Ready to learn more about the female reproductive system? Keep reading to learn what the follicular phase is and how it works with you.
The female reproductive cycle is complicated, but learning to work with it is so rewarding. The full female cycle comes along with four phases including the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Every phase has its own set of signs and symptoms.
The follicular phase has great importance because this phase decides the present and future of your fertility. If you are planning for a family and want to know about conception then dive into this guide as it will give you insights about the follicular phase and how it can be maintained. Regardless of your plans to start a family, learning about the follicular phase still holds so much importance. The follicular phase brings a natural increase in energy levels, mood boosts, and higher sex drive. Many associate this phase with glowing skin, increased happiness, and more confidence. Learning to harness this natural spike in energy and confidence is a lasting skill every woman should have!
In this blog post, we are going to focus on the follicular phase, but first, we will take a look at each phase of the cycle.
Menstrual Phase:
Days 1-5.
The Menstrual Phase is the time of the month during which the unfertilized egg along with the uterine lining sheds off from the Uterus in the form of bleeding. This time is associated with period symptoms such as cramps, decreased energy, irritability, and mood swings.
Follicular Phase:
Days 6-14.
The follicular phase starts on the first day of your menstrual cycle and ends when it is time to ovulate. The positive symptoms associated with the follicular phase typically begin as the period ends. It is during this phase that the eggs that contain tiny alveoli called follicles ripen up and only one of them matures to leave for the fallopian tube.
Out of all the phases, the follicular phase holds great importance. This is because the follicular phase that decides whether one is fit to get pregnant or not. The follicles in the ovary can leave for ovulation only when they are fully matured. Most infertility in females occurs as a result of a disturbance in the follicular phase of the reproductive cycle.
Ovulation:
Day 14-16.
The phase during which the mature egg leaves the ovary and enters the fallopian tube for fertilization.
Luteal Phase:
Day 15-28.
During the luteal phase, hormones are released to prepare the uterus for holding a pregnancy. Learn everything you need to know about the luteal phase HERE!
Follow These Tips To Harness The Extra Energy & Confidence During The Follicular Phase:
- Leverage Increased Energy: Utilize the surge in energy levels during the follicular phase to engage in more intense workouts and physical activities. Opt for challenging exercises that align with your fitness goals, capitalizing on the enhanced endurance and strength.
- Optimal Timing for Intermittent Fasting: If you’re considering intermittent fasting, the follicular phase is an ideal time to start. With a naturally increased metabolism and higher energy expenditure, your body can better adapt to fasting intervals, potentially making this practice more manageable and effective during this phase in comparison to the luteal phase.
- Diversify Your Diet: Incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your meals to support your body’s needs during this phase. Include an abundance of colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your energy and promote overall well-being.
- Start New Projects or Set Goals: As your creativity and motivation peak, the follicular phase is an opportune time to embark on new projects, set personal or professional goals, and channel your heightened focus and determination into meaningful endeavors.
- Connect with Community: Utilize your sociable and outgoing nature during this phase to connect with your community. Engage in social activities, networking events, or collaborative projects that align with your interests and passions.
- Explore New Learning Opportunities: Take advantage of your enhanced cognitive function and receptivity to learning. Enroll in a course, attend workshops, or dive into educational materials that stimulate your mind and expand your knowledge base.
Follow These Tips To Boost Fertility During The Follicular Phase:
- Eat green vegetables as they are very rich in vitamins that boost the reproductive cycle.
- Take supplements daily especially those which are rich in Vitamin E as it is the prime source of nurturing reproductive health.
- Be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption. Practice moderation.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by walking and exercising daily.
- Avoid smoking as it delays egg maturation.
- Try to take folic acid with zinc every day irrespective of your age. It is best for women seeking conception.
- Get checked regularly by a gynecologist to rule out any hormonal disorders such as PCOs or PID.
- Never ignore any heavy or extremely light bleeding as it could be a sign of a disturbing phase from the menstrual cycle.
- Avoid long-term use of hormonal birth control pills as they completely inhibit the follicle’s maturity.
The Follicular Phase Is The Best Time Of The Month To:
Living in harmony with your cycle is an amazing way to make sure you always feel your best for life’s most important moments. Since the follicular phase is associated with higher energy levels, glowing skin, positivity, and higher sex drive it only makes sense to try to schedule the following things during this time:
- Social activities
- Events where you will be on camera
- Vacations or romantic getaways
- Higher intensity workouts
- A fun night out
Key Takeaways:
- It is important to be tracking your menstrual cycle to be aware as you enter each phase. You can use free apps to do so!
- The follicular phase is an amazing time of the month to plan your most important events.
- The follicular phase can be supported through lifestyle changes such as a good diet, daily exercise, and stress management.
- Living in harmony with your entire Menstrual Cycle is not as daunting as it sounds and will bring so many benefits.
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Thank you for reading,
Jordana
READ NEXT:
The Best Foods To Eat For Each Phase Of The Menstrual Cycle
Beat Luteal Phase Symptoms With These Tips
Discover All Menstrual Cycle Blog Posts Here
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