28 Days Or 40? Here's How Long Your Cycle Is Really Supposed To Be

The good news? We now have medical insight into the phases of the cycle, so understanding your "normal" can help explain any shifts in your mood or energy.

The menstrual cycle is the hormonal process a woman’s body goes through each month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Typically, the menstrual cycle occurs in the years between puberty and menopause, and the presence of your cycle means that your health and hormones are in alignment. There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle, and each presents its own shift in energy, mood, and vitality. If you pay close attention by tracking your cycle, you’ll begin to notice what helps you feel vital and balanced throughout each phase.

A woman's menstrual cycle starts with the follicular stage, which is the time frame before a woman ovulates. During this seven- to 10-day phase as the body prepares for ovulation, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) rises to tell the ovaries to prepare to release an egg. The hormone estrogen, which is at its lowest level at this point in the cycle, also slowly begins to rise. While these hormones are beginning to rev up for the month, it's common to see increased energy and possibly even restlessness.

With higher levels of both estrogen and testosterone, it's normal for a woman to feel naturally more positive, body confident, and yearning for a greater and deeper sense of connection and communication. And based on the shifts in hormones, that makes a lot of sense.

In the next phase, the luteal phase, the hormone progesterone rises, and as it does, premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like bloating, irritability, mood swings, and brain fog may develop for some women. These changes are partly due to the increase in progesterone, which boosts appetite and cravings for comfort food. Many women report an urge to retreat during this phase versus communicate, as commonly seen in the ovulation phase. It's a great time for some extra self-care.

The final stage of the menstrual cycle is the most well-known of all: the woman’s period. During the menstrual phase, progesterone production drops off and estrogen peaks and then drops. By nature, menstruation involves the intense process of eliminating the lining of the uterus. To help with any pain or cramps if you experience them, embrace your anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and the powerful turmeric spice.

It's really helpful to monitor your cycle by using a smartphone application to track the length of your cycle and any other ongoing changes. Your monthly cycle can be thrown off by stress, antibiotics, illness, alcohol consumption, and too much exercise—all of which have the ability to delay ovulation.

Lack of sleep is a significant contributing factor to hormone imbalance. When our sleep schedule is off, or we simply aren’t getting enough of it, our bodies experience fatigue and stress, which dampens our ability to regulate the hormones necessary for proper energy, brain function, and vitality.

Too much strenuous exercise can contribute to weight loss, which impairs the body’s ability to have a regular cycle. Professional athletes like gymnasts, runners, and swimmers, who tend to have a lower body fat percentage, often experience disruptions in their cycle for extended periods of time.

Travel can affect a woman’s cycle, especially when there is a change in time zones. Being in a new time zone can affect sleep, brain function, and ultimately hormone health.

Continuous stress raises cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol increases inflammation in the body and can affect progesterone and estrogen balance.

Want to gain some more hormone knowledge? Take our Ultimate Guide to Healthy Periods class with Alissa Vitti.