For her
Your menstrual cycle, phase by phase: mood, energy and what helps
Your cycle shapes more than your period. Energy, mood and desire shift through the month. Here is what many notice in each phase, what tends to help, and what you can share with him so he understands.
Period, day 1
Day one. Go gently with yourself.
How you may feel
Often the heaviest and most painful day. Low energy and a need for warmth and rest are completely normal.
What helps
- Keep warmth close: a hot water bottle, a warm shower, warm food.
- Cancel what you can. Rest counts as doing something.
- Eat properly and drink plenty of water.
Better to avoid
- Hard training and big decisions can wait a few days.
What you can tell him
Ask for practical help today: food, errands and some peace.
Period, day 2
Still low on energy, but often a little lighter than yesterday.
How you may feel
Bleeding and cramps often ease a bit. You may still feel tired and tender.
What helps
- Gentle movement, like a walk, can ease cramps.
- Iron-rich food helps: meat, beans, leafy greens.
- Say no to things that drain you.
Better to avoid
- Don’t judge yourself for a slow day.
What you can tell him
Tell him what helps: a hug, a meal or just some quiet.
Period, last days
The worst is behind you. Energy is slowly coming back.
How you may feel
Bleeding tapers off and your mood often lifts. Many feel a quiet sense of a fresh start.
What helps
- Ease back into training if you feel like it.
- Plan the week ahead now that your head is clearer.
- Get some daylight and fresh air.
Better to avoid
- Don’t take on too much at once just because you feel better.
What you can tell him
Let him know you’re coming back to yourself.
Energy returns
Rising energy. A good time to start new things.
How you may feel
Estrogen rises, and with it energy, focus and optimism. Many feel social and curious.
What helps
- Start the thing you’ve been putting off.
- Try a harder workout, your body handles it well now.
- Make plans with friends.
Better to avoid
- Don’t fill every evening. Save some energy for later in the cycle.
What you can tell him
Suggest something fun to do together this week.
Fertile window opens
You’re on your way up. Confidence and desire often grow.
How you may feel
Energy is high, and many feel attractive and outgoing. Desire often rises these days.
What helps
- Say yes to things that make you feel alive.
- Use the extra energy on what matters most.
- Wear what makes you feel good.
Better to avoid
- If you don’t use contraception, remember these are fertile days.
What you can tell him
Tell him what you’d like. This is a good time for closeness.
Just before ovulation
Peak energy. Many feel at their best now.
How you may feel
Estrogen is at its highest. Mood, energy and desire are often at the top.
What helps
- Have the important conversations now.
- Book an evening for the two of you.
- Challenge yourself, physically or at work.
Better to avoid
- Fertile days: be clear about contraception if you need it.
What you can tell him
Plan something together. You’re both likely to enjoy it.
Ovulation
Ovulation. Radiant, but a shift is coming.
How you may feel
Many feel attractive and full of energy. Some feel a twinge on one side of the belly.
What helps
- Enjoy the energy while it lasts.
- Drink and eat well, your body is working hard.
- Notice how you feel, it helps you understand your pattern.
Better to avoid
- Today and the days around it are the most fertile.
What you can tell him
Tell him you feel good. He’ll love hearing it.
Just after ovulation
The pace slows. Calm and coziness suit you now.
How you may feel
Progesterone rises and many feel calmer and more inward. Energy is still decent.
What helps
- Choose cozy evenings at home.
- Finish what you started earlier in the cycle.
- Keep moving, just a little gentler.
Better to avoid
- Don’t start too many new projects now.
What you can tell him
Suggest a quiet evening together.
Mid second half
Steady days. Take good care of your routines.
How you may feel
Many feel stable, but energy can dip. Hunger and the need for sleep often increase.
What helps
- Eat regularly to keep your energy steady.
- Go to bed a little earlier.
- Write down what’s on your mind before it piles up.
Better to avoid
- Lots of caffeine and sugar can make the swings bigger.
What you can tell him
Share what’s on your mind, small things before they grow.
The days before your period
Things can feel heavier. That’s hormones, not you.
How you may feel
Hormones drop, and many feel more sensitive, irritable or tired. Cravings and tender breasts are common.
What helps
- Lower your expectations of yourself this week.
- Get daylight, movement and enough sleep.
- Have something good at home, without guilt.
Better to avoid
- Save big conversations for when you’re rested. They can wait.
What you can tell him
Tell him early if you’re more sensitive. It makes it easier for both of you.
Last days before your period
The last days before. Be extra gentle with yourself.
How you may feel
Many feel bloated, tired and thin-skinned. Your period is probably close.
What helps
- Have pads, painkillers and the hot water bottle ready.
- Say no to what you can.
- Warm baths, soft clothes, early nights.
Better to avoid
- Don’t read too much into dark thoughts now. They often pass when your period comes.
What you can tell him
Ask for patience and a hug. He wants to help.
For her: The period tracker you can share with your partner →
General information, not medical advice. Every body and every cycle is different, and she is always the authority on how she feels. Lunatwin is not contraception and can’t be used to prevent or plan a pregnancy.