycle syncing?
Since we all have different cycle patterns, it is hard to pinpoint the exact timeframe, that being said, on average, it can take up to 3 months for you to start feeling the effects of cycle syncing.
How to cycle sync during each phase of the menstrual cycle?
In a previous section, we explained the different hormonal fluctuations that you would face during each phase of the menstrual cycle.
In this section, we shall discuss how you can utilize those fluctuations and tailor them to your fitness routine, nutrition plan, and fertility to make the best of it.
How to cycle sync during your follicular phase
During the menstrual phase, your energy levels are likely to be at their lowest, due to your estrogen and progesterone levels being low, and the potential loss of nutrients from bleeding. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and bloating.
Exercise cycle syncing guidelines during the menstrual phase
As you are low on energy levels, this is definitely not your moment to do high-intensity workouts. It is best recommended to take a rest during this phase.
As for workouts, try low-impact exercises during your menstrual phase like:
- Relaxing yoga poses
- Light cardio, like walking and hiking
- Stretching
Note these are general guidelines. Some people report feeling strong and energized from day 2 of their cycle. If so, listen to your body and amend your workouts to fit your needs.
Nutrition cycle syncing guidelines during the menstrual phase
Food focus: Nutrients, warmth & comfort
To support your health and well-being during this phase, focus on eating foods that are high in fibre, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. These foods can help alleviate bloating and support overall health.
Add these food items to your shopping list for the menstrual phase:
- Sweet potato
- Kelp or similar sea vegetables
- Brown rice Kefir or probiotic yoghurts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Millet-based cereals
- Wheat germ
- Protein such as beef/chicken
- Lentils
- Fish
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Nuts
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Mental wellness cycle syncing guidelines during the menstrual phase
As this phase puts you in a low-energy state, it is important to spend a little time for yourself and explore your inner self.
Practice a few of these for a better state of mind during your menstrual phase:
- Meditation
- Journalising
- Breathing exercises
How to cycle sync during your follicular phase
During this phase, your estrogen levels gradually increase, which can improve your mood and energy levels. Symptoms like cramping that occur during the menstrual phase often do not occur in the follicular phase.
Exercise cycle syncing guidelines during the follicular phase
Now that your energy levels are starting to kick back in, this is a good time to ramp up your workouts and try more challenging activities.
Some of the workouts you can include during your follicular phase are:
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
- Boxing
- Strength training
- Swimming
- Running
- Hiking
Nutrition cycle syncing guidelines during the follicular phase
Food focus: Fresh, light, and repair
In terms of nutrition, focus on eating protein-rich foods, which can help support muscle growth and repair. It is also important to include adequate fiber during this stage to support the body’s metabolism of estrogen.
Add these food items to your shopping list for the follicular phase:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Nuts/seed mix
- Probiotic yogurt
- Olive oil
- Zucchini
- Fish (Salmon)
Mental wellness - cycle syncing guidelines during the follicular phase
During this phase, you are likely to feel more creative, upbeat, and optimistic. Utilize this time to do activities like:
- Brainstorming and planning
- Try new things
- Socializing
How to cycle sync during your ovulation phase
During this phase, your estrogen and progesterone levels are at their highest, which can boost your mood, energy levels, and libido. The ovulation phase is the stage at which your body is getting ready for a potential pregnancy.
Ovulation phase workouts
This is a great time to focus on taking advantage of your increased energy levels. Keep in mind, not to overdo your training, as it could decrease your sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) resulting in lower fertility.
Some of the workouts you can include during your ovulation phase are:
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
- Cycling
- Running
- Circuit training
- Boxing
Foods to eat during the ovulation phase
Food focus: Fibrous, strength, and recovery
Focus on eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, which can support overall health and well-being.
Add these food items to your shopping list for the ovulation phase:
- Quinoa
- Eggs
- Kale
- Tomatoes
- Flaxseeds & pumpkin seeds
- Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, papaya
- Leafy green vegetables
- Wholegrain: bread, pasta, rice
Ovulation phase mindset
The ovulation phase is the peak moment of your mindset. You will feel more confident and magnetic. Completely utilize this moment to indulge in:
- Socializing
- Public speaking
- Planning and prepping
- Collaborations
How to cycle sync during your luteal phase
During this phase, your progesterone levels increase, which can cause symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
If your egg hasn’t been fertilized during your cycle, this phase is where your body gets ready for menstruation. Your progesterone peaks, but then drops shortly. Oesterogen also drops hard. This stage can be when premenstrual syndrome or PMS may occur.
Luteal phase workouts
During this final phase of your cycle, you are likely to still have a little bit of energy reserve left, but it will drop shortly after. It is a good idea to start pulling back a little bit and start prepping for the menstrual phase in terms of workouts
Some of the workouts you can include during your luteal phase are:
- Yoga
- Strength training (light)
- Pilates
- Low-intensity cardio
Foods to eat during the luteal phase
Luteal food focus: Limit cravings, health, and mindful
focus on eating foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, which can help regulate your mood and energy levels. During the luteal phase, you are likely to experience heavy cravings and mood changes. So it is key to provide your body with the nutrients it needs, but not the wrong ones.
Add these food items to your shopping list for the luteal phase:
- Lentils
- Dark chocolate
- Caffeine-free herbal teas
- Sesame seeds
- Spinach
- Brown rice
- Protein(tofu, chicken, lean meats, fish)
- Berries
- Fruits (Apple)
Luteal phase mindset
During the luteal phase, you might be feeling more fatigued and less sociable. Your mind is also more prone to experiencing anxiety and overthinking.
This is the best moment to indulge in:
- Planning
- Project preparations
- Self analyzing
Fitness and cycle syncing
As discussed in the previous section, it is best to cater your workout to the different phases that your cycle will take you through.
For ease, here is a hormonal workout plan for you to save to plan your workout calendar
Nutrition and cycle syncing
Nutrition during cycle syncing depends on your hormonal requirements at each of your phases as we discussed.
Here is a cycle-syncing food chart for you to save to plan your nutrition calendar and shopping list.
Sex and fertility and cycle syncing
As hormone levels heighten and lower, so does your libido. Your sex drive peaks the most when you are in your ovulation phase, syncing with your body when it's most fertile. The menstrual phase is the least fertile phase of the month.
Can cycle syncing help with weight loss?
Cycle syncing workouts are designed to give the best output based on the phase of the menstrual cycle that a woman is in at the moment. By using this method of exercise, cycle syncing can definitely help with weight loss, hormone balance, better sleep, sex drive, and so much more.
How to start cycle syncing?
To start cycle syncing, the first step is to track your period and identify which phase you are currently in. If you are facing irregular patterns, it would be wise to also note down your energy and mood levels.
Once you have identified your phase in the menstrual cycle, set guidelines of how to eat and exercise to best support your body during these phases.
You can also use your body's natural cues to identify when your phase changes.
Does cycle syncing actually work?
The simple answer is cycle syncing works, but you need to create a plan tailored to your needs.
So, why are most women still not following this emerging trend? Why do some women tend to give up on cycle syncing mid-way through?
“Sticking on to this procedure of cycle syncing is easier said than done”
A study in 2004 showed that about 46% of women have a fluctuating pattern in their cycle length by about 7 days. A further 20% of them had a fluctuation of about 14 days. This simply means your cycle would differ from another woman, therefore generally following a few steps would just not be enough to see the same results as another would see.
Furthermore, the responses of progesterone and estrogen may exhibit huge variations between cycles and different women. Some women facing certain health conditions may also lack estrogen and progesterone.
It is therefore important to track your cycle with a good period tracking app and to follow tailored suggestions and procedures supporting your body and cycle, especially if you feel like you haven't been able to experience many differences even after following all the steps in this article.
References
- Journal of medical internet research (2020) - Menstrual Cycle Length and Patterns in a Global Cohort of Women Using a Mobile Phone App: Retrospective Cohort Study
- Sport Medicine (2020) - The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- International journal of obesity (2007) - Impact of the menstrual cycle on determinants of energy balance: a putative role in weight loss attempts
- Sports medicine (2020) - The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- American holistic nurses association (2016) - Menstrual Synchronization: A Qualitative Study
- Science direct (2004) - How regular is regular? An analysis of menstrual cycle regularity
- Europe PMC (2019) - Methodological Recommendations for Menstrual Cycle Research in Sports and Exercise.
- Pubmed (2019) - To compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on Premenstrual syndrome
- Pubmed (2020) - The effect of the menstrual cycle on running economy
- Pubmed (2003) - Effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance