Irritation, hunger and lack of energy, signs of the luteal phase

Remember, we already discussed the luteal phase together. We had conducted a series of four articles on the period dedicating an article to each phase of the female cycle:

• Periods. The period,
• Periods. The follicular phase,
• Periods. Ovulation,
• Periods. The luteal phase.

Let's place the luteal phase in the menstrual cycle again. The menstrual cycle is a cyclical phenomenon in a woman's body that is meant to repeat itself over and over again. 

This female cycle is hormonal, it is governed, triggered and, sometimes, also disrupted by hormones.
Finally, this menstrual cycle is essential for procreation. It is triggered when the young girl goes through the puberty, at the time of the first period and ends at the menopause.

• When follicular phaseThe uterus prepares itself to receive a potentially fertilized egg. Its lining thickens to ensure proper implantation of the fertilized egg. The endometrium then resembles a comfortable bed. In the ovaries, the follicles grow in order to reach maturity.

• After about 15 days, theovulationA follicle matures and detaches from the ovary; its goal? To find a sperm along the way for fertilization. This is when you are most fertile and your chances of getting pregnant are highest. The egg travels down the fallopian tube.

• If you are using contraception, if you are a virgin, or if you have not had sexual intercourse, then the egg will not find a suitable sperm. No embryo will form. During the luteal phase, your entire body determines whether or not fertilization has occurred. Hormones are at their peak: progesterone (produced by the ruptured follicle, the corpus luteum) such asestrogenIf no implantation occurs, if no embryo implants in the endometrium, then the egg disintegrates, the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) drop sharply and new periods begin.

• The cycle is complete, a new period is upon us. This menstruation sheds the uterine lining formed during the previous cycle. To experience your period as calmly as possible, don't hesitate to try the... period panties Louloucupstyles, Loulou menstrual cup or our menstrual swimwear. Don't be caught off guard anymore, a menstrual cycle can be calculated, periods can be anticipated, we help you calculate your menstrual cycle, in order to avoid disappointments.

The luteal phase lasts about two weeks on average and, as you've been following along, falls between ovulation and your next period. It's really the time in your cycle when you'll be particularly sensitive because of the very high hormone levels followed by a sharp drop.

If you experience more or less intense stomach pains during your period, during the luteal phase, the symptoms can be more sneaky, more surprising. They are very varied. You will find yourself in states both physical and psychological that you do not know the rest of the time.

Really weird food cravings (especially sweet cravings), negative moods, a lack of energy Indeed, the luteal phase is not very fun to go through.

Many women experience in their lives SPMIt must be said that more than 150 symptoms have been identified to date. They are either physical or psychological. They vary greatly in intensity and do not always recur every month.

Major symptoms include: bloating, disrupted transit, water retention, breast pain, headaches or even acne.

Some women also experience eating disorders (unexplained cravings or hunger pangs) but also varying degrees of fatigue or dizziness. Hypersensitivity (to light, to noise), hot flashes, abdominal cramps complete this long list.

Stress, irritability, anger, aggression, and impatience can be amplified in some women during the luteal phase. Lethargy, apathy, despondency, lack of energy and motivation, as well as negativity, sadness, and... depressive feelings may appear when a few days earlier morale was at its best!

Confusion and feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, or being overwhelmed. Lack of concentration, confusion, a libido highly variable or even insomnia are also premenstrual symptoms.

It's simply the progesterone rising at the beginning of the luteal phase makes you crave more sugar, among other things. Hence your irresistible cravings for chocolate, cookies, cakes, and other not-so-light or healthy treats. progesterone is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is the follicle that ruptured in the uterus after ovulation.

During the second part of the luteal phase, hormone levels drop. This leads to more unstable feelings and moods. We are more on edge, angrier, more stressed, and more hypersensitive.

The gradual drop in estrogen levels (another main ovarian hormone in the menstrual cycle along with progesterone) in the second part of the cycle explains your fatigue, your lack of energy which can be really disabling in your daily life.