#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

[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”

[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.

[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

[leahshealthandwellnesslair]

Periods, the menstrual cycle and how that could affect your diet and training.

I like many personal trainers, I had no idea how the menstrual cycle could affect strength and endurance training until I took the time to do some research and develop a better understanding of how utilising your cycle to maximise your training can greatly impact results and consistency. 

Now, this information won't be tailored to everyone, as everyone who experiences a menstrual cycle has a different experience. But if we were to assume that the average cycle is 28 days long, the first two weeks is the follicular phase and the latter two weeks is the luteal phase, with ovulation occurring around day 14. 

Estrogen for a long time got a bad wrap when it came to strength training, but it's actually a fantastic hormone. The first two weeks of your cycle, the follicular phase, are going to be some of your best weeks in relation to training. 

Around the time of ovulation you will probably see and increase in performance. You may be able to maintain a more consistent cardiac output during hiit sessions without feeling fatigue as quickly and those personal best during those compound/complex movements such as our bench press, back squat and deadlifts, may be higher. There are a few hormonal changes during this phase, including an increase in testosterone at ovulation which impact our ability to train more efficiently. 

The latter half of your cycle, the luteal phase, is where some women experience premenstrual syndrome. (PMS) For some it can be crippling, it can bring on bouts of depression, cause fatigue and irritability. For others, they're okay. 

From a training perspective in relation to our luteal phase, coordination can go out the window– those unilateral movements can be a bit tricky and we can sometimes experience a decrease in strength. 

During our luteal phase there's also an increase in our metabolic rate. Our requirements for energy increase but most of us don’t make those allowances during dieting protocols, which leads to falling off the wagon. 

So what considerations should we make when we’re trying to optimise our training routine in relation to our cycles? Below are some tips: 

➡️ The first two weeks (Follicular phase) Aim for those personal bests. Your strength will be at its most optimal level and you can utilise this to your advantage by pushing a little harder, lifting heavy and working to max capacity. 

➡️ After ovulation, during that Luteal phase, it may be applicable to do more volume training in terms of reps instead of going for those five RM’s. Lighten the load to something that is maintainable, work on form and time under tension. 

➡️ From a dieting perspective, incorporate extra foods that won’t blow your caloric intake. Things that are possibly low (or high depending on your goals) calorie, high protein, or fruit that will help to reduce those sweet cravings we all know about. 

The more that we can understand the fluctuations and differences in training and dieting, the more we can better define our relationships with our bodies. 

[healthandfitness899]

Signs of Infertility

What exactly is infertility?

The problems with either conceiving a child, or with carrying out the pregnancy to its eventual fruitful end, fall under the definition of infertility. Infertility is the incapability of an individual to become pregnant, in case of females, or the incapability to induce pregnancy, in case of the males. The inability of an individual to carry out a pregnancy to its full term is also dubbed infertility. How does one recognize infertility? What are the signs of infertility?

Signs of infertility are not always evident. Most people go through life without knowing there is a problem with their reproductive systems, attributing failed pregnancies to providence. In fact, miscarriages are the most common indicator of infertility. Signs of infertility in women:

In women, the signs of infertility are more readily recognized as compared to men. Endometriosis causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus.

Bacterial infections may begin around the uterus and spread to other reproductive organs, resulting in infertility. Fibroids in the uterus are indicative of infertility. Tumors in the cervix often cause stenosis, or narrowing of the cervix, which is a common indicator of infertility.

Ovulating before the tenth day and after the twentieth day of one's monthly cycle, pre-menstrual spotting, menopausal symptoms, etc. are indicative of luteal phase defect, and thus in turn are signs too.

Irregular menstrual cycles are the most common indication in females that they might have some problems with fertility. However, an irregular menstrual cycle is not conclusive in itself, but it is definitely one of the signs of infertility.

Issues regarding body weight are often indicators of being infertile. For a woman, being too thin, or anorexic, will definitely hinder pregnancy, since the body does not have the proper nutritional requirements, or the required strength.

Alternatively, obesity can also be a sign. Obesity is accompanied by hormonal imbalance, which affects the reproductive system and pregnancy. Signs of Infertility in Men:

Like females, in males too, either obesity, or anorexia, is an indication that he is infertile. Apart from these, anatomical defects may also be signs of infertility. Undescended testicles, or damage to scrotum and the gonads, are possible indicators too. Wearing tight undergarments, or exposing the testicles to heat, may render the person unable to produce the required number of sperms, or unable to produce sperms altogether, resulting in infertility.

Determining the signs of infertility:

There are many medical procedures for detecting the signs that help to determine whether an individual is infertile or not. Doctors usually prescribe one or more of the following medical tests:

. Hysterosalpingography. A dye injected into the vagina is monitored to check for blockage in the fallopian tubes or uterus.

. Laparoscopy. If disease and other physical problems are present in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in the uterus, infertility is suggested. This may be detected through laparoscopy.

Infertility is a problem which can be solved if it is addressed in the holistic way, which is, using a multifaceted method of healing. Getting regular health checkups, taking supplements to combat existing problem, exercising and stress reduction techniques are only part of the holistic solution to infertility. The holistic approach is not only a surefire way to increase your chances of conception it also guarantees a safe and healthy pregnancy.

This article is based on the book, "Pregnancy Miracle" by Lisa Olson. Lisa is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate pregnancy solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of infertility, help you get pregnant quickly and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life,  without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting her website: ["Pregnancy Miracle" by Lisa Olson]

[lynxpix]

Unravelling the secrets of the seasonal reproduction of the lynx: cell cultures give insights into the production of pregnancy-promoting hormones in felids [1] [2] [3] (German press releases by the Leibniz Institute for zoo and wildlife research, 2021)

A team at the IZW (Leibniz Institute for zoo and wildlife research) has demonstrated that functional luteal cell cultures of domesticated cats, used to study the molecular biology of reproduction, can be applied to wild cat species. This is an important discovery as ovary tissue of wild animals such as the Eurasian lynx is harder to come by than a house cat, as the latter can be found at veterinarians performing neutering. After analysing the cells and mechanisms in domestric cats, this new method was applied to material of lynx derived from international cooperations with conservation programmes.

Key to pregnancy are corpora lutea, temporary endocrine structures that are formed during the luteal phase after ovulation. These primarily release progesterone, which is necessary to mediate bodily processes to sustain a pregnancy. The activity of these corpora lutea can promote or inhibit a pregnancy, which may be a mechanism 3 lynx species use to prevent out-of-season reproduction.

Lynx have a short time window for reproduction, lasting only a few weeks early in the year - calibrated to ensure survival of offspring in the wild, but also a challenge for conservation programmes. This means that lynx have functionally active corpora lutea with a much longer lifespan of several years, longer than any other mammal species. It is possible that this longetivity is due to superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), an antioxidative enzyme that may also inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death) that has been found to have a stronger presence in older cells of the lynx.

The researchers hope that unravelling the mechanisms of lynx reproduction may help in conservation efforts, e.g to induce ovulation or enable artificial insemination.

[scobbe]

Just recently I came across someone talking about taking Pepcid AC (famotidine) for PMDD. I happened to not only be entering my luteal phase but also taking Pepcid for Too Much Holiday Food and was suddenly struck by how much less awful I was feeling this month. Pepcid is apparently a histamine blocker and some women are apparently allergic to their own hormones. There isn’t a ton of research on it yet but it’s OTC in most places so worth a shot.

Pre-menstrual depression is always depicted as like "He He! I had a box of icecream bars and cried while watching the Titanic!" But in reality, it's more like, "I'm standing the edge of an abyss. There is nothing good inside of me, I'm filled with rage and desperation."

It's crazy that being told how to deal with that is never a part of anyone's menstrual sex education.