By observing and listening to ourselves, it's possible to anticipate these changes and experience them with kindness each month, leading to a serene and fulfilling sexuality. To help with this, we sought advice from Morgane Le Goff, yoga teacher and renowned explorer of the sacred feminine.
Each cycle, we are governed by four hormonal movements that correspond to the lunar phases:
1° Pre-ovulation = the waxing moon:
On a hormonal level:
From the first day of menstruation until ovulation, this is the follicular or estrogenic phase.
The hormone FSH stimulates about twenty follicles, each containing one egg, which gradually grow in the ovaries while producing estrogen. Their role is to promote the implantation of a potential embryo by building a thick and comfortable uterine lining. Protective of the woman, these hormones promote the proper functioning of bones, the heart, blood vessels, metabolism, skin, etc.
On a personal level:
Within us, there is a young girl just waiting to blossom and grow. Desire rises powerfully from the gut, leading us to experience spontaneous sexuality, full of fun and laughter. During this time, we tend to engage more in role-playing, exploring desires we previously denied ourselves.
It's time to… Assert yourself and flourish in a sexuality that is 100% pleasure and letting go.
On our plate:
The focus is on complex carbohydrates from whole grains, legumes and root vegetables, and plant or animal proteins to slow down the absorption of sugars and guarantee the body a constant and lasting energy supply.
2. Ovulation = the full moon
On a hormonal level:
Once estrogen levels are sufficient, the pituitary gland releases a surge of LH, which pushes the most mature oocyte out of the follicle to become an egg. This phase lasts only one day, around day 14. Upon arrival in one of the fallopian tubes, it can be fertilized, and this process lasts for 3 or 4 days. Ovulation is also accompanied by a surge in testosterone produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries.
On a personal level:
In this sacred phase, it is the Goddess within us who expresses herself. If libido is strong, our sexuality is ultimately simpler, more tender, and more intimate. What is at play? Even with a foolproof method of contraception, the desire for conception remains present in the deep unconscious. The miracle of life can occur during this time, and this gives a completely different resonance to our lovemaking.
Now is the time to… Share your fantasies authentically to experience a sexuality directly connected to your heart and emotions.
On our plate:
Oysters, seafood, oats, eggs, pumpkin seeds… We load up on zinc-rich foods to secrete maximum testosterone.
3. The premenstrual phase: the waning moon
On a hormonal level:
Without fertilization, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. The brain then secretes progesterone until menstruation begins. This hormone is essential for our mood. It reduces inflammation, promotes restful sleep, calms the nervous system, and reduces stress.
On a personal level:
Then comes the Enchantress, who reflects on her desires and questions her relationship: " What more could we do? " This phase of discernment is conducive to intense, passionate sexuality, where the seductress within us expresses herself with complete spontaneity and gives free rein to all kinds of daring. We then experience our full power through our partner.
But if you are not grounded or aligned during this period, everything can go wrong because the balance of forces is harder to find.
Now is the time to… Step out of your comfort zone to give your sexuality a new dimension, full of surprises and discoveries.
On our plate:
To promote progesterone production and limit the effects of premenstrual syndrome, load up on sunflower and sesame seeds, whole grains, meat, eggs, mushrooms, avocados, legumes and green vegetables for their concentration of B vitamins. Don't forget the magnesium intake from green vegetables, dark chocolate or almonds.
4. The menstrual phase: the new moon
On a hormonal level:
Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest throughout menstruation. Conversely, a new peak in testosterone occurs during this time.
On a personal level:
This is the era of the Wise Woman or the Witch. In a kind of collapse, our inner landscape is stripped bare, revealing only the essential. Instinct and intuition take center stage in a mystical sexuality that can be as chaotic as it is alchemical. During this period, orgasms are particularly powerful.
This is the moment to… Feel what excites us sexually and listen to our intuition, which is then stronger.
On our plate:
The emphasis is on fruits (3 per day) and vegetables (6 to 8 per day) spread over the 3 meals of the day. This is ideal for restoring energy.
We favor foods rich in iron, vitamins B9 and B12, such as meat and dark green vegetables, and we accompany these with lemon for vitamin C, which aids iron absorption. The anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, flax seeds, or chia seeds can reduce menstrual cramps.
Memo:
If you're not very comfortable with lunar variations, you can also link hormonal phases to the four seasons:
- Spring = the pre-ovulatory phase. We are then full of energy;
- Summer = the ovulatory phase. We are radiant.
- Autumn = the premenstrual phase. We feel the need to slow down and reflect.
- Winter = the menstrual phase. We need calm to get back to basics.
To delve deeper, Anne Bianchi, sex therapist and Yoga teacher, gives us the keys to a fulfilling sex life:
How to (re)harmonize with our female cycle?
Take 1 to 2 minutes a day to note down our feelings in a lunar journal: the state of our libido, our expectations for the day, our level of creativity, our sleep…
To help us: "The Journal of My Moons" by Sophie Stellar (First Editions)
Mood swings, loss of desire… Accept what is instead of trying to fix it. With patience and kindness, simply shift or correct one or two disruptive elements per cycle, no more.
Breathe consciously, move in an environment charged with positive vibes and get a blood test and naturopathic support to ensure good hormonal function.
Boost our vitality by nourishing ourselves with readings, podcasts and activities that bring us pleasure, especially during a difficult ovulation or premenstrual phase.
To learn more:
Listen (in English): The Sakara Life podcasts on hormonal balance , how to unlock your sexuality , embrace your sexual power or recharge your libido .
