What exactly is the luteal phase and why does it explain how my face changes every month?

TikTok trends fade into irrelevance just as quickly as they arrive, but this new hyperfixation has actually been around since the beginning of humanity. The luteal phase, which is part of the menstrual cycle, may help you explain why you feel like you’re rotting away half of the month.

What is the luteal phase?

The luteal phase is the two weeks between ovulation and your period in which your body starts preparing you for a possible pregnancy. According to Clue, common symptoms include mood changes, headaches, acne, bloating and breast tenderness. This is because your progesterone and oestrogen levels drop once your body realises you’re not expecting.

It actually visually changes us too

People on TikTok are starting to notice how their face looks different during their luteal phase, which explains why we can feel less confident in our appearance.

@sophia.panella

the way I just gave myself the ick at the end hahaha but you can’t tell me I’m the same person in the first clip?!🙃 #lutealphase #lutealphasehormones #follicularphase #femalecycle #faceshape #cyclesyncing

♬ u guys are pretty wtf – ki

In the follicular phase, which is after the period and before ovulation, is the time where we feel most happy both inside and out. With rising levels of oestrogen, you’re more likely to feel energetic and positive.

@millaswellnessrecipe

LUTEAL PHASE 🍁 #lutealphase #cyclesyncing #bloating

♬ original sound – Millas Wellness Recipe

TikTok users are starting to spiral after realising that their luteal phase explains so much about their own physical appearances. One user wrote: “Ok I thought I was crazy that my face changes every week.”

Another said: “My biggest fear is getting married during my luteal phase.” That may seem a tad dramatic, but once you become aware of your luteal face vs your follicular face, you may think differently.

One shared a pretty relatable anecdote in the comments section: “There’s an old Arabic expression my mom says: ‘Girls have seven faces’ – referring to how radically different women can look depending on the day/variables. I didn’t understand as a kid, but now I do!” So real.

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How to deal with luteal phase changes

It’s actually crazy how much of an impact our cycles have on our daily lives, especially being in the luteal phase. That’s why it’s so important to know how to look after ourselves during this time. I-screen has a few tips for how to ease the luteal symptoms:

• Exercising regularly, which can boost mood and energy levels.
• Eating a healthy diet, which regulates hormones.
• Prioritising relaxing and self-care such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Sleeping eight hours, which is important for overall health and well-being.

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