Embracing My Cycle: How Syncing with My Menstrual Rhythms Transformed My Life

For 31 years, I dreaded my period. Raised in a conservative environment in Poland, where menstruation was a topic shrouded in shame and secrecy, my cycle was more a burden than a part of my biology to be celebrated. The education system, heavy with religious undertones, left no room for embracing period but rather painted it as a biological inconvenience. My mum, clueless and ashamed of menstrual cycle herself, failed to offer me a graceful rite of passage to womanhood.

To this day I vividly remember the mortification of a pad leak during an English class—a scarring moment that branded my teenage years and hunted me on every party as - to my horror - my immature male classmates would recall on the bloody story over and over again... This pushed me towards using tampons relentlessly (even overnight) and by all cost avoiding that dreaded bloody leak, for the next 15 years.

Fast forward through decades of using tampons, which I recently discovered contain traces of heavy metals—a shocking revelation that makes you reconsider the benefits of modern convenience (detailed in a National Geographic article). The anger I feel in my mid-30s towards a system that poisons us while teaching useless physics formulas instead of respect for our bodies is overwhelming. I spent my life wishing I were a man, looking forward to menopause, or any escape from the monthly ordeal.

Everything changed when I stumbled upon the concept of biohacking my menstrual cycle. The idea of syncing my nutrition, fasting, and lifestyle to the rhythms of my cycle seemed crazy at first - I'm not gonna lie! But the more I explored, the more it resonated with me, awakening a profound respect for my body that I had never been taught to cultivate. This revelation marked the beginning of my journey toward not just accepting but truly honoring my body and its natural rhythms.

The Power of Embracing My Cycle

Today, my lifestyle is synced - as best as I can - with the phases of my menstrual cycle, bringing incredible benefits:

• Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): A period of rest and reset. I focus on recovery with nutrient-rich, comforting foods to replenish my body (hello liver, steaks, and other organ meats). It’s less Netflix and chill, more gentle movements (walking) and heal!

• Follicular Phase (Days 6-11): Energized and ambitious, I tackle new projects and engage in strenuous workouts, fueled by protein and healthy fats. This is when I’m most likely to say yes to a new fitness challenge or maybe even a spontaneous karaoke night. My libido is on the raise as well, in particular as I'm nearing ovulation.

• Ovulatory Phase (Days 12-15): My social butterfly phase. I prioritize social engagements and critical decisions, opting for lighter, nutrient-dense meals. If there’s a time to conquer the world (or at least a pub quiz), it’s now! This is also when most of us experience peak of libido due to testosterone being on all time high.

• Luteal Phase (Days 16-28): As my energy recedes, I slow down, especially during 5 days leading up to period. This phase focuses on foods that stabilize hormones and reduce inflammation, preparing for the cycle to start anew. I load up on healthy carbs, rest and don't blame myself for indulging in sweets (healthy cookie recipes coming soon!) It’s the perfect excuse to turn down plans and cuddle up with a good book—or three.

This harmony has transformed my physical health —my periods are less painful, lighter, and shorter. I experience minimal bloating, no PMS symptoms, restored libido, halted hair loss, and even my stubborn acne has begun to clear up.

On mental side, I'm much more at ease, less rigid, more in flow and less stressed - that truly transforms how I feel on daily basis and show up for myself and my family.

Impact on Family and Future Generations

Living in sync with my cycle not only improves my life but also sets a powerful example for my family. It's crucial for mothers of daughters to demystify the menstrual cycle early, teaching them to respect, nurture and honor their bodies. For sons, like mine, this education builds a foundation of empathy and understanding, preparing them to support the women in their lives in an informed and compassionate manner.

A New Paradigm: Living in Sync with Our Cycles

Embracing my cycle has revolutionized not just my health but how I engage with the world. During my luteal phase, I no longer push myself to maintain the high-energy pace of the earlier weeks. Instead, I honor my body’s natural signals to slow down. This might mean shifting important work projects or choosing to decline social invites that don't sync with my internal rhythm. And honestly, it feels liberating to reschedule a meeting because, "Hey, it's my luteal phase, and I need to prioritize gentler tasks!"

In this phase, my diet changes too. I become ravenous—a reflection of the intense internal work my body is undertaking as it prepares for a potential pregnancy. My body is growing a new organ, after all! (side note - how fricking amazing is that?!) So, I feed it accordingly with nutritious, energy-rich foods and complex carbs. And when emotions run high, courtesy of my dear lady friend progesterone, I humorously acknowledge her influence instead of fighting it. “Oh, that's just Progesterone making me cry over a spilled coffee—no biggie!”

This approach extends to how I plan my entire month. I try to align my social, professional, and personal activities with each phase of my cycle (to the best of my ability!):

- High-energy tasks and social gatherings? Reserved for the follicular and ovulatory phases.

- Need to make a big presentation? I schedule it during my ovulation when I’ll be most articulate and energized.

- Feeling introspective and need more space? Perfect for the luteal phase, where I allow myself the grace to slow down, journaling and to reflect.

It's not just about personal comfort; it’s about challenging and changing a culture that has historically ignored the unique rhythms of women's bodies. Why should we conform to this testosterone and productivity driven world, a standard that doesn't fit our biology and does not honor it? Eventually leading us to burnout, to autoimmune diseases, to feeling lack of purpose, to be emotional wrecks with profound lack of self-love? It’s time we raise our voices and affirm that syncing with our menstrual cycles isn't a luxury—it’s essential for our health and happiness!

Join the Movement

Ladies, it’s time to embrace our true nature, to honor our biology, and to celebrate our cycles—not as a curse but as a powerful aspect of our femininity. Let’s start making these shifts, both big and small, whether it’s adjusting our workloads to match our energy levels, asking for support when we need it, or simply giving ourselves permission to rest without guilt.

If this message resonates with you, and you're ready to transform your relationship with your menstrual cycle and learn more about biohacking - check out my eBook, "Mum's Mojo Revival: 7-Step Energy Makeover for the Weary Mom". Dive into a detailed guide packed with actionable insights and strategies to help you live in harmony with your menstrual cycle by aligning the way you eat, sleep, workout and so much more!

Together, let’s shift our perspective and practice. Let’s live in a way that supports our natural rhythms and helps us reclaim our vitality.

Who’s with me? Let’s do this—for ourselves and for the next generation of women who deserve to grow up knowing their bodies are something to celebrate, not to endure.