Cycles: The Science of Periods, Why They Matter, and How to Nourish Each Phase

"Whether you're wondering how your cycle impacts your emotional memories and fear response, how gut health impacts your cycle and fertility, how to find whole body strength and balance, or why the luteal phase is a good time to break or make new habits, this comprehensive, body literate guide will provide answers and tips for living well in your body. By imagining the four phases of the menstrual cycle as four seasons within the body, we become in tune with our internal rhythm. Cycles provides a detailedguide for not only living well in your body through the menstrual seasons, but also through the four seasons of womanhood from young adult and reproductive years to perimenopause and menopause. Each season is marked by unique internal physiology and dynamic, changing hormone levels. By focusing on the science of the body and providing supportive, phase-specific recipes, movement and self-care rituals, this book acts as a guide through each phase of the menstrual cycle and seasons of womanhood and allows you to cultivate optimal hormonal and overall health. This guide to optimal hormonal health includes: 40 nutrient-dense, menstrual-phase specific recipes that support hormonal, emotional, cognitive, gut and overall health including both omnivorous and vegetarian options. The science behind menstrual cycles and how hormonal fluctuation impacts your brain, breasts, skin and weight and how to take care of your body through the different phases. How to track your fertility using fertility awareness methods, allowing you to naturally and effectively avoid or pursue pregnancy. Supportive full body movement, self-care and nutrition tips that optimize physiological and hormonal health through the lifespan from young adult to postmenopausal woman".
Reclaim your cycle and support your health with this detailed guide featuring 100+ recipes and practices from RN, and author of How to Grow a Baby, Amy Hammer. There is no one-size-fits-all guide to your cycle. But registered nurse Amy Hammer arms you with a strong foundation in physiology and hormonal health, explores historical and sociocultural aspects of women’s health, and reimagines the phases of the menstrual cycle as aligning with the four seasons to provide a detailed guide for living well in your body.    Also included are nutritive recipes (kabocha squash curry soup, seed balls, wild salmon congee), supportive movement practices to incorporate into your whole day (abdomen relief stretch, buddy walking, foam rolling), and self-care rituals and recipes (dandelion-infused breast massage oil, alternate nostril breathing) to guide you through each phase of the menstrual cycle and of life from the young adult and menstruating years to perimenopause and menopause.    Become in tune with your internal rhythm, reclaim the meaning of self-care, and cultivate optimal health for every season of life. This comprehensive, body-literate guide includes: 40 nutrient-dense, menstrual-phase specific recipes that support hormonal, emotional, cognitive, gut, and overall health. The science behind menstrual cycles and how hormonal fluctuation impacts your brain, breasts, skin, and weight. How to track your cycle using fertility awareness methods, allowing you to naturally and effectively avoid or pursue pregnancy. Supportive full-body movement, self-care, and nutrition tips that optimize physiological and hormonal health throughout the phases and your lifespan.