BODY LITERACY BASICS-
U N D E R S T A N D I N G
Y O U R C Y C L E
ASHLI CREW RODR IGUEZ
B S ED. , C-FSD
How well do you know your body? For many of us, the answer may feel incomplete. Body literacy—the practice of understanding the natural rhythms and signals of our bodies, in otherwords, understanding your cycle—is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most empowering tools we can cultivate.
Knowing the inner workings of our menstrual cycle is an essential part of this literacy, offering us insight into our health, fertility, and overall well-being. Understanding your cycle isn’t just about tracking your period. It’s about recognizing the intricate changes happening within your body each month and using that knowledge to make informed decisions about your health and life.
Our bodies communicate with us daily, yet many of these messages go unnoticed without the right tools or understanding. Learning about your cycle allows you to decode these messages. The menstrual cycle is made up of four distinct phases:
MENSTRUAL PHASE
FOLLICULAR PHASE
OVULATORY PHASE
LUTEAL PHASE
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- MENSTRUAL PHASE: The shedding of the uterine lining, marked by your period.
- FOLLICULAR PHASE: A phase of renewal, where hormones like estrogen rise, and your body prepares for ovulation.
- OVULATORY PHASE: The midpoint of the cycle, when an egg is released, signaling your most fertile time.
- LUTEAL PHASE: A time of preparation, with progesterone rising and the body either supporting a potential pregnancy or preparing for the next cycle.
Each phase impacts your mood, energy, and physical symptoms. Recognizing these shifts can help you understand what your body needs at any given time, whether it’s rest, nourishment, or extra support.
THE BENEFITS OF KNOWING YOUR CYCLE
Understanding your cycle is about more than fertility—it’s about connecting with yourself on a deeper level. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Health Advocacy: When you know what’s normal for your body, it becomes easier to identify changes or irregularities, such as unusually heavy periods, missed cycles, or severe pain. These can be early signs of conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, which benefit from early intervention.
- Informed Choices: Whether you’re planning for a pregnancy, managing stress, or exploring natural contraception methods, understanding your cycle gives you the information you need to make decisions with confidence.
- Self-Empowerment: Body literacy shifts the narrative from seeing your cycle as a burden to recognizing it as a natural and powerful process.
GETTING STARTED WITH BODY LITERACY
Learning your body’s unique rhythms doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Track Your Cycle: Start by noting the first day of your period and the length of your cycle each month. This can be done using a simple calendar, journal, or app.
- Observe Your Body’s Cues: Look for signs like changes in cervical mucus, energy levels, or mood. These are natural indicators of where you are in your cycle.
- Educate Yourself: Dive deeper into the phases of your cycle and what’s happening hormonally during each stage.
A trusted resource to explore is Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, which provides in-depth guidance on understanding and charting your cycle.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO ME
I didn’t always understand my own body. Like many people, I grew up with a limited view of what my menstrual cycle really meant. It wasn’t until I started learning about body literacy that I began to see the power in knowing my body’s rhythms. Charting my cycle gave me clarity—not only about my reproductive health but about how my energy and mood shifted throughout the month. As a doula, I believe this knowledge should be accessible to everyone. When you understand your body, you can approach healthcare, family planning, and even self-care with more confidence and intention. Body literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a tool for empowerment.
“I honor the wisdom of my body. By understanding its rhythms, I create space for health, connection, and empowerment.”
