Women’s Health, Hormones, and the 4 Phases of Your Cycle: How Cacao Can Help
Women’s Health, Hormones, and the 4 Phases of Your Cycle (+ Why Cacao Can Help)
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the natural rhythm of the menstrual cycle and how it affects everything from our energy and mood to productivity. By tuning into these phases, we can learn to support our bodies in a way that feels more in sync with their needs. The good news? When we align with the four phases of our cycle and nourish ourselves mindfully—like incorporating ceremonial cacao—we can make the whole experience feel a lot smoother and more balanced. 🥰
Menstrual Phase: This is when your period starts, and hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone drop. Naturally, energy levels dip, and you might feel more tired or introspective. It’s a great time to slow down and rest, and this is when cacao, rich in magnesium, can help reduce muscle tension and cramps, making it easier to relax. Plus, its natural mood-boosting properties offer comfort, helping you feel more at ease during this phase.
Follicular Phase: After your period, your body starts to build up energy again as estrogen levels rise. This phase is all about renewed energy, creativity, and motivation. Instead of reaching for a caffeine fix, a cup of cacao can provide a gentle, steady energy boost without the crash. Theobromine, a natural compound in cacao, helps maintain mental clarity and focus, giving you the fuel you need to tackle your growing to-do list.
Ovulation Phase: During ovulation, estrogen peaks, and many of us feel our most vibrant and social. It’s a time when your body thrives on nutrient-dense foods, and cacao’s abundance of antioxidants and essential minerals like iron supports this phase beautifully. Incorporating cacao into your daily routine during ovulation can keep your energy and mood in balance while nourishing your body at a time when it’s working hard.
Luteal Phase: As progesterone levels rise post-ovulation, you might start to feel more fatigued or notice premenstrual symptoms like bloating or irritability. This is where cacao can really shine. With its high magnesium content, cacao helps ease those PMS symptoms, calming both body and mind. The serotonin-boosting effects can also keep mood swings in check, offering a soothing, grounding ritual when you need it most.
Cacao isn’t just a treat—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that support your body through every phase of your cycle. By incorporating ceremonial cacao into your routine throughout your cycle, you’re giving your body the support it needs at every stage. From easing cramps and improving mood during your period, to providing a balanced energy boost when your motivation is high, cacao is a simple yet powerful way to nurture your body and mind. Its ability to reduce stress also plays a key role in supporting hormonal balance, keeping you grounded and feeling good throughout the month.
So, next time you feel your body shifting through its cycle, remember that ceremonial cacao is your cycle’s best friend — comforting, energising, and supportive when you need it most aligning with your body’s natural rhythm, and giving it what it needs to feel good all month long.
A woman's health is her capital. So take a sip, and give your body the love it deserves.