15 Facts About Weight Loss And The Menstrual Cycle .

There are two phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase & the luteal phase.

1. The two phases are separated by ovulation and menses. The follicular phase starts at the first day of menses and ends at ovulation while the luteal phase starts with ovulation and ends with the first day of menses.

2. The follicular phase is called the follicular phase because it is a period where the follicle, which contains the egg, is maturing.

3. The luteal phase is called the luteal phase because the follicle becomes the corpus luteum after it releases its egg.

4. The follicular phase is a period of higher estrogen and low progesterone.

5. The luteal phase is a period of high estrogen AND progesterone, but progesterone is more dominant.

6. Interestingly, during the follicular phase a female has about the same amount of progesterone in her body as a male because the corpus luteum is the major source of progesterone and it is not formed until the luteal phase.

7. The premenstrual period and menses is characterized by a steep decline of both estrogen and progesterone.

8. Estrogen makes women more insulin sensitive while progesterone, because it opposes the action of insulin, makes them more insulin resistant.

9. Estrogen and progesterone are both anti-cortisol hormones.

10. Estrogen is also a muscle building hormone while progesterone may interfere with muscle development.

11. Follicular phase= more estrogen= less fat storage, some fat burning and is a muscle gaining time.

12. Beginning luteal phase= estrogen AND progesterone. Later luteal phase (premenstrual)= less of each but more progesterone.

13. Beginning luteal phase= less muscle building, but good fat burning. Later luteal phase= more catabolic time (i.e. burning fat and muscle).

14. Because both estrogen and progesterone have receptors in the brain, it has been shown that when they fall premenstrually, brain chemistry is impacted including lower serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. This means increased cravings especially for sweet and starchy foods (i.e PMS cravings)