Cycle Sync!

Author: Sydney Stoermer

When was the last time you saw your own blood?

Really. Think about it. For most women, the answer is obvious" Was it last week … a few days ago… today? As normal as this is to us, no one talks about it. I’m tired of pretending that there isn’t a massive amount of blood coming from my uterus every month. So, let’s talk period.

As someone who experiences excruciating cramps and physically debilitating cycles, I was ready to change something. My whole life I’ve been told that the only option to help with how bad my periods are is birth control and ibuprofen. But what if I don’t want birth control? What if I’m allergic to ibuprofen? Why are these the only options we have? 

According to Mayo Clinic, 3 in 4 menstruating women experience PMS. That's approximately 3.01 billion women across the world. To put that into perspective, if you had 3.01 quarters that would wrap around the earth 1.8 times! 

I decided to do some research. I stumbled across something called cycle syncing, and it completely changed how I look at my period. Instead of treating it like an obstacle, you use your cycle as a guide. It makes so much sense. For most women, periods are a huge part of our lives. Whether you're someone who can count on your period to be there every month or struggle even to get one, we think about our periods a lot. For the women who don't experience regular periods, cycle syncing might not seem like it matters but one of the coolest things about cycle syncing is that it revolves around your cycle, not just your period. (I’ve linked here an article I found interesting on the topic of cycle syncing without a period) I didn't notice a difference at first but as I continued through the first few months I realized just how much more in tune I was with my body. A quote from Web MD really spoke to me… “Anyone who has a period should know more about their menstrual cycle.” (Wiginton)

Unfortunately, the culture we live in today has forced us to believe that our worth is tied to our productivity, our looks, and our outward signs of health. While learning to cycle sync, I was at a crossroad, should I do what's best for myself, or do what the world has taught me, ignore it. I remember the embarrassment that came from asking the teacher to use the bathroom in middle school hoping I hadn't bled through or worse he didn't let me go. Even now it's hard to get over the embarrassment of having to ask to sit down at work because I’m lightheaded or need a change of pants, being worried someone would notice how often I’ve been going to the bathroom, and questioning my work ethic. These are insecurities and situations I'm sure I'm not the only one to experience. 

People like our bosses,parents, and even partners often expect the best from us,  Unfortunately, they don’t always understand how our ‘best’ can drastically change throughout our cycle. It's hard knowing last week, I could thrive on six hours of sleep and still stay out late. This week? Nine hours barely feels like enough. 

It makes you question your worth and value. But that’s not your fault! Blame your cycle!

Once I stopped blaming myself and started adapting instead, everything shifted.

Learning to align my habits with my cycle has been life changing. I’ve learned to not let outside expectations, or my own self-doubt dictate my value. Periods aren't shameful. Knowledge is power! 

The first step for me was food. It seemed easiest at the time because I'm already gluten-free. Why not add another check before I grab a comfort food? Was it easy? No. But, it gave me a deeper sense of connection with my body. Honestly, that connection has become my favorite part of cycle syncing.

There are tons of aspects you can start with, and I recommend slowly adding one each cycle. I also recommend downloading a good tracking app (I use Stardust). It allows me to see my hormones through each phase and helps a lot with aligning activities with my cycle.

Keep in mind, your best is going to change! And that's okay.

Menstrual cycle “you” and ovulation “you” are not going to be the same. As much as I want to be the woman who gets up at 5 a.m. and goes for a run every day, that isn't what's best for me or my body. Even if it sounds healthy.

Allowing myself to be consistent with the inconsistent has made the biggest impact. I know that during ovulation I get up early, I shower and work out before work, and knock out homework before bed. But I also know that day one of my period I'm going to sleep 90% of the time and cry the other 10% while watching sad movies.

The truth is, society won’t change how it treats periods until we change how we treat them. If we keep pretending it’s ‘just a rough week’ or ‘we have to power through’.. nothing shifts… nothing is going to change. But, if we embrace our cycles as a central part of our lives, we make space for real change.

 Imagine a world where girls don’t have to hide their pads at school, or where women don’t have to choke down medication at work just to function, and where rest during your period is seen as strength, not weakness”

We CAN change how the world thinks about periods. We deserve to take up space. Next time you get those painful cramps or your hormones take control, do something! Let's start making room for our cycles!

Below shows my period notes document that I reference during my cycles, I hope it encourages you to create your own and learn more about your period!