Days 42 & 43

The first two days of my menstrual cycle were heavier than usual. It is interesting my PMS symptoms were also more intense, hinting that this would occur. While I have been doing my best to honor and support my cycle, managing hormonal fluctuations takes a lot of trial and error, and even then it is never a guarantee.

When I am experiencing a heavier flow than usual, I am careful to not overexert myself. I took a break from running, opting for long walks and stretching instead. I go for anti-inflammatory foods and make sure to hydrate. Magnesium and raspberry leaf tea have been able to provide relief as well.

Mentally, I feel a lot better than in the luteal phase. There is a sense of introspective ease I have been enjoying, compared to the more emotional ups and downs of the luteal phase.

I am hoping by day 3 or 4 of my cycle to take a long run. I don’t want to say I will be “back on track,” as the rest was necessary and important.