Many women go through life wondering whether their period symptoms are normal. Surely nature didn’t invent this crazy emotional and often painful monthly rollercoaster, did it? 

Well, it turns out that it did. While there are certain things that you can do to blunt the wild gyrations in mood and pain levels you experience during your menstrual cycle (such as eating right), the wild swings are actually built into your biology. 

Let’s explain. New cycles start after menstruation. The first is what medical professionals and scientists call the follicular phase. Compared to other parts of the month, it is generally much calmer. Women in this phase often report having more energy and feeling better able to take on the challenges of life. 

The next stage is ovulation. This is characterised by higher sex drive and confidence. Why? Because this is the time of the month when you are most likely to get pregnant. You need to be “out there,” so to speak, making yourself available. 

After ovulation, things start to change. You enter the so-called “luteal phase,” characterized by higher levels of progesterone. In this part of the process, you can feel tired and your skin might not look as good as it did earlier in the month. 

The final stage of the process is the menstrual phase. This is characterized by period pain, low mood and general fatigue.  Darn female health!

Still confused? Don’t worry. Below we’ve provided you with a helpful infographic that shows you exactly what’s going on in terms of symptoms and hormone levels.

Infographic design by Yoppie