🌿 The Stages of a Normal Period: How Your Cycle Affects Hunger, Weight Loss, and Hormone Symptoms

At Aberdeen Peak Hormonal Health PLLC, we believe knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your hormones. Understanding the stages of your menstrual cycle can help you manage your hunger, mood, and weight loss goals more effectively. Let’s break down what happens in each phase of a normal period and how it impacts your body.

🩸 Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

Your period starts on Day 1 of bleeding. During this time:

• Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.

• The uterine lining is shed and exits the body as menstrual blood.

• You may feel tired, bloated, and crampy.

• Hunger levels may be lower than usual, but some women crave comfort foods.

💡 Hormone tip: Focus on iron-rich foods like lentils, beans, and spinach to replenish lost nutrients.
💡 Weight loss tip: Gentle movement like walking or yoga is best during this time.

🌸 Follicular Phase (Days 6–14)

After your period ends, your body starts preparing for ovulation:

• Estrogen rises steadily, boosting energy, mood, and mental clarity.

• The brain signals the ovaries to mature an egg.

• Testosterone rises slightly near the end of this phase, improving motivation and sex drive.

• Hunger decreases, and you may feel more in control of cravings.

💡 Hormone tip: Take advantage of this phase for strength training and goal setting.
💡 Weight loss tip: This is the ideal time to dial in your nutrition and push your workouts.

🌕 Ovulation Phase (Around Day 14)

Ovulation is when the mature egg is released from the ovary:

• Estrogen peaks, and testosterone spikes briefly, making you feel strong, sexy, and social.

• Your body temperature may rise slightly.

• Some women experience slight cramping, bloating, or breast tenderness.

• Hunger levels are still relatively low, but you may crave salty or carbohydrate-rich foods for quick energy.

💡 Hormone tip: This is the fertile window—if you’re trying to conceive, now’s the time.
💡 Weight loss tip: High-energy workouts can feel great now—lean into strength and cardio.

🌙 Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

After ovulation, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone:

• Progesterone rises, preparing the body for a possible pregnancy.

• Estrogen drops, which can lead to mood changes, irritability, or fatigue.

• Many women experience increased hunger and cravings, especially for sweets and carbs.

• Bloating, water retention, and temporary weight gain are common.

💡 Hormone tip: Support your body with complex carbs, magnesium-rich foods (like nuts and dark chocolate), and hydration.
💡 Weight loss tip: Be kind to yourself—your body is working hard! Focus on steady meals, fiber, and protein to keep cravings in check.

🌿 Cycle Awareness = Hormone Power

Understanding your menstrual cycle helps you work with your body—not against it. At Aberdeen Peak Hormonal Health PLLC, we specialize in helping women navigate hormonal imbalances, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms, so you can feel energized, confident, and in control of your health and weight.

👉 Ready to balance your hormones and take control of your health? Contact us at Aberdeen Peak Hormonal Health PLLC today for personalized hormone and weight loss solutions.

📍 Serving Grays Harbor County, Aberdeen, and beyond.