Articles
Menstrual Cycle and the Body
What is menstruation and why is it needed at all?
# Menstruation — an important part of women's health Menstruation is a natural part of life for most women. It can be annoying, cause pain, or simply interfere with plans, but in reality, it is an important biological process. --- ## How it happens Every month, a woman's body prepares for a possible pregnancy. Inside the uterus, a special layer grows — the **endometrium**. It is like a soft "nest" where an embryo could attach. But if pregnancy does not occur, this nest becomes unnecessary — and the body sheds it. This is how menstruation begins. --- ## Why monthly renewal is needed The endometrium is not just a lining. It must be fresh, healthy, and ready to accept new life. If it were not renewed, it could become less suitable for embryo implantation over time. > Imagine you prepare a room for an important guest each time — you wouldn't invite them into a room with traces of the previous visit. Therefore, the body "cleans out" the old and prepares the new every month. This ensures: - maximum chances of conception when planned; - overall reproductive system health. --- ## Menstruation is not a malfunction On the contrary — it is a sign that everything is working. It's like a **system reboot**: hormones, lining, mood — everything synchronizes anew. --- ## When to pay attention If menstruation suddenly disappears (and you are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or in menopause) — it may signal that something is wrong. The cycle is very sensitive to changes: - stress; - diet; - weight; - hormonal balance. Monitoring it means monitoring your health. --- ## Why we created IVA So you can see how your body lives in rhythm. To notice signals, understand them, and feel supported every day.
Your Cycle: What's Happening Inside
# Your Cycle: What's Happening Inside and How It Feels The menstrual cycle is not just the days with your period. It's a whole process that affects your well-being, energy, mood, and even desires. It consists of several phases, each like a separate chapter in a long story. ## 📍 Follicular Phase Begins on the first day of your period and lasts until about ovulation. During this period, the body sheds the old endometrium and then begins to prepare for a new cycle. **How you might feel:** Initially, there might be fatigue or a desire to retreat, but as the phase progresses, more energy, clarity, and motivation appear. It's a good time for planning, meetings, and new ideas. ## 🌸 Ovulation Around the middle of the cycle, one of the eggs is released from the ovary. This is a short but important moment when conception is possible. **How you might feel:** Many women feel a surge of energy, a desire to be seen, more confidence, and sexuality. Skin may look better, and thoughts clearer. This is the "peak" moment. ## 🌙 Luteal Phase After ovulation, the body works to support a possible pregnancy. The endometrium becomes thicker, and hormones change. **How you might feel:** Towards the end of this phase, irritability, fatigue, cravings for sweets, or simply "leave me alone" feelings may appear. All of this is part of the preparation for menstruation. ## 💧 Menstruation If pregnancy does not occur, the body gently begins a new cycle. The layer of endometrium is shed — this is the menstrual flow. **How you might feel:** Some may want silence and rest, while others feel relief. The main thing is not to fight yourself but to let your body do what it needs to do. --- Each phase of the cycle is not just hormones. It's part of your internal rhythm. Understanding these changes helps in taking care of yourself and not demanding the same productivity from yourself every day. In **IVA**, you can track the phases of your cycle, see how they relate to your feelings, and over time understand yourself better. It's not control. It's support.
Hygiene During Menstruation
# Hygiene During Menstruation: Simple Tips and Outdated Myths Menstruation is not "dirty" or "shameful." It is a normal process that almost every woman experiences. It is also a time when comfort is particularly important for the body. Hygiene during these days is not about washing with bleach and restrictions, but about simple, caring habits. ## What Really Matters - **✔ Change products regularly** Regardless of what you use — pads, tampons, cups, or menstrual underwear — it's important to remember to change them frequently. On average, every 4–6 hours, even if it seems like "it's not time yet." This is necessary not only for comfort but also for health. - **✔ Wash with warm water** Without soap, scented gels, and unnecessary chemicals. The vagina can clean itself. All you need is water and, if desired, a soft cloth. Soap can disrupt the balance and cause irritation. - **✔ Clean hands come first** Before changing a tampon or cup, your hands should be washed. This reduces the risk of introducing germs. - **✔ Nighttime is a special case** If you use pads, choose night ones — they are longer and provide better protection. Tampons for the whole night are not the best idea, especially if you sleep more than 6 hours. It's better to use something that doesn't need changing while you sleep, like a cup or menstrual underwear. ## Myths That Need to Be Left in the Past - **❌ "You can't wash during menstruation"** You can and should. A warm shower helps you relax, reduces cramps, and simply makes you feel good. - **❌ "You can't exercise"** If you feel energetic, movement is beneficial. It can even relieve pain. The main thing is to listen to yourself, not online charts. - **❌ "Tampons are dangerous for virgins"** This is a myth. The hymen is flexible, and a tampon does not completely break it. The main thing is to choose the right size and insert it carefully. - **❌ "Menstruation is dirty, you should hide"** It is a natural process. You don't have to disguise or apologize. Your body is doing what it was designed to do. --- Menstruation is not a reason to feel insecure. It is just one of the phases of your internal rhythm. Taking care of yourself during this time is a sign of respect for yourself, not an obligation. And **IVA** is here to support, remind, and help you understand that everything is okay with you.
Hormones and Mood
Hormones, Mood, Energy
# Hormones, Mood, and Energy: What to Do About It? You wake up full of energy, and a couple of days later — you can't get out of bed. Sometimes you want to cuddle, sometimes you want silence. Sometimes sleep is deep, and sometimes your brain won't shut off until late at night. All of this may not just be 'whimsical,' but the work of hormones. A woman's cycle is not just about menstruation. It's a constant movement of hormones that affect everything from thoughts to appetite. Three are particularly important: **estrogen**, **progesterone**, and **testosterone**. ## ☀️ First Half of the Cycle: Surge Right after menstruation, estrogen levels begin to rise. Mood improves, there's more energy, concentration, and inspiration. Many women feel 'in themselves' at this time — confident, attractive, composed. Sleep becomes deeper, waking up is easier. ## 🌸 Ovulation: Peak In the middle of the cycle, estrogen reaches its maximum. A bit of testosterone is added — and together they provide a surge of energy, sexuality, and the desire to be in the spotlight. Sleep may become slightly lighter, but still of good quality. This is the 'bright' phase of the cycle. ## 🌘 Second Half of the Cycle: Slowdown After ovulation, estrogen decreases, and progesterone takes its place. It calms, relaxes, and sometimes makes sleep more drowsy. But for some, it causes anxiety, tearfulness, and the feeling of 'not wanting to talk to anyone.' This is a time when it's important not to demand too much of yourself. The world isn't falling apart — it's just that hormones are working differently. ## 🌧 PMS and Menstruation: Reset Before menstruation, a hormonal 'swing' may begin. Mood swings, cravings for sweets, anxiety, and fatigue are stronger than usual. This is normal. During this time, there may be insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness. After menstruation starts, everything gradually stabilizes. ## What Can Be Done About It? - Track your states and notice patterns - Don't compare yourself 'yesterday' and 'today' — you're alive, not a robot - Plan active tasks for the first half of the cycle, and in the second — take a little more care of yourself - Be gentle with yourself: a bad day doesn't mean there's something wrong with you --- **IVA** helps to see this rhythm. The more you know about yourself, the easier it is to understand why some days you want to conquer the world, and on others — just be.
Emotional Swings
# Emotional Swings: When It's Hormones and When It's Something More Sometimes everything is fine, and an hour later — tears. Today you want to hug, and tomorrow — you don't want to touch anyone. Mood swings as if there's a small storm inside. It can be frightening, especially if it's unclear why it's happening. The first thought is, "it's probably hormones." And often, that's correct. ## 📊 When is it hormones? The female cycle is not just physical changes. Hormones directly affect emotions, stress response, irritability, and even self-esteem. - **The first half of the cycle** — when estrogen rises, mood usually stabilizes, it becomes easier to be happy, communicate, focus. - **The second half of the cycle** — closer to PMS, estrogen drops, and progesterone increases. Sensitivity, anxiety, and a desire to be alone appear. - **Before menstruation** tears often arise for no reason, a feeling that "everything is wrong" and the world is pressing. If these changes occur at about the same time in the cycle and disappear with its end — it's likely hormonal swings. They are natural, and you can learn to handle them gently. ## 🔍 And when is the reason deeper? Sometimes emotional swings become too frequent or severe. For example: - Mood changes sharply every day, not just by cycle phases - Tears, apathy, or anxiety interfere with living, working, sleeping - You increasingly feel guilt, emptiness, or meaninglessness - The body feels foreign, and thoughts — like incessant noise If any of this is familiar to you — it may not just be hormones. This doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It means you're tired, perhaps holding feelings inside for a long time, or experiencing something you don't speak about aloud. Psychological states, burnout, depression, chronic stress — all these can disguise themselves as "mood whims." If you're struggling — it's important not to endure and not to wait for it to "pass on its own." Support is needed not only for those who are "doing badly" but for everyone who wants to feel better. ## 💬 What can be done? - Keep a diary of states and track cycle phases - Talk to those you trust - Seek help, even if it "doesn't seem critical" - Don't devalue yourself and your feelings --- **IVA** — is not just about the body. It's about inner honesty with yourself. Here you can note emotions, see connections, and gradually find your rhythm. Even if everything seems confusing now — you are already on the path to yourself.
Relationships and Communication
Sex During Periods
# Sex During Periods: What to Know and How to Discuss It's rarely talked about. But it shouldn't be. Sex during menstruation is not something strange or "wrong." It's a common topic that is important to understand to avoid feeling awkward, getting into uncomfortable situations, and—most importantly—doing only what you truly want. ## 🤔 Is it okay to have sex during periods? Yes, if both parties want it and feel comfortable. It doesn't harm your health, "ruin your cycle," or "interfere with body cleansing"—these are all myths. On the contrary, some women experience increased desire and sensitivity during this time, and orgasm can even help reduce cramps. But there's the opposite as well: during this time, you may feel vulnerable, irritable, heavy in the body. And then sex is the last thing you want. It all depends on your condition and cycle phase. ## 🩸 What to consider? - **Hygiene** — you can lay a dark towel, have tissues on hand, or choose a position that is comfortable for both. - **Infections** — the cervix is slightly open during this time, which means the risk of infection is slightly higher. If in doubt, use a condom. - **Positions** — sometimes the body is especially sensitive during this period. It's good if you agree in advance to do everything gently and without haste. - **Contraception is still important** — getting pregnant during periods is unlikely but not impossible, especially with an unstable cycle. ## 💬 How to talk about it? Simply and honestly. You don't need to explain everything with anatomy. It's enough to say: - "I'm on my period now, but if you're okay with it, I'd like to be close." - "I'm uncomfortable right now, I just want to cuddle." - "How do you feel about it?" If you feel awkward speaking directly, you can start with texting. Or discuss it not in the heat of the moment, but in advance—calmly, when both are feeling good. --- The main thing is not "can you?" but "do you want to?" You don't have to want sex to be "normal." And you don't have to refuse if you want it but are afraid of seeming "wrong." The only thing considered right is what is comfortable for **you**. Menstruation is not a pause in life. It's part of your body's rhythm. And you can choose how to be in this rhythm: with touches, with intimacy, with tenderness—or without all of that, just with yourself. **IVA** is here to help you track your desires, mood, and body—and make choices that suit you best.
Flirting Time
# Why Do You Feel Like Flirting During Ovulation? Sometimes you look in the mirror and like what you see. You want to wear something brighter, go out, and catch glances. Sometimes you feel light, playful, and particularly attractive. It's not magic. It's ovulation. ## 🔬 What is Ovulation? Ovulation is the moment in the middle of the cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. This is the most 'fertile' period—if unprotected sex happens at this time, the chance of conception is highest. At this moment, the body is not just waiting to meet a partner—it seems to say: *"Look, I'm ready. Are you?"* ## 💃 What Happens to the Body and Mood? During ovulation, estrogen levels rise and testosterone increases slightly—a hormone responsible, among other things, for sexuality and initiative. Thanks to this: - energy and mood increase - libido is heightened - a sense of self-confidence appears - skin appearance improves, eyes shine, expressions become lively - you want to be noticed, heard, and attractive This doesn't mean you have to flirt. But during this time, many feel particularly 'in the flow': craving communication, touch, light play, and attention. ## 🌀 Is This Normal? Absolutely. It's an ancient, built-in mechanism. But it doesn't oblige you to relationships, sex, or flirting. It simply shows that the body is working in rhythm. Some use this time for dates and creativity. Others simply enjoy the good mood and keep it all to themselves. You may want attention, or you may want silence. The main thing is not to be ashamed of your feelings. Because you're not "too sensitive"—you're just in a moment of strength. ## 💬 How is This Related to IVA? In the app, you can mark your state during ovulation. Compare feelings, desires, and energy levels. This helps you understand: you're not 'weird' or 'changeable'—you're simply alive. And you have your own internal rhythm.
Body, Food, and Rhythm of Life
Appetite in Different Phases of the Cycle
# Appetite in Different Phases of the Cycle: Why Do You Crave Sweets? You eat normally — and then suddenly there's a day when you want a cookie, a chocolate bar, something else... and more. You've already eaten, but your hand still reaches for something sweet. It seems like you're just "weak-willed," but in reality — it's hormones. And they're doing it for a reason. ## 🍓 Appetite and Hormones: How Are They Connected? The menstrual cycle isn't just about mood and abdominal pain. It's also about hunger. In different phases of the cycle, the body spends energy differently and demands it differently. - **After menstruation** (the first half of the cycle) — estrogen levels rise. Appetite is usually moderate, mood is stable, and you want "healthy food." - **During ovulation** — estrogen peaks, there can be almost euphoria. You want to eat less, but have a lot of energy. - **After ovulation**, closer to menstruation — estrogen drops, progesterone rises. And here's where it starts: - craving for sweets - increased appetite - the body seems to be stocking up - emotions become more intense — and food helps to "calm" them This is not weakness. It's a survival system. The body senses hormonal changes and tries to give you comfort. ## 🍫 Why Sweets Specifically? Sweets are quick fuel. They raise serotonin levels — the hormone of pleasure and calm. Also, sugar temporarily reduces feelings of anxiety, irritation, and sadness. That's why you crave chocolate or cake when your mood isn't great. ## 🤍 What to Do About It? - **Don't scold yourself** — craving sweets doesn't make you weak. It's just one of the body's ways to cope. - **Plan snacks** — if you know that closer to menstruation your appetite increases, prepare something tasty and healthy in advance. - **Add complex carbohydrates** — oatmeal, bananas, warm food with cinnamon or honey can satisfy and calm you. - **Monitor sleep and stress** — lack of sleep and fatigue also increase the craving for sweets. - **Trust your body** — sometimes it asks for exactly what it needs, and it's better to give yourself that than to fight with yourself. --- **In IVA** you can track appetite and mood. This way you'll see: there is a rhythm to it. You're not "always hungry." You're just living in a cycle. And the better you understand it, the easier it is to negotiate with yourself.
Sport in the Rhythm of the Body
# How to Train in Different Cycle Phases: Where to Get Energy and When to Rest Sometimes a workout feels easy, your body flies. And sometimes it feels like everything is against you: fatigue, heaviness, laziness. And you think: "Is something wrong with me?" In reality, everything is fine. You just live in a cycle. And the cycle affects your strength, endurance, and mood. ## 🌀 Why is the Cycle Important for Training? A woman's body doesn't work the same way every day. The hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle affect energy, motivation, and even how muscles recover. If you consider your phase, you can not only train more effectively but also feel much better. ## 💪 Cycle Phases and Movement 1. **Menstruation (period days)** The body is busy with internal work. Energy may be at zero. ✔️ *What works:* stretching, light yoga, warm walks, rest. ❗ If there is pain or weakness — rest. It's normal. 2. **Follicular Phase (right after menstruation)** Energy returns, estrogen rises. You may feel lively and strong. ✔️ *What works:* cardio, strength training, running, dancing, intensive workouts. ❗ A great time to learn something new or increase the load. 3. **Ovulation (mid-cycle)** Peak energy, confidence, and coordination. ✔️ *What works:* intense workouts, crossfit, HIIT, active sports. ❗ Listen to your body: sometimes due to ligament relaxation, the risk of injury is slightly higher. 4. **Luteal Phase (after ovulation until the start of menstruation)** The body starts to slow down. Irritation and fatigue may appear. ✔️ *What works:* calm fitness, pilates, swimming, short workouts. ❗ A couple of days before menstruation — it's the best time to focus on care, not results. ## 💬 Important: You Don't Have to "Push" All the Time You can be active and strong, but still get tired — and that doesn't make you lazy. It makes you alive. By adjusting the load according to the cycle phase, you are not "giving up," you are developing awareness and resilience. --- **IVA** can help: you can note the cycle phases, your feelings, appetite, energy level — and notice on which days you want to run, and on which days you want a blanket. Over time, you will better feel your rhythm and be able to build your activity not through "must," but through "fits."
Medical Awareness
Cycle and Contraception
# Cycle and Contraception: How Hormonal Methods Work Hormonal contraception is not just a "pill to avoid pregnancy." It is a tool that affects the entire cycle. And if you notice changes in mood, body, and sensations — it's not a coincidence. This is the work of hormones, only now they are external, not internal. ## 🧠 How does it actually work? Most hormonal methods have one goal: to prevent ovulation — that is, to stop the release of an egg. When there is no ovulation, pregnancy becomes impossible. To achieve this, the body receives synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone. They "trick" the brain into feeling that ovulation has already occurred. Some methods do not completely suppress ovulation but make the environment in the vagina and uterus less suitable for sperm: - thicken cervical mucus - thin the endometrium (the layer where an embryo usually attaches) ## 💊 What forms are available? - **Combined pills** — taken every day at the same time - **Mini-pills** — only with progestin, milder, but require strict regularity - **Patch or vaginal ring** — changed once a week/month - **Injections** — administered every 3 months - **Hormonal IUD (coil)** — placed in the uterus and works for 3–5 years ## 🌙 How does it affect the cycle? If you are taking hormonal contraception: - The cycle becomes "artificial" — there is no ovulation, and "periods" are actually a reaction to a break in pills - Cycle symptoms may smooth out — less PMS, pain, acne - Mood and libido may change — better for some, worse for others - Discharge may become lighter or disappear altogether — this is normal with a constant regimen ## 💬 Important to know - You may not feel the phases as before — because they simply aren't there - It doesn't "turn off" your femininity or desires — you remain yourself, just in a different hormonal rhythm - If you stop taking it — ovulation usually returns within a couple of months - Hormonal contraception is not a "pill for all problems." It has pros and cons that are important to discuss with a doctor --- ## How about in IVA? If you are taking hormones, you can indicate this in **IVA**. It's still useful to track well-being, mood, sexuality, appetite — because even in an artificial cycle, the body continues to live its own life.
Hormonal Contraception: Myths and Truths
# Myths and Facts About Hormonal Contraception Hormonal contraception causes many fears. Some say it makes you gain weight, others claim it "ruins" your cycle or makes you less feminine. Let's figure out what's true and what's just myths passed down by word of mouth. ## 🧨 Myth 1: Hormones "ruin" the cycle **Fact:** hormonal contraception simply creates a different type of cycle. It suppresses ovulation, and instead of a natural cycle, an artificial rhythm occurs. This is safe and controlled, especially if you have chosen the right method with a doctor. ## ⚖️ Myth 2: Everyone gains weight from pills **Fact:** weight gain does not happen to everyone and is not always due to the pills. Some notice slight fluid retention or changes in appetite, especially at the beginning of taking them. But this is temporary. Studies do not confirm that hormones cause significant and persistent weight gain. ## 🚫 Myth 3: Taking hormones makes you "unfeminine" **Fact:** contraception does not cancel your sexuality, emotions, and individuality. Hormone levels change, but you can still feel vibrant, attractive, and lively. For some, libido even improves because the fear of pregnancy or menstrual pain disappears. ## 🧬 Myth 4: It's hard to get pregnant after hormones **Fact:** fertility returns quickly. Most women resume ovulation within 1–2 months after stopping. If pregnancy does not occur for longer, the reason is likely not contraception but other individual factors. ## 🔄 Myth 5: If there are no periods while taking it, it's harmful **Fact:** this is not a "delay," but a normal reaction of the body to a constant hormonal background. With some regimens, menstrual bleeding may become very light or disappear altogether. This does not indicate a problem — rather stability in hormone levels. ## 😟 Myth 6: Everyone has bad moods from hormones **Fact:** it all depends on the body. Some people's moods may indeed change. For others, on the contrary, hormones stabilize the emotional background and reduce PMS symptoms. If something goes wrong, the method can always be adjusted. --- ## 💬 The main thing is to find what suits you Hormonal contraception is not scary chemistry but a tool. If chosen wisely, it doesn't interfere with your nature but helps you manage your life. **IVA** is here so you can note how you feel while taking it, see patterns, and notice if the current rhythm suits you.