Jenn Pike is one of the experts joining us for the Hormone and Wellness Summit, April 16th, 25th & 30th. She’ll be talking about Adrenal PCOS ~ How Stress Affects Your Hormones. Join us!
Phase #1: The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase is like a bridge between menstruation and ovulation. It begins after your period and goes until ovulation.
During this phase, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) encourages follicles in your ovaries to grow. Each follicle contains an egg, and each egg matures and develops leading up to your ovulation. One of these follicles will become the dominant one and release an egg during ovulation. As these follicles grow, they release a special type of estrogen, called estradiol. This is one of 3 estrogens, and typically the only one tested in blood work. Thanks to estradiol, you feel more energetic and have a higher libido during the follicular phase. It’s also why you feel more confident and good overall. If your estrogen is off – too high or too low – this can throw your whole system out of balance.
Here are some great nutrient dense foods add into your Follicular Phase cycle. It’s great to incorporate sprouted and fermented foods if you can handle them. These foods help your body metabolize estrogen and keep it from getting out of hand.
Top fermented foods include:
* Sauerkraut
* Bean and broccoli sprouts
* Kimchi
* Kombucha
* Yogurt or kefir
* Miso
* Natto
* Tempeh
* Pickles
You don’t have to go crazy with these fermented foods. In fact, it’s probably best if you incorporate small amounts slowly so you don’t offset the bacteria in your gut. Just add a small serving of any of these foods into your meals to support your follicular phase.
Other foods that are recommended for this phase include:
* Citrus fruits, like lemon, lime and oranges
* Avocado
* Olive oil
* Gluten-free Oats
* Barley
* Lettuce
* Zucchini
* Carrots
* Mung beans and lima beans
* Brazil and cashew nuts
* Organic Chicken
* Organic Eggs
This is also a FANTASTIC time to add in 1-3 tbsp. Fresh ground flax seed or pumpkin seeds as part of seed cycling and good elimination support for your body. Pooping well daily is a critical piece to optimizing hormonal health. I add them to smoothies, coconut yogurt and salads.
Interested in which phase comes next?
Check out Jenn’s videos for the Ovulatory Phase, Luteal Phase, & Menstrual Phase, next.
Learn more about your cycles & rhythms with Jenn’s FREE Cycle Syncing Masterclass — Gain a deeper understanding of your monthly cycle, whether you menstruate or not.
Reserve your spot for the Hormone & Wellness Summit, April 16th, 25th & 30th!
Jenn Pike
Jenn Pike is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Women’s Hormone Expert, Certified Yoga & Pilates Instructor, Medical Exercise Specialist, Bestselling author and host of the podcast The Simplicity Sessions.
She specializes in women’s health + hormones. As an inspired Mom of two, she understands that true wellbeing is a journey to be enjoyed, NOT a struggle to be forced. Jenn aims to inspire you to cut the B.S, and help you to create more Simplicity and Ease in all you do.
Jenn is generously offering 10% off of her new program, Synced, which is all about getting your hormones and body synced with your daily rhythms. This program is tailored to YOUR BODY specifically, and is a game changer! Or, use the coupon code TENTTALKS to get 10% off!
