By Niousha Haghbin
Cycle Syncing 101
What Is the Menstrual Cycle?
A menstrual cycle begins on Day 1 of your period and lasts until the day before your next period. While textbooks often say the average cycle is 28 days, every woman’s cycle is unique—your body follows its own bio-individual rhythm.
A regular cycle is a vital health sign that should be appreciated and celebrated. Unfortunately, many women associate their period with pain, discomfort, and negative emotions. However, when we work with our physiology instead of against it, we can reframe limiting beliefs about menstruation and sync different aspects of our lives in ways that make us feel vibrant and strong—no matter where we are in our cycle.
As one of my favorite quotes says:
“Understanding is power. It’s very hard to fix what you don’t understand. But when you do understand, you hold all the keys.”
Understanding the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
1. Menstrual (Bleed) Phase
This is when the body sheds the uterine lining. At this time, our hormone levels are at their lowest, making our physiology more similar to men’s. However, inflammation is still present in the first few days of this phase, which can cause pain and cramps.
2. Follicular Phase
As estrogen rises, so does energy and creativity. This is the perfect time for higher-intensity workouts and trying new challenges. However, many conventional period products contain pesticides and synthetic fragrances that can disrupt estrogen metabolism—opting for plastic-free alternatives is a much healthier choice.
3. Ovulatory Phase
Estrogen peaks to trigger ovulation and then drops back down. Depending on your estrogen levels, you may feel unstoppable in this phase—or you might feel flat and fatigued, which could be a cue to check your hormone balance. Choosing sustainable menstrual products can help prevent exposure to microplastics that may interfere with hormonal health.
4. Luteal Phase
Both estrogen and progesterone start to rise, encouraging a shift toward self-care and mindfulness. Nutrient-dense, warming foods support hormonal balance and help ease PMS symptoms. This phase is also when many women experience heightened sensitivity to environmental toxins—making the switch to eco-friendly period care even more crucial.
Why Hormonal Balance Matters
Understanding the roles of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone—alongside pro-inflammatory neurotransmitters like prostaglandins—gives us a deeper insight into how our bodies function. These hormones travel through the bloodstream, affecting everything from our brain and muscles to our gut, influencing how we move, think, and feel.
Maintaining hormonal balance isn’t just about regulating our cycles—it’s essential for overall health. A regular menstrual cycle is a key indicator that the body is in a healthy state to conceive, but even beyond fertility, these hormones impact everything from metabolism to mood.
The Impact of Plastic-Free Period Care
Cycle syncing isn’t just about working with what’s happening in our bodies—it’s also about being mindful of what we put on our bodies. The materials in conventional period products can introduce hormone disruptors that throw off our delicate balance.
Switching to plastic-free period care aligns perfectly with cycle syncing principles. By minimizing exposure to endocrine disruptors, we help our bodies function optimally—improving menstrual health, reducing cramps, and supporting overall well-being.
The Power of Sharing Our Stories
In a world where the word “hormonal” is often used negatively, learning about our bodies and honoring their natural rhythms is empowering. The space we created at this workshop was a reflection of what we aspire to build—a community where women feel seen, heard, and supported.
We invite you to share your period stories, embrace your own unique cycle, and recognize that while every woman’s experience is bio-individual, none of us are alone. Stories have the power to make women pause and think, “It’s not just me. This is something we all go through.”
More people need to know how clean period products can improve their quality of life and how understanding their cycle can transform their energy levels, mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being.
Small changes can make a big impact on hormonal health. As we continue to educate and empower women to work with their cycles, making informed choices about period care remains a vital step toward hormonal harmony and sustainability.
Are You Ready to Embrace Cycle Syncing and Transition to Plastic-Free Period Care?
Your body (and the environment) will thank you!
About Cycle Hood
Cycle Hood is an initiative dedicated to empowering women through education on female physiology and creating a safe space for discussing how the menstrual cycle affects the lives of female athletes.
The cycle in Cycle Hood represents not only the menstrual cycle but also the broader cycles of life that women experience—puberty, monthly cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and postmenopause. The Hood in Cycle Hood symbolizes the power of community, where women can come together, share lived experiences, and empower one another in the process.
About Niousha Haghbin
Niousha is a biomedical engineer, integrative nutrition health coach, and hormonal health educator. She founded Cycle Hood with the purpose to create safe spaces for women to learn about their physiology and to empower them through coaching to live their healthiest, most vibrant life.
