text © 2024 Dana-Sofie Šlancarová / illustration © Dana-Sofie Šlancarová / photo © pixabay

Having worked with hundreds and thousands of women over the years, I’ve learned there are many reasons why they may be uncertain about which phase of the cycle they’re in.

The most reliable indicator to track the days and phases of your cycle is menstruation. The onset of bleeding marks the beginning of your cycle. However, your cycles may be irregular or shorter/longer than the typical 28–30 days, which can leave you unsure about your current phase.

Another common reason is the absence of menstruation, which may be due to:

• Pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding.
• Use of hormonal contraceptives such as the pill or an IUD.
• Prolonged hormonal contraceptive use, resulting in non-existent menstruation.
• Past surgery (e.g., uterus or ovary removal).
• Menopause or post-menopause.

The great news is that even without physical signs of menstruation, your cycle and its phases are still with you and you can enjoy all the „superpowers“ that they bring you!

Let’s summarize some key information about each phase, especially for those who are new to this:

The menstrual phase, typically accompanied by bleeding, is characterized by:

• Very low physical energy.
• High need for rest and relaxation.
• Feelings of wanting to be left alone.
• Difficulty focusing or sustaining mental work.
• Even routine tasks may feel exhausting.
• Possible physical discomfort, such as back pain, abdominal cramps, headaches, and bloating.

This phase is succeeded by the pre-ovulation, dynamic phase (yes, because we’re really speedy and dynamic during this time). Here are the key characteristics of this phase:

• Rapid rise in physical energy levels.
• Improved emotional stability.
• Increased speed and efficiency.
• Enhanced physical strength and endurance.
• Reduced need for sleep and food.
• Focus on work, performance, and achieving results.

Next comes the ovulation phase, marked by the maturation of the egg and a shift in your energies. Here’s what characterizes this phase:

• Diminished emphasis on work, performance, and outcomes.
• Heightened focus on people and relationships.
• Prioritization of self-care and care for others.
• Increased communication and empathy.
• Emotional stability and optimism.
• Heightened libido (sexual desire).

The final phase is the premenstrual phase. While some women embrace it, many curse it, particularly due to mood swings or other unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. During this phase, you may experience:

• Decrease in energy and optimism.
• Mood swings, feelings of overwhelm, or heightened sensitivity.
• Heightened creativity and intuition.
• Need to complete unfinished tasks.
• Urge to tidy up.
• Various premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

(If you like the cyclic magnet and want to buy one for your fridge, just e-mail me at sofie@cyklickazena.cz.
We ship nearly all over the world, but at the moment we have only a Czech speaking e-shop;-))

As I’ve already said, menstruation is the most straightforward indicator of day 1, the beginning of your cycle. However, there are plenty other cues can help you identify your phase.

It’s important to understand a few key points:

• Your cycle does not disappear even if menstruation is absent.
• The four phases are always accompanied by distinct mental, emotional and physical manifestations that you can identify at any time with the right knowledge.
• During menopause, there’s a slightly higher chance that your cycle will deviate from the typical 28-day pattern (it’s usually longer and the phases are also longer).

So, how can you unmistakably recognize your phase based on mental, emotional and physical cues? You can use the following questions as a sort of litmus test to determine your current phase.

1. Am I feeling more energized or tired?

Two out of four phases are characterized by increased energy levels, while the other two tend to leave us feeling more fatigued. Specifically, the dynamic and ovulation phases are when we typically experience higher energy levels, whereas during the premenstrual and menstrual phases, our energy decreases. (Imporant note: If you consistently feel tired throughout the whole month, it may indicate a lot of stress and a lack of adequate relaxation and rest over the long term, resulting in feelings similar to premenstrual fatigue and overwhelm despite being dynamic or in ovulation. In such cases, I highly recommend prioritizing sufficient sleep, increasing rest during the menstrual phase, and taking all possible steps to reduce stress in order to restore balance to your cycle.)

Are you experiencing high energy levels and a desire to be active? You may be in the dynamic phase!

2. Am I feeling more active or passive?

Two of our phases tend to be more passive, while the other two are more active. If you’re feeling full of energy, unstoppable, and eager to engage in activities, you’re likely in the dynamic phase. On the other hand, if you’re still mentally and energetically fine but leaning towards a more passive state, perhaps preferring conversations over work tasks, you’re probably in the ovulation phase. Feeling tired but still motivated to complete tasks indicates a shift towards the premenstrual phase. If you’re feeling extremely tired and passive to the extent that you’re indifferent about everything, it’s likely the menstrual phase, even without menstrual bleeding.

These two questions should help you identify your current phase. However, additional questions can help you:

3. Am I feeling drawn more to people and the external world, or do I want to be alone and in my inner world?

During the dynamic phase, our inclination towards the external world is heightened, and this intensifies further during the ovulation phase when we naturally seek out social connections. As we transition into the premenstrual phase, our focus shifts back to work, similarly to the dynamic phase, but we also begin to withdraw, finding solace in solitude. By the menstrual phase, solitude becomes a genuine necessity.

If you find yourself in need of ample rest, it’s a clear sign that you should give yourself a break, as you’re likely in the late premenstrual or menstrual phase.

4. Am I feeling more like working, or just being?

This question is closely tied to the concepts of activity and passivity outlined in question 2. During active phases such as the dynamic and premenstrual phases, we are naturally inclined towards work, whereas we give work too much of a thought during ovulation and especially during the menstrual phase.

Although the dynamic and premenstrual phases may appear similar, there are significant distinctions between them: while in the dynamic phase, we require minimal sleep and rest, and we relish in initiating tasks and multitasking, during the premenstrual phase, our need for rest significantly increases, particularly as this phase progresses. Additionally, taking on multiple tasks during the premenstrual phase can feel overwhelming, and we often find solace in focusing on one task at a time until completion.

5. Am I more rational or intuitive?

Once again, our phases exhibit distinct differences: we tend to be most rational and logical during the dynamic phase, and maintaining rationality with a blend of positive emotions during ovulation. As the premenstrual phase approaches, our intuition begins to grow, often leading to sudden insights and ideas. By the time we reach the menstrual phase, we find ourselves immersed in intuition, insights, and a deeply meditative state of mind.

6. What is my most pressing need at the moment?

Do I feel compelled to work? If so, I’m likely in the dynamic or premenstrual phase.
Am I craving social interaction? Then I’m probably in the ovulation phase.
Have I been struck by a sudden urge to tidy up or create? It’s highly probable that I’ve transitioned into the premenstrual phase.
Do I feel the need to rest? Then I’m likely in the late premenstrual or menstrual phase.
Do I crave solitude, longing for everyone to leave me be? This unmistakably points to the menstrual phase.
Do I yearn for constant activity and stimulation? Once again, it appears to be the dynamic phase!
Am I seeking enjoyment and fun? That brings us right back to the ovulation phase…

So, are you still unsure about which phase you’re in? I believe you already have a good understanding, but I’ve summarized everything for you in the following image:

---

Do you want to to know more about planning
your business and personal activities according to your cycle –
and also to receive regular tips on
how to harness your hormonal cycle superpowers?

Download my freebie

The Cycle Success Planning Technique
for Female Entrepreneurs

This technique will help you:

• Be more in flow, stop pushing hard, and ditch burnout.
• Achieve more, happily and effortlessly.
• Boost your creativity, income, and connections.
• Attract your ideal clients.
• Get more time for yourself, your hobbies and family.
• Ease PMS or period pains.
• Feel absolutely great all month, even before and during your period!

Or DM me on IG/FB/LI (dana.sofie.slancarova) to set up a personalized complimentary 30-minute call! During this free call, we’ll discuss what’s currently happening in your business. I’ll provide valuable advice and show you how my expertise can help you achieve the results you’ve been yearning for.

I am Dana-Sofi and I am a Cycle Cycle Catalyst with over 15 years of experience. I’ve helped hundreds of thousands of women to change their attitude to their body’s rhythms which allowed them to find new ways of their creativity and also discover their unique feminine superpowers they now use in their business, jobs and personal lives as well. Be one of them and make your cycle and your period your best business ally!