#luteal phase research

[arabellasharddaynight]

am I physically experiencing once again every single traumatic episode of treason and abandonment on flesh and bone or is my luteal phase just ending

[undyingdecay]

pairings: robert reynolds x reader, very slight void x reader cw: mentions of menstruation (periods), mentions pwp, smut, afab reader, vaginal fingering, bloodplay, period sex, oral (female receiving) talks and mentions of mental health issues. 

he wasn’t stupid.

bob might’ve been a lot of things — anxious, awkward, prone to spacing out in tense situations and staring at you for a beat too long when he thought no one was watching — but he wasn’t dumb. he knew enough to be careful. to listen. and after a little over three months of being tangled up with you — not just in bed, but on bad days and restless nights, movie marathons in the compound rec room, sitting on rooftops pretending neither of you wanted more — he picked up on your offhand comment like it was some classified briefing.

“starting my period.”

simple words, said with that same careless tone you used to tell him to shut the fridge door with his foot or that alexei was hogging the hot water again. but it stuck. lodged itself in his chest somewhere.

and because bob reynolds hadn’t exactly had many long-term, intimate relationships with women — the extent of his knowledge of menstruation limited to a half-assed, awkwardly delivered high school sex ed class taught by a red-faced gym coach and a string of blurred, impersonal hook-ups that rarely lasted beyond a week — he did what he did best when something scared him: he researched.

‘how long does a period last?’ ‘do periods hurt?’ ‘how to ease period pain?’ ‘can you have sex on your period?’

anxious google searches at two a.m. his leg bouncing as he read articles, scrolled reddit threads, watched a youtube explainer hosted by a painfully chipper woman named emma.

he even cornered yelena in the kitchen, pretending to root through the fridge while asking casual as he could manage.

“hey… uh… what do you do when someone, uh, y’know… it’s their… cycle? anything you’re supposed to do?”

yelena, amused and not missing a beat, rattled off a list of practical things between mouthfuls of leftover chinese takeout. heating pads. herbal tea. gentle back rubs. don’t be squeamish. clean towels. listen. don’t make it weird.

bob, as always, took it far too literally.

not an hour later, he’d returned to the compound with four bulging cvs bags in either arm — pads, tampons, menstrual cups (he’d bought one of each brand), midol, heat patches, three kinds of herbal tea, three heating pads, a lavender-scented candle, and for reasons only known to him: two pints of ice cream and a stuffed bear he swore “looked like you, kinda.”

when you looked up from the couch, bleary-eyed and cramping, at the absurd pile of supplies in his arms, he gave you that sheepish, boyish smile. the one that dimpled his cheek, hair falling into his eyes. your faint shake of your head was all the reassurance he needed. you weren’t upset. just quietly endeared, and he could live off that feeling.

since then, bob had gotten weirdly good at tracking your cycle.

he downloaded a period app, color-coded days on his own calendar, learned terms like ‘luteal phase’ and ‘follicular.’ he experimented with herbal teas in old mason jars, a little heavy-handed with the dried chamomile and raspberry leaf, but the warmth was good.

so was the way his palm would settle over your lower stomach when you curled up in bed, heat radiating from him in a way that always felt other. not like normal body heat — but something deeper, something from whatever endless void lingered behind his kind blue eyes.

his presence clung to the walls now.

or maybe it was just in your head. the cool, electric pressure of a storm about to break. the scent of rain on concrete, that heavy, metallic sweetness of ozone before lightning strikes. not sadness — not quite. something heavier. thicker. impossible to name.

you didn’t question bob about the void.

never pushed. you let him come to you, when he wanted to, which was rare enough that it gnawed at the back of your throat sometimes.

and when he didn’t — when whatever it was hung around longer than it should, curling in corners like cigarette smoke, clinging to the ceiling, coating your skin in its cloying, electric hum — it rattled you more than you’d ever admit. why did the void feel like it — no, he — was everywhere?

a dull throb spread through your gut like a tight fist, and you groaned.

“fuck…”

not the kind of sound bob was used to hearing from you — not the breathy, pleased kind that made his stomach flip and his cock twitch.

he lifted his head quickly from where he’d been lazily mouthing at your nipple, his lips sticky with spit, a faint pink flush creeping up his neck. he still swore up and down that it wasn’t for him — no, of course not, it was practical, he’d read somewhere that breasts got sore and maybe a little gentle stimulation helped, okay? it wasn’t weird. it was helpful.

“are you okay?” he mumbled into the cold, close air of the room.

he must’ve dozed off again without realizing it — body heavy and sprawled half over you. the scent of rain was stronger now, though the windows were still shut tight. the room felt thick, close. the kind of pressure that made your ears pop.

he fumbled for the lamp, light spilling out in a soft, murky halo, and his gaze flicked to where your arms were curled tight around your stomach, your body instinctively folding into itself.

“do you — wanna tea? i can go—”

“it’s too late, bob. can’t wake everyone up over this.”

he hesitated, then nodded. chewed the inside of his cheek.

“do you want your heating blanket, or my hand?”

you managed a pained little nod and a sharp suck of breath, and he was already moving — that too-warm palm pressing flat against the curve of your lower stomach. his touch wasn’t normal. not like anyone else’s. it wasn’t heat like a person’s. it was deeper, more like something that seeped under your skin, heavy as wet wool, a warmth that hummed and thrummed in your bones. you wondered, sometimes, if it came from there — from that endless place inside him where the void lived.

he murmured soft things — stuff you couldn’t even really parse, his voice a low, steady rumble against the ringing pulse in your ears.

and it did help.

at least until another sharp pain twisted through your core.

“i—uh—” he started, then coughed, rubbed the back of his neck, staring somewhere over your shoulder like he was too embarrassed to make eye contact.

“i read somewhere,” he began, voice too fast, words running together, “i promise it’s like a well-accredited article, well—that—thatorgasmsreallyhelpperiods.”

he said the last part in one rushed breath, barely audible.

you barked a half-laugh, breathless around the ache.

“jesus, bob.”

“i mean—if you want. i just—if it hurts that bad—i just—”

“yeah,” you said, exhaling sharply. “yeah, okay.”

his pupils dilated, something shifting behind his gaze. that thing you didn’t name.

the air went heavier, thicker.

he was already moving down between your legs before you could change your mind.

and bob wasn’t smooth. wasn’t practiced. not with this.

his big hands gripped your thighs, palms sticky with sweat, faint tremors betraying him. when he spread you open, the scent hit him sharp—metallic, hot, dizzying.

he flinched—just barely. you caught it.

his throat worked, adam’s apple bobbing.

but he didn’t stop.

he dragged your panties down slow, eyes flicking from your cunt to your pad, gaze lingering, fascinated. like he’d thought about this too many times, and now couldn’t believe you were letting him.

he tossed the fabric aside, messy, fingers sinking into the softness of your thighs again—pressing them wider, holding you open like he couldn’t help himself.

he looked up, that boyish smile on his face—so painfully sweet, so wanting. eyes glassy, breath already shaking. like he needed your approval or he’d die.

you glanced down. the wet patch on his boxers was already blooming, precum soaking through, a pathetic stain against his cock straining hard beneath the fabric.

you gave him a nod.

he whimpered. quiet, desperate. and dove in.

the first kiss landed on your inner thigh—mouth hot, open, leaving a smear of spit against tacky skin.

another kiss, closer.

closer still, tongue flicking out, tasting the salt, the faint tang of copper just beyond.

he swallowed thickly.

messy. gross. it should’ve stopped him.

it didn’t.

when his mouth finally pressed to your folds, tongue dragging a thick, trembling stripe through them, the sound he let out wasn’t human—half-moan, half-choked gasp.

his fingers dug harder into your thighs, grounding himself. and he kept licking. clumsy, hungry, not even trying to be careful—letting blood and slick smear across his lips, chin dripping, tongue sliding through the mess.

“fuck—” he breathed, voice thin, eyes fluttering shut. “taste so—so fuckin’ good—”

he didn’t stop. couldn’t. nose bumping your mound, breath catching.

and below you, he was moving—hips grinding helplessly against the bed, rutting like an animal. obscene. desperate. soaking through his boxers like he’d cum already and didn’t even notice.

“mmm—please—” he gasped into you, voice muffled. “wan’ more—wan’ all of it—please—”

he sounded sick with it. sick with how badly he wanted this.

every now and then he’d pause—just to mouth over your slit, tongue dipping inside, sucking down everything you gave him, swallowing audibly.

you felt the scrape of stubble against raw skin. the sting of his fingers still bruising your thighs. the way the room seemed to press in.

heavy now. dense.

the void.

you felt it in the air—cold, slick, like smoke crawling across the ceiling. static buzzing against your skin. bob didn’t seem to notice—too far gone, too drunk on you.

“fuck—need—need to put my fingers in too—” he babbled, voice raw.

you barely had time to brace before he shved two fingers inside, knuckles deep, slick with blood and spit. the sound was obscene—wet, filthy, echoing in the quiet.

you gasped, hips jolting.

bob whined. high and thin, hips bucking helplessly against the bed, precum staining the sheets beneath him.

“you—taste—so fuckin’—perfect—” he sobbed, voice cracking as he leaned in again, licking around his own fingers, swallowing everything he could.

the air felt tighter now. heavy. thick with something not yours. not his.

the Void still watching. feeding.

but bob—poor, ruined bob—kept going. kept crying soft against you, tears mixing with the mess on his cheeks, fingers shaking inside you now, tongue dragging another slow, broken stripe through blood and slick and salt.

and you felt him—still grinding, still humping the bed beneath you like a dog in heat.

“love you—please—don’t wanna stop—please don’t make me—”

his voice was wrecked.

and when you looked down—his face a red-smeared mess, mouth open, tongue shaking against your clit—you knew he was too far gone to save.

too sick on you. too deep.

and somewhere in the shadows—something else smiled.

[thebibliosphere]

Wait, PMDD and GERD are connected to MCAS? Because I have both of those. Would you please talk a little more about that?

They can be connected to MCAS, yes.

If you google it, the current AI answer will tell you that mast cells are present in the esophagus, which is true, but only because mast cells are present in every part of the body.

What would be more helpful to say is that the esophagus is lined with histamine receptors, and when these receptors are activated it leads to chronic inflammation caused by several mast cell mediators which can make you more prone to acid damage.

Mast cells also release chemicals that can cause the stomach to overproduce acid, as well as relax the esophageal sphincter, which makes it easier for the acid to wash back up into the esophagus, causing further damage.

This is why some of the treatment aimed at GERD is actually antihistamines like Famotidine (Pepcid), which are type 2 histamine blockers, though I’ve yet to meet a GERD patient whose doctor has explained to them why this antihistamine works to relieve their GERD. The answer is mast cells.

(Note: MCAS is a multi system spectrum disorder that requires multiple factors to be present. Having some mild form of mast cell instability is actually far more common that is actually realized even by the broader medical community, with mast cell dysfunction now being linked to things like fibromyalgia, IBS, endometriosis, etc and I suspect in the next few decades, research is going to pivot drastically to focusing on mast cell treatment as a form of prevention instead of treating these disorders as things with no known cause and only symptom management.

My point of this whole section is to say: if you have GERD, that doesn’t automatically mean you have MCAS. You might have some form of mast cell instability that is causing issues, but so does a significant chunk of the population. It just isn’t discussed or recognized by current medical literature, though that is thankfully changing. Slowly, but the change is there.)

For PMDD there’s unsurprisingly a limited amount of research but the EDS clinic page on it is fairly comprehensive. Basically, hormonal fluctuations linked to the pre-menstrual stage of the menstrual cycle can prime mast cells to overreact, liberating several mast cell inflammatory chemicals but chief among them histamine which has been shown to have an effect on pain perception but also mood stability. There’s very little official studies related to histamine and PMDD, but looking at other studies such as the effect of histamine on major depressive disorder, you can sort of cobble together a bigger picture of how mast cells affect mental health and how hormonal fluctuations may impact this. Among the mast cell syndrome community you’ll sometimes see people talking about ‘masto rage’ or ‘histo rage’ and that’s because excess histamine in the brain can lead to extreme anger that can seem to come out of nowhere.

For me, this primarily happens with my PMDD and it feels like someone dropped a match into a barrel of napalm. My entire brain becomes a fucking mess that has gotten better with mast cell treatment, but not entirely eradicated.

This may be why some individuals who experience PMDD are self reporting relief from taking a histamine blocker like Famotidine during the luteal phase of their cycle.

Again, having these conditions doesn’t mean you have MCAS, but it can be an indication of some mast cell fuckery, especially if you have multiple things going on at once.

It wasn’t until I got diagnosed by my specialist that all these seemingly random unconnected disorders that I struggled with for nearly my entire life made sense because their primary instigation in my body was my untreated mast cell disorder. Everything from the chronic acid reflux that started as a child right down to my interstitial cystitis which started the moment my menstrual cycle kicked in at age 11.

Honestly it’s all been down hill since then.

Anyway, I hope this was useful.

[suguru-getos]

Married to the Honored One — “Luteal phase?”

Satoru instantly knows every phase of your menstrual cycle. There is something behind that casual, easy self of his that hides his observant side which is so endearing. “I think you’re in your luteal phase.” He suggests himself one day, now, you know that. But how does he know that? Your heart strings tug at each other; the way your husband smiles softly at you, gently sliding his phone across of you. His Apple Health has your period data. You are almost astonished if not for his consistent efforts like these.

“No energy.” He hums, “Little grumpy.” He adds again, fingers tracing your chin, kissing your forehead. “Got ya something, Princess.”

Just like that, he gets up, bringing you an Iced coffee, adding some dark cocoa to balance your hormones, he brought your favorite peach tumbler for that. Little things, marriage with Satoru Gojo is the little things in which he shows his suffocating love to you.

“Since when did you start researching phases of my period, huh?” You raise a brow, hiding your flush behind a teasing remark.

“Since you became my girlfriend, duh?” He pouts softly, holding your hand. “I mean, I knew your period made ya cranky~ but then there’s gotta be something more than that so..” he croons.

“And you know, I’m good at everything, Princess. All it took was a single glance at a few scientific terms and your husband is ready to tackle you.” He removes his mask, just to exaggerate his showing off and wink an eye.

He makes you laugh, he makes you feel loved. You hummed, leaning your parched self against the straw and sucking in a delicious sip. Perfect. You think to yourself, eyes raking up to meet his. Before you could part your lips again to convey your thanks, Satoru interrupts. “Oh I know, my little thing. I know.”

A beaming, bright grin on his face. “I know how you like your coffee, that’s the least, I know”

[autisticslp]

While most people know that April is Autism Acceptance Month, I haven’t seen any acknowledgement on Tumblr that it is also PMD Awareness Month. This is especially surprising considering that premenstrual disorders seem to be significantly more common in the autistic community (as well as in people with ADHD), although more research is sorely needed.

I have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder where symptoms occur during the premenstrual, or luteal, phase and disappear shortly after menstration begins. For me, it’s like a switch flips in my brain after ovulation and I turn into a whole different person. I know that I’m going to start bleeding because I wake up, the switch has flipped back, and I feel totally normal. Symptoms include irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, overwhelm, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and physical symptoms. While these may seem like “typical PMS that most people experience,” trust me, it absolutely is not. People with PMDD are a high risk group for suicidality and many of us make serious decisions during the luteal phase that we later regret, including quitting jobs and leaving partners. Symptoms like lashing out at others, verbally and/or physically and homicidal ideation can cause serious relationship and problems, shame, and difficulty with work and school.

PMDD is not a hormone imbalance — it is a severe negative reaction to the typical changes in hormone levels. The exact mechanism is not known (there seems to be several subtypes that respond to treatment differently but once again research is scarce), but it seems to cause an increased sensitivity to stress. It makes sense, then, that autistic people would be more likely to experience PMDD as our brains and bodies already experience and react more to stress than allistic people do.

Treatment for PMDD includes therapy, SSRIs, hormonal birth control, and, as last resorts, chemical menopause and removal of the uterus and both ovaries. Hysterectomy alone does not treat PMDD. Hopefully, some day, treatments specifically for PMDD will be developed.

Premenstrual exacerbation (PME) can occur in a wide range of of other disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, migraines, epilepsy, IBS, and PTSD, with symptoms becoming much worse during the luteal phase and is typically even less researched than PMDD. Sometimes increasing regular treatments during the luteal phase can help reduce PME.

The best place I know of for information and support is the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders. Unfortunately they are still working on getting their website back up to full functionality after being hacked earlier this year.

[luigilore]

no because this new picture just got me imagining all the ways he’d look after you 😣😣😣 yes tracking your cycle and being so aware of your mood swings and pain and natural sense of discomfort, but also just making absolutely sure you pee after sex every time, like he’ll carry you over there if that’s what it takes. then also ensuring you go to the obgyn to get your pap smear once a year. and when you get all “no, but i just don’t feel like going. it’s going to be so uncomfortable and i hate it there and i’ll be in pain for the rest of the day” (honestly you’d be kind of a baby about it once you figured out how dotingly he’d respond) he’d be soooo understanding. he wouldn’t want to downplay your nervousness, but he’d really really insist on you going. “i know it sucks, baby, but it’s very important to make sure everything’s going alright with your body. you can take a tylenol before and do a breathing exercise during. i’ll be right there with you if you want, and then i’ll bring you home and get you comfy with your heating pad.” but yeah when he sees that speculum for the first time you’d have to reassure him and remind him he wanted you to go in the first place. and he’d put on a front again pretending like his face hadn’t just done that. yeah… like in general he’d just be so in touch with your body and how your needs vary to his. i can’t stop thinking about it pls 😣

omg ur so right

he tracks your cycle so well u don’t bother to... but it annoys u when u get mad at him and he’s like “this is expected, you’re in the luteal phase of your cycle right now, so it's natural to-” like enough babe <3 lol but would sincerely do a bunch of research… would give u a tens unit he got for his back to try for ur cramps if u want- literally anything to help u... has dietary recs too like invested research, he finds it really interesting!

omg yeah after sex you’d be dazed and would want to just stay there, laying on top of lu but he’s nudging u and u whine burying ur face in his chest “gotta pee baby,” he'd murmur ... like mood killer but somehow still makes it romantic carrying you over to the bathroom :’)

ur right his encouragement would be gentle but firm would help you call to schedule the appointment and everything if that’s daunting to you… and ofc he goes and having lu there would be so comforting even if he was in the waiting room <3 waiting patiently to drive you home… and he'd be so so proud of you!!! he'd understand alll abt medical anxiety, et

i feel like lu would love to read books about female sexuality, like randomly one day you come home from work and he’s sprawled out on the couch casually reading better sex through mindfulness and you’re like 🥹 but also it's so hot u.... his attention to that shows not only in ur sex life but in ur relationship overall and day to day life and he’s so in tune and in touch with your body, with your routines, with ur sexuality, etc!!! <3

[prettieinpink]

Question about Cycle Syncing. Do you know where i can find, like a masterlist of food that fits into the steps of the cycle? I always see the same food but how abt the rest? Would be nice to know for example for meal building.

MASTERLIST: NUTRITION CYCLE SYNCING

This post is a masterlist of everything that is recommended you eat while cycle syncing. if you don’t know what that is, read this beginner guide.

This post is a researched post, because I actually couldn’t find a proper masterlist. So, I researched what kinds of nutrients you need during your 4 phases, but I am NO DOCTOR. Just a little disclaimer!

MENSTRUAL/FOLLICULAR PHASE - high iron, vitamin C foods

VEGETABLES

Spinach

Silver beet

Broccoli

String beans

Peas

Sweet potatoes

Beet greens

Dandelion greens

Collards

Chard

Chilli peppers

Sweet yellow peppers

Parsley

Brussel sprouts

FRUITS

Oranges

Guavas

Black currants

Cantaloupe

Kiwis

Lemons

Lychees

Papayas

Strawberries

Oranges

Watermelon

Figs

Prunes

PROTEINS

Beef

Lamb

Liverwurst

Pork

Veal

Dried beef

Eggs

Shrimp

Clams

Tuna

Sardines

CARBS/OTHER

Whole wheat bread

Enriched pasta

Rye bread

Enriched rice

Tofu

Beans

Lentils

OVULATORY PHASE – complex carbs, lean proteins, anti-inflammatory, vitamin B6, folate/choline

VEGETABLES

Carrots

Spinach

Sweet potato

Red potato

Green peas

Chickpeas

Butternut squash

Asparagus

Turnip greens

Romaine lettuce

Beets

Sweet corn

Mushrooms

Pumpkin

Parsnip

Cauliflower

FRUITS

Bananas

Avocado

Mango

Blueberries

Apple

Peaches

Tangerine

Pink grapefruit

lemons

PROTEINS

Egg whites

Strained yoghurt

Skinless white meat poultry

Plain greek yoghurt

Low fat cottage cheese

Tofu

Lean beef

Powdered peanut butter

Beef liver

Pork loin

Bison

Organ meat

CARBS/OTHER

Lentils

Kidney beans

Green peas

Walnuts

Flaxseeds

Cashews

Almonds

Pistachios

LUTEAL PHASE – High fibre, vitamin B12, magnesium

VEGETABLES

Spinach

Swiss chard

Collard greens

Green peas

Sweet corn

Cabbage

Arugula

Bok choy

Celery

Lettuce

FRUITS

Pears

Strawberries

Avocado

Apples

Raspberries

Blackberries

Blueberries

Bananas

PROTEINS

Animal liver

Animal kidney

Clams

Swiss cheese

Turkey

Crabs

Ham

CARBS/OTHER

Oats

Popcorn

Almonds

Fresh coconut

Sunflower seeds

Dark chocolate

Wheat

barley

[pureastrologywisdom]

ℭ𝔬𝔫𝔫𝔢𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔞𝔩 𝔠𝔶𝔠𝔩𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔞𝔩 𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔯𝔱

Throughout the month your hormones go through peaks and flows, to feel truly connected with yourself you should be listening to your body throughout your cycle and understanding its different needs at different times.

The moon is heavily connected to your cycle - the ‘standard’ cycle is based around the 28 day moon cycle. Supposedly/typically, a new moon was meant to represent the time of bleeding, where you need more rest and where you hide yourself away more. And the full moon coincided with ovulation, being at the peak of fertility. That is why in more historic periods people believed you were more fertile and more likely to get pregnant when the moon was full. Now obviously we know everyones cycles are at different times, not everyone is synced up to the moon perfectly.

I have been becoming more connected with my cycle this past year, tracking it and paying more attention to the flux in energy and my moods and behavioural patterns - can you tell I am a virgo moon - and it has not only helped me feel more in tune with my femininity, but also I have seen how at different points in my cycle its easier to embody different planets in your chart depending on my energy levels.

So lets talk about the different phases of your cycle.

I feel its important to consider your moon sign especially towards the end of your cycle as you hit the luteal phase, this is post ovulation where your energy levels slowly start to decrease. You need that comfort and you need to in a way be able to ‘hibernate’ for lack of a better word. Along with this it’s common for some people to feel more emotional during this period due to pms (premenstrual syndrome).You can see that these things all link to your moon sign, so understanding your sign and yourself is important here. How do you feel safe and how do you gain comfort and relax. How can you take extra care of yourself and slow down during this time? 

I have also found that its easier to embody the energy of Mars and the Sun during ovulation. You often have more energy around this time in your cycle. Because of this you may find you can do more without feeling so fatigued and you can even be more productive. This is also the time of the month where you ‘shine’ a little more, and can feel your most confident and attractive. For this last reason I also feel that Venus can have more of an influence here. 

This is a theory I am working on and doing more research towards, however I thought I would give it to all of you on here so we can have an open discussion about it. If you have anything to add or have noticed anything I have written to be true for you I would love to hear your experience. 

Pureastrowisdom <3

[hmsacharity]

We've known the menstrual cycle messes with symptomatic hypermobility for decades. We first thought PMT was causing people to feel worse about symptoms in the luteal phase (seems legit, right?). Still, as understanding grew it became clear that things actually are demonstrably more floppy that week, hence the increased risk, injuries, and difficulty coping with pain.

Why does it matter? Because once you know, you can take at least the predictable fluctuations into account while planning a pacing strategy. Research into how puberty and age-related hormonal changes impact people in general, and those with hypermobility is ongoing.

For more info search hormones on our website - you'll find articles and videos following progress in these areas as we discover more. :)

#HypermobilityAwarenessWeek

[satanachia666]

Moon Magic: Menstrual Cycle Lunar Correspondences

Menstrual Cycle to Moon Phases and Energy

Follicular Phase - Waxing Moon 🌒🌓🌔

Ovulation - Full Moon 🌕

Luteal Phase - Waning Moon 🌘🌗🌖

Menstruation - New Moon 🌑

Menstrual Zodiac Sign Correspondences:

The current moon’s zodiac sign and an individual’s moon sign determine which predominant element a singular, specific menstrual cycle carries. A person’s moon sign can also influence what kinds of magic they have the potential to excel at, or the magical talents someone already has. Using your menstrual blood in magic with the moon’s current zodiac sign and your moon sign in consideration can amplify spells. This could give you quicker, better results in witchcraft if menstrual magic is your thing. Here is a quick list of correspondences to work with. I’ll be updating this list as I learn about new correspondences through personal gnosis and research.

Aries - Fire - Mars - New beginnings, creativity, passion, protection, offensive magic, attraction

Taurus - Earth - Venus - Prosperity, stability, creativity, food, aromatherapy, kitchen magic

Gemini - Air - Mercury - Intellectual matters, inspiration, creativity, new ideas, automatic writing

Cancer - Water - Moon - Home and domestic matters, feelings, intuition, protection, astral projection, defensive magic

Leo - Fire - Sun - Charisma, confidence, attraction, popularity, glamour

Virgo - Earth - Mercury - New beginnings, order, stability, attraction, meditation

Libra - Air - Venus - Justice, relationships, friendship, art, beauty, makeup, love

Scorpio - Water - Mars + Pluto - Intuition, imagination, dreams, baneful magic, shadow work

Sagittarius - Fire - Jupiter - Expansion, dreams, progress, success, art, protection

Capricorn - Earth - Saturn - Prosperity, stability, sigils, success, any DIY crafts, baneful magic

Aquarius - Air - Saturn + Uranus - Progress, transformation, justice, art, learning, research, mentalism

Pisces - Water - Moon - Intuition, imagination, divination, personality reading, creativity, dreams, healing

Magic, the Menstrual Cycle, and My Life

There are people whose period pain and symptoms are so severe, they find it difficult or impossible to do any kind of menstrual magic. Many people refrain from doing menstrual magic because their pain and severe symptoms impede their ability to function. Just because menstrual blood is part of my witch practice doesn’t mean it must be part of anyone else’s spiritual practice. An individual’s feelings and beliefs connected to their menstrual cycle are deeply personal and derived from one’s lived experiences, not objective truths.

When I’m in a lot of pain from PMDD or actual menstruation, I’m only able to focus on self-care, drawing forth healing energy, and feeling better. So, I draw pink healing energy from Satanachia and other demons as well as the earth, moon, planets, stars, deities, etc. That’s all that I can do if I’m capable of doing when I’m having severe symptoms, but it’s still the best I can do. If someone can’t/won’t incorporate the menstrual cycle or menstrual blood into their practice, it’s wrong to shame them for it. Using this magic helps me make the most of my lived experience and cope with my menstruation-related health issues.

I will be blocking all TERFs and gender essentialists from this post. The moon is not objectively “divine feminine,” as divine femininity and everything like it is entirely subjective. Moon gods are just as real as moon goddesses, as well as lunar deities whose gender we don’t know of yet. Be cool, not a creep.

[pleaseeeimjustagirl]

You Need To Cycle Sync

Hey babes happy Monday!!! Today's topic is cycle syncing and the importance of cycle syncing. I must give credit to Jaz Turner, a YouTuber who has created an amazing video on cycle syncing. Cycle syncing involves adjusting your diet and exercise to support your body throughout your monthly hormone cycle.

Menstrual Phase 

Also known as the “winter” (not pregnant)

Days : 1-5

Energy : you most likely have lower energy.

Eat : Red meat, fatty fish, shellfish, beets, mushrooms, greens, and seaweed. Try to reduce caffeine, alcohol, greasy and processed foods.

Movement : during this phase do low-intensity workouts such as yoga, pilates, walking, and foam rolling. 

Focus : this is your detox phase.

Follicular Phase 

Also known as the “Spring” (preparing for pregnancy)

Days : 6-14

Energy : you most likely have a bit of higher energy and less of an appetite. 

Eat : light meals, you can include fasting, raw fruits and veggies, lean protein, fermented foods, flax, and pepitas.

Movement : during this phase do high-intensity workouts such as jogging, hiking, cardio, heavy strength training, and swimming.

Focus : this is your productivity phase.

Ovulatory Phase 

Also known as the “summer” (likely to become pregnancy)

Days : 15-17

Energy : your energy level around this time is the highest, you are more confident and outgoing in this phase. 

Eat : colorful fruits and veggies, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, nuts, and avocado.

Movement : during this phase, your workouts will be highest intensity examples are cycling cardio, HIIT, CrossFit bootcamp, and sprinting.

Focus : this is your magnetic phase.

Luteal Phase 

Also known as the “Fall” (potentially pregnant)

Days : 18-28

Energy : your energy level during this phase is lower and you have more cravings.

Eat : healthy fats, protein, sweet potato, greens, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Try reducing added sugars, greasy foods, alcohol, and dairy from your diet

Movement : during this phase, your workouts will be moderate intensity examples are pilates, yoga, barre, light cardio, low-incline walking, and light strength training.

Focus : this is your nurture and rest phase.

Cycle syncing is definitely something I will be adding to my life and I saw the importance of it and wanted to share it with my ladiesss. The length of menstrual cycles varies between individuals, so the number of days listed for a 28-day cycle is just an average. For each phase, the listed foods should be added or reduced, not entirely removed from the diet during the "eat" portion. If you're interested in learning more about cycle syncing, I highly recommend doing further research online. There are plenty of resources available that can provide you with valuable information on the topic.

[literarytechnique]

working on my thesis during the luteal phase is truly the test of academic rigor. how can I write confidently about this niche topic that so few of us decide to study when I am overcome in a coffee shop with anxiety and self-doubt about my abilities despite succeeding and loving my topic? how can I write eloquently about my research while simultaneously texting my friends about how I want to change my emphasis because I'm not sure if I'm good enough for my current focus? alas, the follicular makes up for it.

[normalestgirlblog]

depression

i dont know why i always feel depressed

like i am really happy but i feel like at the same time I'm almost sad

like i love my life

but i get really anxious about things all the time and worry about things all the time

and then get sad bc im all worried

my favorite meme for so long was I'm only worried about three things: everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen

which i resonated with so hard and still do

and i hate myself and i spend way too much time on my phone like no matter how many screen time blocks no matter the opal app that blocks shit like I will stay looking at my phone.

and its either texting or xcrolling through youtube reels which is humiliating on so many levels

so i have decided to stop this

my first step was to be concious about how i use my phone, like how i spend hours on it when i wake up

but instead of stopping i still do it and I feel really guilty while I'm doing it, but I will still go on phone as soon as I wake up

super toxic

also im so tired all the time which makes me feel like I am definitely depressed

like ill go to sleep at a super normal time between 10:30-12 and wake up at like 7:30 and still be exhausted

so im going to try a few things out

first is understanidng the phases of my hormonal cycle

which honestly im convinced is probably messed up bc I'm on birth control but I cannot get pregnant and I really don't want an iud like those sound like my nightmare

but ill do some research

but there is no good way to not get pregnant so I'm choosing this evil

ok so after some research i dont think I experience the phases of the hormonal cycle. even though i get super depressed before my period still which is normal for the luteal phase. so I'm not sure if i should treat my body and life like i am on the luteal phase or any phase, or if i should just ignore it. but birth control simulates ovulation so my body doesn't ovulate, so wouldn't i still have all the other things. whatever, point is I'm still going to act like i phase

wait nvm they said there is no point in it ugh

so you are telling me that my depression and fluctuation of mood is not related to a hormonal cycle

and might just be a direct cause of the way I go about things and how I treat my body and my mind

because if so

that is beyond fucked

either way i am going to eat less sugar I have decided

by that i mean less processed sugar, I feel like I have been eating a lot of sweet treats recently and I feel my sugar addiction returning

aka i literally just went and bought a donut from dunkin after I got vaccinated this morning and I kind of realize I don't even like the taste all that much

like its more of a need to satisfy something mentally but I don't like it that much and it doesn't do good things to my body and I know that

so no more processed sugars, ugh my life sucks

sorry i didnt mean for this to get so "lets talk about food" because I know this app has a tendency towards EDs

but seriously the relationship i have with sugar is not a healthy one, it is for sure toxic wherein I need it and desire it constantly but it treats my body so not right.

so i need to be strong

and say no

but it was my birthday this weekend like what am I gonna do not have a sweet treat

anyways

top things i need to do to be happy again

go on my phone less, and get up and out of bed instead of staying in it

eat less sugar, focus on eating whole foods

go on runs, it sucks but it feels good after

ill update on how this is going

for now im gonna and hope I feel better

its always this constant uphill battle living

like i am pushing the rock up the hill but I am also the rock

and i am also being pushed up but I am the only thing that gets in the way of myself

whatever

[mentalharmony12]

Bipolar Disorder in Women: Hormonal Influences and Unique Challenges

Bipolar Disorder in Women: Bipolar disorder can feel like an unpredictable emotional storm one that rarely gives you a moment of calm. For women, this experience is often heightened by hormonal changes that uniquely shape the way bipolar symptoms manifest. You might notice that certain times of the month or specific life stages like pregnancy or menopause bring a surge of mood shifts, leaving you questioning why your emotions seem more intense or harder to manage.

These challenges are not just in your head; they are rooted in the complex interplay between hormones and brain chemistry. Whether it’s the profound mood swings tied to your menstrual cycle, the overwhelming emotional shifts during pregnancy, or the wave of new feelings that menopause brings, the link between hormonal changes and bipolar disorder is undeniable. Unfortunately, this connection is often overlooked, leaving many women feeling isolated and misunderstood.

If you or someone close to you is navigating this journey, know that you are not alone. Gaining a deeper understanding of how hormonal influences affect your mental health can make a significant difference. By acknowledging these unique challenges, you empower yourself to find better strategies for managing your well-being. This insight not only fosters self-compassion but also opens the door to more tailored treatments and support.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder in Women

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood changes can range from episodes of mania marked by high energy, euphoria, and impulsive behavior to episodes of depression, where you may feel overwhelming sadness, fatigue, and a loss of interest in daily activities. In some cases, you may also experience hypomania, a less intense form of mania that still affects your thoughts and actions but is usually less disruptive to your life.

For women, bipolar disorder can present unique challenges, often influenced by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum period, and menopause. These fluctuations can make mood episodes more frequent or severe, adding an extra layer of complexity to diagnosis and treatment.

While bipolar disorder affects both men and women, research indicates that women are more likely to experience rapid cycling, where mood episodes switch quickly between highs and lows. They may also have a higher prevalence of depressive episodes compared to men. Understanding these differences is crucial when it comes to seeking appropriate care and support.

By gaining a clearer picture of what bipolar disorder is and how it manifests differently in women, you can better navigate your mental health journey. Whether you’re personally affected or supporting someone who is, acknowledging the unique aspects of bipolar disorder in women can help reduce feelings of confusion and isolation.

Why Women Experience Bipolar Disorder Differently

Women often experience bipolar disorder in ways that set them apart from men, and these differences stem from both biological and societal factors. Understanding these unique challenges is essential to addressing the condition effectively and compassionately.

Biological Differences and Hormonal Fluctuations

One of the primary reasons bipolar disorder manifests differently in women is the significant influence of hormonal changes. Throughout your life, your hormone levels naturally fluctuate during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. These shifts in estrogen and progesterone can directly impact your mood stability, often intensifying symptoms or triggering new episodes. For example, many women report increased mood instability during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, when progesterone levels peak. Similarly, the hormonal shifts during pregnancy and after childbirth can lead to mood disturbances, complicating the management of bipolar disorder.

Social and Cultural Pressures Affecting Women

Beyond biology, the social and cultural expectations placed on women can significantly affect how bipolar disorder is experienced and managed. You may feel pressured to maintain a nurturing, stable presence despite battling mood swings or depressive episodes. These societal norms often push women to mask their symptoms or avoid seeking help, fearing judgment or being labeled as “overly emotional.” This reluctance can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to prolonged suffering.

Data: Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder Among Women

Research shows that bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of the U.S. adult population annually, with women being slightly more likely to receive a diagnosis compared to men. Studies also indicate that women are more prone to experiencing rapid cycling where mood episodes switch quickly between mania and depression and mixed episodes, where symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously. Additionally, depressive episodes tend to be more frequent and severe in women, which can complicate the overall management of the disorder.

Acknowledging the biological, social, and cultural influences on bipolar disorder is the first step in addressing its unique impact on women. By understanding these factors, you can advocate for more tailored care and challenge the stigma that often surrounds mental health struggles.

[meditating-dog-lover]

Health update

I am feeling much better in general.

I'm in my luteal phase, so I do expect to experience some additional skin inflammation. However my face and neck have remained 100% clear despite this. 4 weeks ago they were inflamed.

So the DIM supplement is really helping me make improvements.

I've read that DIM supplements are safe to take longterm as well as the other nutrients in the supplement I have that support estrogen metabolism and liver detoxification pathways. I do not drink and I don't eat a lot of junk food, but a liver support supplement can be very helpful. DIM removes the harmful estrogens that contribute to estrogen dominance, PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hormonal cystic acne and skin rashes, and insulin resistance. We are exposed to these harmful estrogens, known as xenoestrogens, on a daily basis. It is found in plastics, receipts, and drinking water. It's been reported to cause early puberty in girls and dumping plastic waste into lakes has been shown to cause hormonal imbalances in frogs such as feminization and infertility. It makes sense because many plastics contain BPA which is an endocrine disruptor.

I am drinking reverse osmosis water and am eating organic foods that are on the dirty dozen list such as strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and spinach. I try to use non-irritating skin and hair and teeth and body care products. It's impossible to avoid "toxins" 100% and it's worth being realistic. That's why I want to incorporate liver detoxification support.

The supplement I'm taking is expensive, but it is worth it. I take other supplements too and I can get cheaper yet good quality versions of those. I like my supplement because it contains DIM and other ingredients to support phase 1, 2, and 3 liver detoxification since DIM alone isn't enough.

I'm happy I am healing because I used to deal with severe skin inflammation. My face, neck, and ears are clear. My hands need a bit. But at least they look better than they did 4 weeks ago. I'm going to heal.

While I'm healing I also really want to help my dog heal too. He's a senior dog with colitis and IBS. So we cant to support his gut health with some supplements.

I've been drinking aloe juice as usual. I've been taking digestive enzymes before larger and my first meals each day. I feel they make a huge difference and I don't feel as bloated.

However, enzymes aren't the only thing that play a role in digestion. Stomach acid (HCl) does too. I know it is also helpful. I do not know if I need it though, and whether which one is better. I heard of a baking soda stomach acid test, but idk how I feel about doing that. But I've also heard that if you take betaine HCl and you experience burning, then you don't need it. If you don't experience burning, then you need it.

I can look for a supplement that combines both HCl and enzymes to get the benefits from both. I'll do my research. I know I can benefit from enzymes for sure because they help with fat absorption and I have issues with that. HCl is good for protein breakdown.

I'm getting a new toothpaste that contains nano-hydroxyapatite. I'm looking forward to using it in conjunction to my regular fluoride toothpaste. You can absorb fluoride through your toothpaste without swallowing it by sublingual absorption. I wonder if the same can happen with the minerals in the nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste. I'll try it out.

Again I'm not sure why I have low phosphorus levels. Phosphorus tends to be rich in foods rich in protein and fats. So again, enzymes can help here and so can HCl potentially.

I'm sure the liver support supplement can help because the liver is also a digestive organ and can help with the digestion process along with enzymes and HCl.

[sweetdreamuwu]

Rant about pms and patriarchy

PMS chanting

I wish I wasn't AFAB I wish I wasn't AFAB I wish wasn't-

TO BE FUCKING honest being AFAB has so no benefits. If we at least got something out of but no, all we get is a stupid hormon cycle that doesn't fit in patriarchy that expects us to perform the same every day of the month, which is quote litteraly impossible for afabs.

If we at least got SOMETHING like more vacation days, more legal paid off days, being able to work leas hours during Luteal phase ANYTHING then maybe I'd feel less lissed right now, but nooooo having a hormon cycle that actually effects your performance is still somehow a taboo topic and because we have that much interlazed shame taht we don't even dare complaining about it oh my fucking God

The research gaps with how hormone cycles affect medicine also PISSES ME OFF SO MUCH

Wydm woman are " higher maintenance we can't perform research on you"

LIKE BRO NOT CONSIDERING HORMON CYCLES IN YOUR MEDICAL RESEARCH SHOULD BE ILLEGAL??

Oh MY FUCKING GOD IT'S LIKE WOMAN ARE NO REAL PEOPLE TO YOU

FUCK THE FUCKING PATRIARCHY