In this episode of my live coaching series, I talk with Jessica who deals with a long follicular phase and delayed ovulation. Delayed ovulation and irregular cycles can throw off a number of things in the female body, including fertility.

Jessica's main goal is to achieve a more balanced cycle - both for her overall health and her fertility journey as she and her husband try for their second child.

A former primary school teacher, Jessica found her stress levels were high due to the demands of her job. She transitioned to a high school teaching role which reduced her stress significantly, the first big step in regulating hormones.

The follicular phase is the first half of your menstrual cycle, starting on the first day of menstruation and lasting until ovulation. This phase involves the maturation of follicles in the ovaries, leading to the release of an egg during ovulation. A typical follicular phase lasts around 14 days.

Here are some tools for regulating the hormone cycle:

1. Manage stress

2. Nutrition support: Eat for your cycle. This includes warming and cooling foods with your follicular and luteal phase.

3. Seed Cycling: Eat 1 Tbsp of flax and pumpkin seeds in your follicular phase and 1 Tbsp of sesame and sunflower in the luteal phase.

4. Hormone testing: Jessica went with the DUTCH test - this test can pinpoint specific imbalances in the hormone cycle.

5. Gut health: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for hormone metabolism. Start with a diet rich in fiber and live cultures from foods like kefir, kombucha, and fresh vegetables. Probiotics and enzymes are a great option for additional support!

6. Movement: Regular, moderate exercise can help regulate hormones and reduce stress. Start with a short walk after meals!

You are invited to sign up for your own session here: https://calendly.com/drbethwestie/podcast-live-coaching?month=2024-02