Balance June 2019 - 30

WO R D S
R E B E C C A
G I L L A M

WHAT
TO
EXPECT
WHEN YOU'RE
(NOT) EXPECTING

There will be blood... and a whole host of hormones that dictate appetite, energy levels, complexion,
mood and overall wellbeing. Here's all you don't know about your monthly cycle

P

eriod, period, period. The odds
are, however "woke" you consider
yourself, this word still makes you
mildly uncomfortable, and it's not
hugely surprising. First spoken on TV in
1985, despite being a fairly vital part of the
continuation of the human race prior to that,
it's only recently that the tide has started
turning for the crimson wave.
In recent years, there's been a stigma shift
and overdue push towards rebranding the
female reproductive system. Protests against
the taxation of sanitary products (raising
awareness of worldwide poverty), the longawaited emoji and a dramatic rise in mentions
of menstruation in the news, which have
tripled between 2010-15, according to Maisie
Hill's book, Period Power.
So, why does the complexion change, with

30

adult acne making an appearance once every
four weeks? What's the cause of pain that will
drive the hardiest of folks to lie with their feet
up a wall, a hot water bottle on their abdomen?
Why do vegans crave a burger for three days a
month? What makes the idea of sex the sexiest
thing imaginable one day, then positively
repugnant the next?
And that's not to mention the mood,
confidence and happiness swings...
DAYS 1-5 - SPARE KNICKERS
AT THE READY
The shedding of the uterine lining, when
fertilisation hasn't happened, marks the
beginning of a menstrual cycle. For some it
may just be blood and a few mild symptoms,
while for others it's joined by debilitating pain.
If you fall into the latter camp, check with

your GP it's not a symptom of an underlying
problem like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,
Endemetriosis or fibroids.
"At the beginning of the cycle, hormone
levels are low which can leave you feeling
introspective and wiped out," Hill explains.
The drop in oestrogen also has a knock-on
effect on our serotonin levels, which explains
the cravings for carbs. Nutritional therapist
Angelique Panagos says the body, "wants foods
that make us feel good and, depending on how
heavy your period is, sources of iron like red
meat, spinach, eggs and broccoli."
DAYS 5-15 - FEELIN' FRISKY
Though menstrual cups will be back in their
organic cotton bags, the cycle is just beginning.
"The pituitary glands start the follicular
phase by releasing hormones which trigger



Balance June 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance June 2019

Balance June 2019 - 1
Balance June 2019 - 2
Balance June 2019 - 3
Balance June 2019 - 4
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