The Fueled & Free Podcast

S3 E6: Luteal Phase | Menstrual Cycle Series

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Episode 30 Show Notes

I’m excited to kick off a four part series all about the menstrual cycle! 

Your menstrual cycle is SUCH an important topic to really dig into and understand, because it’s a key indicator of your overall health. Today’s episode is going to cover the luteal phase in detail, which is the phase that leads up to your period. I’m discussing more about progesterone’s role in the luteal phase, the luteal phase defect, how factors like exercise, nutrition, stress, and toxicity really impact the luteal phase, optimizing your work and calendar to support yourself during this time, and more. 

While it’s totally okay to not love every part of your cycle, I do believe that knowledge is power, and it can make a big difference when you know what’s happening throughout each phase. If you’re someone who really struggles during the luteal phase, it may be time to dig into your gut and hormone health, mineral deficiencies, and any other issues that are plaguing you. You don’t need to feel like a hot mess and suffer alone – my team and I would love to help you, so make sure to check out our website (linked below) and apply today!

In this episode about the luteal phase, I cover: 

• What the luteal phase is + when it happens in your cycle {3:12}
• What actually happens during the luteal phase + how progesterone really comes into play here {4:05}
• The length of your cycle in regards to when your period starts {5:27}
• How the luteal phase defect can point to underlying imbalances that really need to be addressed {5:59}
• Factors that can really affect the luteal phase {7:22}
• One of the major reasons WHY I dove into the functional health space {9:15}
• How stress really affects the luteal phase {11:11}
• Why nutrition is such an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to our cycle and overall health {12:27}
• The impact of certain types of exercise, medications and perimenopause on the luteal phase {14:17}
• What happens if you’re exposed to a lot of toxins and your body isn’t detoxifying well {17:16}
• How you can ‘hack’ your luteal phase with supportive exercise and nutrition habits {18:06}
• How to optimize your luteal phase when it comes to your work schedule, productivity, and calendar {26:55}

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 23 | Estrogen Dominance & the Link to PMS Symptoms, Weight Gain & Gut Issues, Root Causes + Where to Start to Fix It
• Episode 29 | Thriving Through Perimenopause + Midlife with Adrien Cotton
• Episode 27 | Protein: Why it’s so important, how much should you eat, strategies to increase your protein intake, and eating protein for fat loss
• Learn more about working together by visiting https://fueledandfree.com/
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• For questions or suggestions about the podcast, send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com