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The science behind the cycle
Your body goes through four phases every month - Menstruation, Follicular, Ovulation and Luteal.
Every phase represents a complex interplay of hormonal fluctuations, involving distinct hormonal changes and varying ratios, that affect all your bodily functions - from mood and heart rate variability (HRV) to metabolism, immunity, sleep, fitness, cognition, energy and even libido. -
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Phase 01
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Menstrual Phase
(Days 1 - 7)
Your Body
This phase begins the new menstrual cycle with the first day of your period. During your period, your key sex hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—plummet to their lowest levels within the cycle. Since pregnancy didn't happen, your body is busy shedding your endometrium; this thickened lining of the uterus is no longer needed so it peels off, releasing a combination of blood and tissue from the uterus
How You Feel
During these bloody days your body is working extra hard and losing nutrients, leaving you feeling more tired than usual and making this an essential phase to rest and recover.
Our Formula
Replenishes minerals and lost iron, helps reduce inflammation and pain, relieve cramps and headaches, restore low energy levels, improves mood and sleep quality, reduce fatigue and cravings, improve blood sugar management and cognitive function, avoiding infections and UTIs*
Key Benefits
- Iron & remineralise: Iron (and Vit C, Copper, B2 and B6 for Iron’s optimal absorption), Boron, Calcium, Vitamin D3 & K2 and Manganese (bone health)*
- Reduce Period Symptoms (Bloating, Cramps, Aches, Headaches…) and Inflammation: Bioflavonoids, Vit E, Omega 3, Chamomile, Ginger Root* And from the Botanic Adaptogenic blend: Chasteberry, Ginkgo Biloba, Dong Quai*
- Low energy and fatigue: B Vitamins and CoQ10*. And from the daily Botanic Adaptogenic blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Holy Basil, Maca*
- Craving Control: Boron, Chromium, Magnesium.
- Blood Sugar Management & Insulin Sensitivity: CoQ10, Inositol, Manganese*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Holy Basil, American & Siberian Ginseng*
- Cognitive Function: B vitamins, CoQ10 and Omega-3. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, L-Theanine, Lion’s Mane*
- Mood Boost: Vitamins B6 and D3*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Maca, Siberian Ginseng, Lion’s Mane*
- Sleep: Magnesium, Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, Lion’s Mane*
- Immunity: Boron, Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Vit A, Vit C*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American & Siberian Ginseng, Holy Basil, L-Theanine, Dong Quai*
- Hormonal Balance: Grapeseed*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Dong Quai, Ashwagandha, Chasteberry*
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Phase 02 & 03
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Follicular & Ovulatory Phases
(Days 8 - 14)
Your Body
As your body begins maturing eggs for ovulation, it produces the hormone estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining, creating a nutrient-rich environment for a potential embryo to grow. Estrogen levels ramp up to its peak approximately one day before ovulation - which normally happens around day 14 in a 28-day cycle, right in the middle of the menstrual cycle, and it lasts about 24 hours. A mature egg is released traveling through the fallopian tube to the ovary where it can potentially be fertilized. This is the time during the menstrual cycle when you can get pregnant. Testosterone levels rise during this phase while progesterone remains low.
How You Feel
High levels of estrogen - having a strong and positive effect on serotonin - lead to a better mood, an optimistic headspace and improved cognitive skills. High levels of testosterone enhances energy, confidence, motivation and as well as muscle strength and sex drive. On the flip side, this energy boost increases oxidative stress in the body which, together with increased estrogen production, puts extra pressure on the liver, challenging toxins elimination.
Our Formula
Supports energy increase while reducing the negative impact of high oxidative stress, supports thyroid function, liver health and general detoxification, while facilitating estrogen production (and its metabolization), and supporting the upcoming ovulation*
Key Benefits
- Energy support and Fitness recovery: B Vitamins, CoQ10, Magnesium*. And from the daily Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Holy Basil, Maca*
- Oxidative stress: Flavonoids, CoQ10, Vit C, Resveratrol* And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Holy Basil, Ginkgo Biloba*
- Thyroid Support: Iodine, Manganese and Selenium*
- Liver & General Detox: Resveratrol, Lycopene, Potassium, Milk Thistle*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Holy Basil
- Estrogen production: Zinc*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Dong Quai*
- Brain Health & Cognition: B Vitamins, Omega 3, CoQ10, Resveratrol*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, L-Theanine*
- Bone health: Boron, Calcium, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Milk Thistle, Resveratrol, Omega 3*
- Hormonal Balance: Grapeseed*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, Maca, Chasteberry, Dong Quai*
- Anxiety & Stress Management (Botanic Adaptogenic Blend): Ashwagandha, L-theanine, Lion’s Mane, Ginkgo Biloba. Holy Basil*
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Phase 04
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Luteal Phase
(Days 15 - next period)
Your Body
Estrogen and testosterone begin their decline while progesterone starts rising to stimulate the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy - if not pregnant it will shed in the menstrual phase and begin the cycle again. About a week before the period, peaking progesterone (and the second smaller bump in estrogen) will start to decline causing the onset of the period.
How You Feel
In the beginning you are still riding the energetic wave from the previous phase, but slowly you will feel that your energy levels and sex drive start to tamper down, until you may even feel depleted. You might experience sleep disturbances and mood swings. Cravings start to kick-in and digestion slows down. During the 5-2 days before the next period (when the body starts producing more of a chemical called prostaglandin, increasing inflammation in the body) we most likely start experiencing the pesky PMS symptoms.
Our Formula
During the first few days, it supports high energy levels while reducing oxidative stress, promoting liver detoxification and helping to metabolize estrogen and produce progesterone to upkeep hormonal balance. Later on, it will help reduce inflammation, avoid PMS and stress, prevent UTIs and other infections, reduce cravings and improve insulin resistance, support sleep quality, promote diuresis and progesterone production for hormonal balance.
Key Benefits
- Energy upkeep: B Vitamins, CoQ10, Magnesium*. And from the daily Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng*
- Fatigue: B Vitamins, CoQ10, Iron*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: American Ginseng*
- Stress & Anxiety: B Vitamins, Inositol, CoQ10, Omega 3*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, L-theanine*
- Liver and General Detox: Choline Bitartrate, Grapeseed, Resveratrol, Lycopene, Potassium*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Holy Basil*
- Hormonal Balance: Grapeseed*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Maca, Ashwagandha, Chasteberry, Dong Quai*
- Cognition: Vitamin D3, CoQ10, Resveratrol*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, L-Theanine, Holy Basil, Lion’s Mane*
- Mood: B Vitamins, Vitamin D3*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Chasteberry
- Diuresis: Potassium*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Siberian Ginseng*
- Inflammation & PMS: Vitamin B6, Manganese, Vitamin D3, Omega3, Resveratrol*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Chasteberry, Ginkgo Biloba*
- Immunity & UTI Prevention: Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, D- Mannose*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Holy Basil, Siberian Ginseng, Maca*
- Reduce PMS Symptoms (Bloating, Cramps, Aches, Headaches…) and Inflammation: Bioflavonoids, Vit E, Omega 3, Chamomile, Ginger Root* And from the Botanic Adaptogenic blend: Chasteberry, Ginkgo Biloba, Dong Quai*
- Cravings, Blood sugar & Insulin sensitivity: Chromium, Vitamin D3, CoQ10, Magnesium, Resveratrol, Zinc*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: American Ginseng, Holy Basil, Ginkgo Biloba*
- Sleep: Magnesium*. And from the Botanic Adaptogenic Blend: Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, Lion’s Mane, Holy Basil*
- Progesterone production: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin C and B6*
The Hormones, Explained.
Hormones are like tiny messengers in your body that tell your organs and tissues what to do. Even a small change in these hormones can make you feel tired, change your weight, cause acne, and other things. These hormones, along with the parts of your body that make and send them out (mostly glands), are what we call the endocrine system.
Let's look at different kinds of hormones and what they do:
- Thyroid Hormones - They help control how fast or slow your body uses energy. The main ones are thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3).
- Reproductive Hormones - These are really important for things like having babies and how your body changes during puberty. They include hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone.
- Stress Hormones - When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
- Sleep Hormones - Melatonin is the hormone that helps you sleep and wake up.
- Sugar and Metabolic Health Hormones - Insulin and leptin are hormones that help control your blood sugar and how your body stores and uses energy.
Knowing about these hormones helps us understand how our body works and why it's important to keep them balanced for good health.
Key Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle and What Happens When They're Imbalanced
In a woman's body, certain hormones play big roles in the menstrual cycle:
- Estrogen: Made mostly in the ovaries, estrogen helps develop female body parts and other female features. During the menstrual cycle, it thickens the lining of the uterus, getting it ready for a possible pregnancy.
- Progesterone: This hormone, also from the ovaries, comes into play after an egg is released. It keeps the uterine lining stable and ready for a fertilized egg. If there's no pregnancy, progesterone levels drop and menstruation starts.
- Testosterone: Although it's often thought of as a male hormone, women have it too. It helps with muscle strength, bones, and sexual desire. Testosterone levels change during the menstrual cycle, often rising around the time of ovulation.
- FSH & LH: These are made in the pituitary gland in the brain. FSH starts the menstrual cycle by getting the ovaries to make follicles, which hold eggs. LH works with FSH to cause ovulation and helps make progesterone and testosterone.
What Happens When Hormones Are Out of Balance?
If your hormones aren't balanced, it can affect your health a lot. You might have irregular or painful periods, feel really tired, have mood swings, gain weight, have trouble sleeping, and lose interest in sex. Over time, these problems can lead to bigger health issues like trouble having babies, weak bones, and a higher chance of some diseases.
Common reasons for hormone imbalances include:
- Poor Sleep: Not sleeping well can mess up hormones like insulin, leading to weight problems and health issues.
- Medications: Some medicines can fix hormone problems but might also cause other imbalances.
- Stress: Being stressed a lot can keep cortisol (a stress hormone) high, which can upset other hormones.
- Caffeine and Alcohol: Caffeine can increase cortisol, making stress worse. Alcohol can harm the liver and sleep. Green tea might be a healthier choice.
- Too Much Sugar: Eating lots of sugar and processed foods can cause cravings and affect insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar.
- Environmental Chemicals: Some chemicals in everyday items can act like estrogen, leading to too much estrogen in the body. Using natural products can help reduce this problem.
The key to healthier hormonal balance is understanding what's off balance and then beginning to make adjustments in your daily routine.
Knowing what's going wrong with your hormones is the first step. Once you identify the problem, you can start to fix it with changes in your everyday life. These small but significant adjustments can greatly help in balancing your hormones. In the following section, we will explore the different types of hormonal imbalances and their symptoms, providing you with the knowledge you need to recognize and address these issues effectively.
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Cortisol Imbalance
Memory Lapses
Sugar Cravings
Weight gain or loss resistance
Caffeine cravings
High blood sugar
Irregular menstrual cycles
Negativity
Insomnia or poor sleep
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Low Progesterone
PMS
Cyclical Headaches
Irregular menstrual cycles
or more frequent cycles as you age.
Heavy or Painful periods
Bloating
Easily disrupted sleep
Ovarian Cysts, breast cysts, endometrial cysts.
Clumsiness and poor coordination
Infertility
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Estrogen Imbalance
Bloating, puffiness, water retention
Heavy bleeding
Rapid weight gain (particularly hips and butt) .
Increased breast size and tenderness
Endometriosis or painful periods
Extreme mood swings, PMS, depression or irritability
Anxiety
Insomnia
Brain fog, poor memory
Red flush on the face
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Low libido
Painful sex
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Low Thyroid
Hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails.
Fluid retention
High cholesterol
Additional extra few pounds you can’t lose.
Headaches
Less sweating
Body pain in joints and poor muscle tone
Feel like an old lady overnight
Fatigue in the morning
Slow thinking
Trouble focusing
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High Testosterone
Oily skin
Acne
Hair loss, balding
Facial hair
Unstable blood sugar
Depression, anxiety
Long menstrual cycles (more than every 35 days)
Mid-cycle pain
Infertility
PCOS
Ovarian Cysts
Cycle Syncing: Living in alignment with your body’s natural rhythms
Living in sync with your body’s natural rhythms can transform the way you experience life. Cycle syncing, a wellness trend gaining traction, revolves around aligning your lifestyle with the phases of your menstrual cycle, aiming to optimize physical and mental health. By understanding and adapting to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during different stages, individuals can harness this knowledge to enhance well-being.
What is Cycle Syncing?
Cycle syncing revolves around adjusting daily habits such as diet, exercise, and sleep patterns to harmonize with the four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. This practice acknowledges the impact of hormonal changes on various aspects of life, including mood, energy levels, productivity, and sleep quality. Embracing tailored strategies for each phase enables individuals to navigate their cycle with greater vitality and balance.
Those who embrace cycle syncing often report a range of benefits:
Enhanced Energy: Recognizing peak energy phases allows for optimizing high-intensity workouts and creative endeavors, maximizing productivity and motivation while supporting recovery.
Reduced PMS Symptoms: Lifestyle adjustments during the luteal phase can alleviate the severity of symptoms commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Improved Sleep: Adapting sleep routines and practicing relaxation techniques in correlation with hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle may optimize your rest and promote better sleep quality.
Hormonal Balance: Optimizing nutrition, lifestyle, and potentially using targeted supplements can contribute to balanced hormone levels and a healthier and stable menstrual cycle.
Cycle syncing isn't limited by age or reproductive status—it's for anyone experiencing menstruation. This holistic approach can significantly impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being, offering tailored benefits for various individuals:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Cycle syncing aids in understanding and tracking menstrual cycles. It offers insights into potential hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues, particularly beneficial for those with irregular cycles.
- PMS Symptoms: For individuals experiencing symptoms like mood swings, bloating, or fatigue, cycle syncing can be transformative. Adjusting lifestyle habits in alignment with the menstrual cycle may reduce the severity of these symptoms, improving overall comfort and mood stability.
- Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: For those passionate about fitness, syncing exercise routines with the menstrual cycle offers advantages. It optimizes performance while reducing the risk of injury. Tailoring workouts to match energy levels throughout the cycle helps maximize training benefits and supports overall fitness goals.