Your menstrual cycle is not just “the week you get your period.”
It’s an entire hormonal cycle that can affect your energy, mood, skin, appetite, libido, vaginal health, and even how social you feel throughout the month.
Which means if you’ve ever looked at yourself mid-cycle and thought: “Why am I suddenly crying, exhausted, starving, deeply inspired, and/or ready to fight someone?” there’s probably a hormonal explanation.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the four phases of the menstrual cycle and what’s happening in your body during each one.
1. Menstrual Phase
AKA: your period.
This phase starts on the first day of bleeding and typically lasts 3 to 7 days. During this time, estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels, which can leave you feeling:
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lower energy
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more tired
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crampy
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emotional
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Introspective
Your uterus is shedding its lining, which is why bleeding happens in the first place. This is also when some women notice increased dryness or sensitivity because hormone levels temporarily dip. You can use Alubri Vulva Balm to help hydrate and soothe your external intimate skin.
What your body may want:
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rest
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hydration
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iron-rich foods
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comfort
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less “girlbossing”
2. Follicular Phase
AKA: the comeback tour.
The follicular phase begins during your period and continues until ovulation. Estrogen starts rising again, and many women notice:
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more energy
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improved mood
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clearer thinking
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increased motivation
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better workouts
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stronger libido
Your body is preparing to release an egg, and hormone levels are shifting in ways that often make women feel more social and energized. This is also when cervical fluid and vaginal moisture may increase naturally.
What your body may want:
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movement
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social plans
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productivity
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actual vegetables again
3. Ovulation Phase
AKA: biology’s favorite main character moment.
Ovulation usually happens around the middle of the cycle when an ovary releases an egg. Estrogen peaks, and testosterone rises slightly too, which can lead to:
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increased confidence
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higher libido
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more natural lubrication
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feeling flirtier or more outgoing
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higher energy
Some women also notice mild bloating or pelvic discomfort around ovulation. This phase is short, usually around 24 to 48 hours, but the hormonal effects can last a few days.
What your body may want:
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intimacy
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hydration
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attention
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to text your ex (please don’t)
4. Luteal Phase
AKA: the “why am I suddenly annoyed by everyone?” phase.
After ovulation, progesterone rises to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, hormone levels eventually drop, triggering your next period. This is the phase most associated with PMS symptoms, including:
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bloating
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mood swings
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fatigue
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cravings
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anxiety
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breast tenderness
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irritability
Some women also notice changes in vaginal comfort or microbiome balance during this phase because hormone fluctuations can affect the vaginal environment.
What your body may want:
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sleep
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snacks
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boundaries (we recommend you listen to this nudge)
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fewer notifications
Why Understanding Your Cycle Matters
Your menstrual cycle affects far more than reproduction. Hormonal changes throughout the month can influence:
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vaginal health
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vaginal dryness
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discharge
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energy levels
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mood
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skin
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libido
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digestion
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sleep
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the list goes on and on!
Understanding your cycle can help you feel more connected to your body instead of constantly blindsided by it.
And no, you’re not “crazy.”
You’re hormonal.
There’s a difference.
Your Cycle Fluctuates Throughout Life
Your cycle also fluctuates with age, stress, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause. That’s why vaginal health support matters through every phase of life, not just during your period.
At Alubri, we believe women deserve better education around vaginal wellness and women’s health. Understanding your body shouldn’t feel like decoding a cryptic group chat from your ovaries.
