Sorry lads, this one isn’t for you. OR, maybe it should be for you. It may help you understand your wives and girlfriends more, it may open up your eyes to what it’s really like to walk in our shoes month after month, to fully understand what we go through and what it genuinely feels like. So the next time your other half gets stroppy with you, or you wonder why she’s suddenly raiding the chocolate cupboard or she’s too tired and has zero energy, don’t respond sarcastically with ‘is it that time of the month again?’ with a rolling of your eyes. How about you buy her a small chocolate bar, put a blanket over her while she naps on the sofa and run her a nice hot bath or have a hot water bottle at the ready. No, I don’t claim to be feminist at all, it’s not men’s fault they can never understand anything they will never experience. To be honest, this one will not only enlighten the male population, but even you ladies, it may make you feel better about why you are so tired around certain times of the month and may eliminate any guilt when that ravenous behaviour ensues.
WHEN I BECAME A WOMAN
I remember being 11 years old when I got my first period. I remember feeling quite alarmed and startled the day it arrived and running to tell my mum that it had arrived and in a way, I embraced the idea that I was officially a woman. I remember using tampons for the first time and thinking they were so much better and more hygienic and also meant I could still swim and no one would be the wiser. Gone were the days pre- tampon where I recall being super embarrassed when I was only maybe 12 or 13 and holidaying in Cyprus and friends asking me why I wasn’t coming into the sea, because I couldn’t-sanitary towels are the worst!
Between aged 17-18, my periods were quite irregular so for mainly contraceptive reasons I decided to go on the pill (Microgynon 30). I loved the fact that I knew the exact day and time it would be arriving and if there was an event or holiday where I didn’t want my period, I would just start the next pack again (not recommended).
On and off I was on the pill until 2019 where I decided I wanted to come off it, especially if I was going to compete and my hormones would be fudged anyway. I remember 4 weeks into my cut and my period disappeared. I ended up having amenorrhea for about 9 months until it returned, to then lose it again when I started cutting again in September 2020 (but that story is for another time).
The fact is, as annoying as it is for us women and for people around us, having your period is the ultimate sign that you are healthy and your hormones are working efficiently.
KNOW THE (YOUR) CYCLE
It lasts 28 days
In the first two weeks you are more oestrogen dominant- you may feel more muscle soreness
Halfway into the cycle (eg day 14) ovulation occurs so you are most likely to get pregnant
The day before ovulation women are at their strongest due to having the highest level of testosterone-you may feel strongest in the gym at this point!
After ovulation is the Luteal phase so PMS is the most common symptom (premenstrual syndrome) and this is where you become more moody, more sensitive, more anxious and bloating occurs. This phase you should consider toning down your training, you will feel noticeably weaker and you are more prone to injury.
Other side effects: more hunger and cravings (because your metabolic rate increases) and apparently your body needs more calories (300cals approx.) However, how many woman binge and overeat because you try and fight it? My cravings are definitely sugar! My best advice would be to try and allow your self a bit more food but avoid turning it into a full on binge. Secondly, the extra calories you do it, ensure its food that will make you feel more satiated eg high protein snacks.
Ladies, I hope this has helped you understand your eating habits and cycle more (hopefully with less guilt about food!) Guys, I hope this has broadened your understanding with how complex the female body is, no it’s not you if she gets mad (not all the time I hope!)
Learn your cycle, know where you are in your cycle and listen to your body.
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