Using an App such as MyCalendar allows you to track your cycle and collect data over time, which will help you to determine the average duration of your cycle and when it's next expected. The phases of your menstrual cycle There are four phases of the menstrual cycle. They are the:
A normal menstrual cycle can be anywhere between 28 and 35 days long. Its duration can also differ on a month-to-month basis. Using an App such as MyCalendar allows you to track your cycle and collect data over time, which will help you to determine the average duration of your cycle and when it's next expected, as it will be different for us all. It can also be useful to measure your body temperature to estimate your menstrual cycle phase. Body temperature tends to spike by at least 0.3° C around ovulation - the midpoint of your cycle between the follicular and luteal phase (3). Training more frequently in the first two weeks, from menstruation to ovulation, has been shown to be more beneficial to gain power, strength and lean body mass, compared to the last two weeks. Follicular Phase This phase is the fun phase when you can really push the boundaries with training. Oestrogen increases at this stage, which is anti-catabolic and aids in muscle recovery (4), which means a noted increase in strength and muscle growth is often observed (5). Training more frequently in the first two weeks, from menstruation to ovulation, has been shown to be more beneficial to gain power, strength, and lean body mass, compared to the last two weeks (6). Your pain threshold is increased, endurance levels are augmented, and your insulin sensitivity is increased so your body burns through muscle glycogen like an out-of-control furnace to fuel your training. When the body is more insulin sensitive, you require less insulin to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range and to keep your body’s cells supplied with glucose. Consequently, carbohydrates are used more efficiently (7). Simply put; focus on strength, interval, power, and hypertrophy-based training and remember, it’s definitely not a time to have carb-phobia! This phase is when you turn into superwoman and is a great time to test for new PRs. Studies have shown as much as an 11% increase in both quad and hamstring strength in this time! Ovulation Phase Ovulation is characterised by a sharp increase in all hormones, including testosterone (8). This phase is when you turn into superwoman and is a great time to test for new PRs. Studies have shown as much as an 11% increase in both quad and hamstring strength in this time (9)! However, as oestrogen is at its highest, there is an increased risk of injury as oestrogen can affect collagen metabolism and influence your neuromuscular control (10). Therefore, it’s extremely important to keep your exercise form on point to reduce the risk of injury while you’re pushing heavier weight. In good news, your metabolism is starting to increase, so it is normal for your appetite to increase with it - compared to the decrease in Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) during the previous follicular phase (11). It’s also important to note that Mittelschmerz (German for middle-pain) may present in some ladies, which is characterised by dull cramp-like pain on one side of the lower abdomen (12). Lastly – and the big one for those trying to lose body fat - water retention and bloating can also present, which is important to remember as many mistake this gain in body weight as fat gain. Nope, it’s just your hormones! Arming yourself with such knowledge will keep panic at bay if this happens to you. During this phase, it is a good idea to opt for lower intensity cardio over interval training, and lower-intensity, higher rep resistance training. Luteal Phase This is when the PMS symptoms kick-in and things can head south. The normal luteal phase length from ovulation to menstruation ranges from 11 to 17 days with most luteal phases lasting 12 to 14 days (13). Your body experiences an increase in body temperature and water retention (1), reduced performance (14), and a metabolic increase of about 8% (15). Serotonin - your feel-good hormone - is lowered, which is why your mood is off. You’re snappy at everyone and you’re craving sugar. This is your body’s natural mechanism to try and increase serotonin levels from carbohydrates (16), as well as the result of falling oestrogen and progesterone levels. As a result, your body relies on fats more as a fuel source as opposed to muscle glycogen, as insulin sensitivity is at its lowest (7). During this phase, it is a good idea to opt for lower intensity cardio over interval training, and lower-intensity, higher rep resistance training (no convincing needed when everything feels like a tonne of bricks!). It's also a good idea to increase tryptophan-rich foods such as turkey and seeds - a precursor to serotonin - which may help spike serotonin production in the body. Menstrual Phase When menstruation begins, PMS symptoms tend to decrease, although cramping in the abdomen, lower back, and upper thighs can actually increase. This is when we transition into that ‘time of the month’ and your body feels like it’s returning to normal. Body temperature reduces, water retention starts to pass, energy begins to return, performance increases, fatigability reduces, and insulin sensitivity starts to increase again - good news for carb lovers! As the follicular phase approaches again, exercise intensity will naturally tend to increase. Conclusion With knowledge comes power. Learning what’s happening with your body’s hormones throughout our cycle gives us girls the ability to take advantage of certain times to train at certain intensities. The ovulation phase is the best time to train with the highest intensity (albeit it's a small window of opportunity lasting only a day or two), whilst the luteal phase is the worst time to try and train at max intensity, and lower intensity forms of training may suit you better. The luteal phase is also the time to be sceptical of your scale readings and body measurements, as this is the time you're likely to hold more water weight and bloat. It can be so disheartening feeling tight and strong one week, to watery and weak the next. Now that you know why this occurs, however, you can relax about the fluctuations on the scales, body measurements, progress pictures, and training performance you may experience - it’s all normal! Yes, it's all the joys of being a lady! References
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2 Comments
Kim
12/1/2019 02:39:12 pm
Brilliant article! Currently teaching Menstrual cycle to my Biology class who are very interested in health and fitness. Will defo refer them onto this article. Thanks so much for a brilliant informed read
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Amanda
12/1/2019 03:35:35 pm
Hi Kim, Thank you so much for the feedback- always appreciated :) Glad you found it helpful! Amanda x
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Amanda MoroneyWith over 10 years experience in the fitness industry and a burning passion for all things health and fitness, Amanda has a BSc in Exercise Science, a BSc in Health Sciences, and a MSc in Biomechanical Analysis. She is also an international IFBB Bikini competitor and a mother to Mya. Daniel BrackFrom commercial pilot to fitness coach, Daniel changed careers to pursue his passion for health & fitness. He holds a BSc and is a Certified Strength & Conditioner, Certified Fitness Trainer, certified nutritionist, an international men's physique competitor, and a father with a love for helping others become more educated to reach their goals. David GalvinDavid has a MSc in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Strength & Conditioner and Sports Nutritionist. He has a passion for helping people peak physical performance. He has worked with a diverse range of clients from Olympic athletes who have won National, European and World titles to those just looking to look, feel and perform at their best. Michelle HuntMichelle creates out of this world recipes of everyday foods we love that are more diet-friendly. She is the woman behind the mouth-watering Instagram page, @peachypalate. |