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Aug 31, 2020

On this episode of the Marina Perry Podcast, Marina is joined by Rachel Lee, founder of Thrive Natural Health, for a deep dive into the subjects of a woman’s monthly cycle, hormones, and natural contraceptives for women, too. Together, they break down how the body sends and receives signals about a woman’s natural rhythm, as well as how to properly care for your vagina as well. 

 

Why do women need to “understand their cycle” post-puberty? Racheal says that we grow up seeing menstrual cycles as inconvenient rather than powerful, however, a woman’s period is actually also considered a vital sign, too. What is the cycle? Women are deeply connected to the moon cycle as periods and moon cycles both last around 28 days. To break this down further, Racheal compares a woman’s cycle to the cycles of different seasons within a year. The first day of a cycle, for example, Racheal compares to wintertime and suggests that we should be more still during this time. The day you stop bleeding (usually 3-5 days later), is compared to the first days of spring after winter, and she suggests that women should go back to the gym, try building muscle, and socialize more with the extra energy during this time.

 

Immediately after a period, a woman’s body will experience a surge of estrogen. Summertime, Racheal explains, is when a woman’s estrogen is at its peak, and when a woman may feel and look her best, too. Racheal warns that although women may feel their best at this time, it may be easy to over-commit to activities and experience feelings of burnout. Racheal suggests winding down during the cycle’s autumntime in preparation for the return of the winter months of the cycle. 

 

What is the benefit of having a monthly bleed? Racheal says it comes down to the release of progesterone in the body that also comes along with the physiological release of the tissue and blood. Progesterone will not only help you feel better, but it may also give you more of a natural glow to your skin as well.  

 

But what can women do if they do not want to take the pill or use condoms with their partner? Racheal suggests tracking your body’s natural signs such as your vaginal secretions or checking your temperature around your fertility window. Although tracking your period and ovulation window can be effective for many women, you may still choose to reach for a condom or diaphragm to avoid contracting any sexually transmitted diseases through intercourse.  

 

Things You Will Learn

  1. What “the cycle” is, and the different phases of it
  2. Avoiding labels of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 
  3. Demystifying coming off of hormonal birth controls
  4. Natural contraceptive choices for women

 

External Links

Check out Racheal’s work at: https://www.thrivenaturalhealth.com.au/

 

Social Media

Let me know what you want to hear on future episodes, or tag me in a screenshot on Instagram @iammarinaperry.