The Menstrual Cycle - The Body’s Rhytm and Conscious Self-Care

Naise menstruaaltsükli faasid ja LadyWelli magneesiumihelbed

A woman’s body goes through a complex and natural hormonal cycle every month. Throughout this cycle, hormone levels change, as do the functions of the ovaries and uterus, the uterine lining, the body’s energy needs, and the way you may feel.

The menstrual cycle is about much more than menstruation. It is a continuous process in which the body prepares for a possible pregnancy, creates the conditions needed for conception, and, if fertilisation does not occur, begins a new cycle.

Each phase brings its own rhythm. There may be times when you feel more energetic and motivated to get things done, and times when your body calls for more rest, sleep, and recovery.

LadyWell magnesium flakes are designed for the different phases of the female cycle. You can choose a product according to where you are in your cycle, or simply according to the scent that speaks to you most at that moment.

Menstruation - Rest

What is happening in your body?

Menstruation marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. If fertilisation and pregnancy did not occur during the previous cycle, oestrogen and progesterone levels fall. As a result, the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, begins to shed and leaves the body as menstrual blood.

At the same time, new follicles begin developing in the ovaries, one of which may release an egg during the next ovulation.

Two important things are therefore happening at once: the previous cycle is coming to an end, while a new one begins.

How might you feel?

Changes in hormone levels and menstruation itself can affect your energy levels, mood, and how you experience your body. You may feel more tired, need more time alone, or want to sleep more. Some women experience lower abdominal cramps, lower back tension, headaches, or increased emotional sensitivity.

These experiences are not the same for everyone – menstruation can also occur with very few symptoms.

What does your body need?

Rest, warmth, sleep, and a gentler pace.

Menstruation can be a good time to reduce unnecessary strain and give your body an opportunity to recover. Gentle movement, walking, and stretching may feel more suitable than intense exercise – but, as always, listen to your body and follow what feels right for you.

Magnesium & aromatherapy

A warm bath can be a comforting way to relax the body and create a moment of self-care during menstruation. Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body needs, among other things, for normal muscle and nervous system function.

REST is warm and earthy – created for moments when your body is asking you to slow down.

In aromatherapy, calm and grounding scents such as lavender, frankincense, cedarwood, Roman chamomile, and sweet orange can complement this phase.

REST – when your body says: “It’s time to pause.”

Follicular Phase - Rise

What is happening in your body?

The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation.

After menstruation, oestrogen levels gradually begin to rise. The pituitary gland produces follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, which supports the development of follicles in the ovaries.

Usually, one follicle becomes dominant and an egg matures within it.

At the same time, rising oestrogen levels stimulate the uterine lining to thicken again. The body is preparing the uterus for a possible pregnancy.

How might you feel?

As oestrogen rises, many women may experience increased energy, motivation, and mental clarity. You may feel lighter, more active, more social, and more motivated to start something new.

This can be a good time for activities that require more energy, focus, and initiative.

What does your body need?

Movement, freshness, nourishing food, and opportunities to use your energy.

The body is in an active phase of growth and preparation. Strength training, more energetic movement, or simply spending more time outdoors may feel good – depending on your individual energy levels and how your body feels.

Magnesium & aromatherapy

Magnesium contributes to normal energy metabolism, nervous system function, and muscle function. An evening magnesium bath can be a lovely way to wind down after an active day and support recovery.

RISE is fresh and citrusy, with notes of grapefruit and bergamot – perfect for creating an uplifting atmosphere when you feel your energy returning.

In aromatherapy, scents such as lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, lime, and peppermint can complement this phase.

RISE – when your body says: “I’m gaining momentum again.”

Ovulation - Bloom

What is happening in your body?

Ovulation is the moment when a mature egg is released from the ovary.

As the follicle matures, oestrogen levels rise. When oestrogen reaches a sufficiently high level, it signals the pituitary gland to release luteinising hormone, or LH. This is known as the LH surge, which usually triggers ovulation.

The egg moves from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where fertilisation may occur if sperm is present.

At the same time, cervical mucus becomes more favourable for sperm, while the uterine lining has thickened under the influence of oestrogen.

Together, these changes show that the body has prepared for a possible conception.

How might you feel?

Energy levels may be high around ovulation. Some women feel more confident, open, social, and sexually active. You may feel a greater desire to connect with others, build relationships, and be seen.

Some women may also experience mild one-sided lower abdominal pain or sensitivity around ovulation.

What does your body need?

More movement, connection, joy, and opportunities to express your energy.

This can be a more active and outward-facing phase, but every woman experiences ovulation differently. Listen to your body, and never feel that you have to be more active simply because you are in this phase.

Magnesium & aromatherapy

If more active days leave your body feeling tense, a warm magnesium bath can be a soothing way to relax in the evening.

BLOOM is soft and feminine – created for moments when you want to create a calm, sensual, and present atmosphere.

In aromatherapy, floral scents such as rose, geranium, ylang-ylang, neroli, and jasmine can complement this phase. Floral aromas can be balanced with fresher notes such as bergamot or sweet orange.

BLOOM – when your body says: “I’m ready to open.”

Luteal Phase - Root

What is happening in your body?

After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into a hormone-producing structure known as the corpus luteum, which primarily produces progesterone.

Progesterone helps maintain and prepare the uterine lining in case the egg is fertilised and pregnancy occurs.

The body is now, in a sense, in a waiting phase – creating a suitable environment for a possible fertilised egg to implant.

If fertilisation does not occur, progesterone and oestrogen levels begin to fall. This signals that the cycle is coming to an end and menstruation will soon begin.

How might you feel?

During the first part of the luteal phase, you may still feel relatively energetic, but towards the end of the cycle, your energy may gradually decrease.

You may experience PMS-related changes such as breast tenderness, bloating, increased appetite, cravings for sweet foods, mood changes, irritability, fatigue, or a greater need for time alone.

PMS symptoms and their intensity vary greatly from woman to woman.

What does your body need?

Recovery, sleep, regular nourishment, and a gentler pace.

This can be a good time to look at your commitments and ask yourself what truly matters. You do not have to get everything done – towards the end of the cycle, your body may need more rest, quiet, and recovery.

Magnesium & aromatherapy

Magnesium is needed for normal nervous system and muscle function and can be part of a calming evening self-care ritual.

ROOT is calm and herbal – created for moments when you need more quiet and recovery.

In aromatherapy, scents such as lavender, Roman chamomile, frankincense, vetiver, cedarwood, and sage can complement this phase.

ROOT – when your body says: “You don’t have to do everything at once.”

Perimenopause & Menopause - Balance

What is happening in your body?

During perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, ovarian function gradually changes. Ovulation may become irregular, and oestrogen and progesterone levels can fluctuate.

Over time, ovarian activity decreases, periods become irregular, and eventually stop.

Menopause is defined as the point when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

This is no longer a phase of the menstrual cycle in the same sense as menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. It is a new stage of life in which the body’s hormonal rhythm changes permanently.

How might you feel?

Hormonal changes can affect sleep, mood, energy levels, and body temperature. Some women experience hot flashes or night sweats, while others notice changes in sleep quality or mood.

Everyone’s experience is different.

What does your body need?

Balance, sleep, movement, recovery, and listening to yourself.

During this stage of life, it is especially important to listen to your body, notice its changes, and learn to support yourself in ways that meet your needs at that moment.

Magnesium & aromatherapy

A magnesium bath can be a soothing evening ritual, helping create a peaceful transition from an active day to rest.

BALANCE is created to support a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

In aromatherapy, scents such as lavender, bergamot, frankincense, sandalwood, cedarwood, and geranium can complement this stage.

BALANCE – when your body says: “Listen to me. My rhythm has changed.”

Listen To Your Body

Understanding your cycle does not mean you have to plan every day around it. Quite the opposite – it gives you an opportunity to notice when your body is calling you to act and when it is asking you to rest.

Some days you need freshness and energy.

Some days you need warmth and quiet.

Some days you want to be around people.

Some days you need more time to yourself.

Your body is not working against you. It is constantly giving you information about what it needs.

LadyWell makes listening to your body a simple everyday ritual – choose REST, RISE, BLOOM, ROOT or BALANCE according to your cycle, or simply according to the scent that speaks to you most today.