Menstrual Master

There are some unfortunate consequences to our biology, but if you know what to expect during your cycle you can actually use certain stages of your period to your advantage.

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Q Will my body always be at the mercy of my period? How can I take charge of my hormones and not miss out on training due to the cramps, the bloating, the headaches and the mood swings when I go through specific phases of my period? And can I keep those cravings under control? Shannon

 Just about all the symptoms you experience are caused by changes in hormonal levels. Aside from the trademark psychological symptoms, these hormonal fluctuations also influence our training capacity, metabolic rate and energy levels. But by understanding what’s happening to your body, you can make better decisions around how to train and eat to get the best results. You’ll also know exactly what to expect, so you can roll with the punches.

Stage 1:

Days 1-13

Known as the Follicular Phase, this marks the start of your cycle immediately after you have finished your period.