How phases of your cycle affect your productivity, energy & mood

Throughout the 4 weeks of your cycle, your hormones change drastically each week affecting how your body and brain function throughout the month.

For example, week 1 & 2 of your cycle are when you feel the most confident about your looks, personality and abilities and that’s when you’re your best at communicating…

As you go through your cycle, these changes happen the same way cycle after cycle, so understanding this pattern will change how you experience — and plan for — each week of each month of the year moving forward.

Here is what happens to your body, brain, mood, libido, appetite and emotions each week of the menstrual cycle.

WEEK 1: THE PERIOD WEEK

We mistakenly believe that it’s the worst time in a woman’s cycle but it’s a myth because estrogen levels rise during that week and it has the potential to be a great week for you.

What can make your mood sour or make you cranky or tired, is that you're dealing with menstrual cramps or low iron due to bleeding.
Also, your libido rises likely too — so if you’re comfortable with sex during your period: orgasm helps to alleviate menstrual cramps and boosts mood.

WEEK 2: THE SEXUAL WEEK

Everyone should circle this week in the calendar, especially partners! It’s typically everyone's favorite week of the cycle.

Your energy levels and mood are soaring as high estrogen levels make you confident, happy, flexible and forgiving.
You’re at your chattiest and expressing yourself comes at its most natural. This is the best time to schedule more exciting things or activities that require more confidence such as a job interview, a big meeting etc.
Your libido is at its highest. You crave physical intimacy, your orgasms are more intense and easier to achieve. Cancel some meetings and hire a baby sitter.

WEEK 3: THE QUIET WEEK

The 8 days following ovulation: this is the flip side week, when estrogen drops sharply and progesterone is rising which is a sedating hormone, like taking a Zanex.

You are quieter, subdued, with the lowest point libido where you find yourself saying "I’m really not in the mood”.
You want to connect more on an emotional level and need to be affectionate and cuddle on the couch.
Rising prostegerone makes your appetite greater and triggers cravings for favorite comfort food. If you don't eat enough, your mood can crash because progesterone can impact blood sugar in a way that makes you extremely hungry or angry in an instant.
Progesterone interrupts verbal activity: slows you down, makes you more monotone

WEEK 4: PRE-MENSTRUAL WEEK

Pre-menstrual week gotten a real bad rep but it’s not the case for everyone. Some women are not susceptible to this drop of estrogen.

This week is like the week you decided to quit alcohol or caffeine, that irritation and sensitivity that happens — everything seems more annoying. You're withdrawing from estrogen during these days.
Good news though, this week is when your libido starts to rise again due to nerve endings down below getting activated and ready for menstruation.
Voice is more trembly and rougher because of water retention in your throat.