Menstrual Cycle 101: More Than Just a Period

At Flo Collection, we believe the menstrual cycle is more than a monthly event — it’s a vital sign. Your built-in feedback system and a rhythmic, intelligent process that reflects your body’s overall health and balance.

Yes, it’s tied to fertility. But it’s also connected to your energy, your mood, your skin, your sleep, your digestion, your nervous system, and more.

In other words:🩸 Your cycle is your body’s monthly report card.

Let’s learn how to read it.

What Is the Menstrual Cycle, Really?

Your menstrual cycle is a dynamic, hormonal rhythm that typically spans 21–35 days, although every body is unique.

It includes four distinct phases, and each one comes with shifts — in hormones, energy, and even emotional states.

This is your body’s way of communicating. It’s not random, your cycle holds data, it holds wisdom, shows patterns. And when something’s off? It often shows up here first.

Why It Matters (Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Reproduction)

At Flo Collection, we don’t reduce menstruation to pregnancy potential. Your cycle is part of your whole-body health — and a well-functioning cycle is a reflection of balance across your nervous system, hormones, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle.

That said, while pain is common, that doesn’t make it normal.

If your cycle is impacting your quality of life, please seek support from your doctor. You deserve to feel well, not just push through.

The Four Phases of Your Cycle

Understanding your cycle means understanding your body’s natural rhythm — and using it to your advantage.

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–7)

🩸 The start of your bleed. Your hormone levels are at their lowest, and your body is shedding the uterine lining. You might feel slower, quieter, or more introspective.→ This is your body’s exhale — a time to release and renew.

💡 Cycle hacks: Give yourself a break if you can. Use heat to help reduce cramps. Soak in a magnesium bath in candle light to help relax physically and mentally.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)

🌱 Begins alongside your period and continues after bleeding stops. Estrogen begins to rise, and your body prepares for ovulation. Energy, mood, and mental clarity often increase.→ This is your creative phase — ideal for starting projects or setting goals.

💡 Cycle hacks: Use the additional energy to "get stuff done". Difficult tasks become less difficult when you're fuelled by follicular power.

3. Ovulation (Mid-Cycle, around Day 14)

💥 A mature egg is released. Estrogen peaks, and some experience heightened communication skills, energy, and libido.→ This is your radiant phase — where confidence and connection tend to peak.

💡 Cycle hacks: If you feel a twinge or even cramps, you could literally be feeling the egg being released and travelling! It's called "Mittelschmerz" (German for "Middle Pain").

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

😴 Progesterone rises to support your system post-ovulation. This is your body’s wind-down phase, and if no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop before menstruation begins again. You may feel more sensitive, introverted, or in need of rest.→ This is your integration phase — a time to turn inward and reflect.

💡 Cycle hacks: While in Pre-Menstrual mode, we often stop overthinking and our "BS Radar" is dialled all the way up too. Use this to your advantage and call things out!

Why Tracking Matters

Tracking your cycle is not about controlling your body. It’s about connecting to it.

Every cycle is a conversation between your body and brain — and when you start listening, you’ll begin to understand:

• Why you feel the way you feel

• How your energy changes week to week

• What your body is asking for (food, movement, rest, boundaries)

• When something might need more support or medical attention

Start Tracking with the Flo Collection Period Files

We created the Period Files to help you decode your cycle with clarity and ease. No clinical jargon. No fluff. Just beautiful, intentional tools that help you tune in.

Subscribe to our Newsletter to download your free tools:

🔻 Period Tracker – Monitor your flow, symptoms, moods & more

🔻 Cycle Overview – A simple snapshot of the 4 phases and space for notes

🔻 2-in-1 Tracker + Overview – Keep everything in one place

There Is Nothing Taboo About Periods

Let’s be honest — anyone alive today exists because of a menstrual cycle.

It’s biology, not embarrassment and bloody powerful, not shameful.

At Flo Collection, we’re committed to:

♥️ Celebrating the intelligence of the menstrual cycle

♥️ Creating space for real, open dialogue — without whispers or apologies

♥️ Bringing you products that make periods more manageable, more empowered and less painful.