every phase #12 - menstrual - the 3rd cycle

the land of the corpus luteum

They say the truth will set you free.

When they say the truth will set you free, it's really another way of saying, you don't have to put on a show anymore. Or put on a personality for the different people or areas in your life.  When you're a person of conviction, you can stand unafraid in what you believe in.  That's when the 'truth has set you free.'

Each menstrual cycle's shedding of the endometrial lining and reabsorption of the corpus luteum has taught me so much about freedom.  Through my own recovery and lifestyle biohacks it has shown me that true freedom is not given by anyone but you.  Freedom flows freely and is always available.  It can never be given, but it can be discovered and claimed.  It is a choice. 

You are so free you can choose bondage. (and most people do) 

-Abraham Hicks

During the making of this piece, I was thinking back on the previous three phases, and how each phase needs the others in order to exist.  None can exist independently of one another, yet all are so distinct, serving contrasting purposes while free-flowing into one another.  The corpus luteum forms at the very beginning, during ovulation, but plays a part throughout the rest of the phases until it is either supporting a human life, or being reabsorbed by the body during the menstrual cycle. 

During ovulation, an egg is released from a dominant follicle. Following the release of the egg and after the egg has chosen a sperm for fertilization (yes one is chosen by the egg.  It's not always the first one that get's there!), the follicle seals itself off and forms what is known as a corpus luteum. This mass of cells helps produce the hormone progesterone during early pregnancy.

So yes, you were literally chosen to be here. 

The corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone until the fetus is producing adequate levels to sustain the pregnancy, which usually occurs between 7 and 9 weeks of pregnancy. 

When fertilization does not happen, the corpus luteum breaks down and is reabsorbed by the body--the start of another menstrual period.

As women, we've been sold a lie that says our body and biochemistry are a disadvantage.  These taboos and myths surrounding menstrual periods are outdated and completely false. 

We’re offered medications and other interventions that only mask our issues without addressing the root cause.  Our hormones.  Nothing is wrong with you.  It’s likely your hormones are just out of balance.  

For women, the key to optimal hormonal health — and overall health — is to eat, move, supplement, and live in line with the infradian rhythm which can be broken down into four distinct phases: Follicular, Ovulatory, Luteal & Menstrual.

Biohack your Menstrual Phase... 

During the menstrual phase of your cycle, your uterus needs support to reduce inflammation and soothe cramps. Quercetin and nettles both help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Nettles are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium, which help replenish nutrients during your bleed. Quercetin supports healthy immune system function which is slightly suppressed during this phase, while supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

*Info above from floliving.com

More info on the Menstrual phase here

More info on infradian rhythm + hormonal health: Womancode + In the flo