Let’s be real - sometimes your mood and energy seem to have a mind of their own. One day, you're buzzing with motivation and feel like you can do anything. A few days later, you're dragging your feet, wondering what changed overnight. The truth? Your menstrual cycle plays a bigger role than you think, especially during the follicular phase.

Whether you’re tracking your period with an app, just starting to learn about the different phases, or you’re somewhere in between, understanding your body’s rhythm can help you feel more in tune, and less at the mercy of those surprise emotional dips or bursts of energy.

What Even Is the Follicular Phase?

This phase kicks off on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation. That’s roughly day 1 to day 14 of your cycle, though this can vary from person to person. During this phase, your body is prepping for ovulation by growing follicles (tiny sacs that hold eggs) in the ovaries, while oestrogen levels begin to rise.

So, while it starts with bleeding (not exactly the most energising time), things start to shift quickly in your body. Think of this phase as your hormonal “reset” - it’s the start of a new cycle, and with it comes a fresh surge of energy and clarity.

The Follicular Phase Mood Boost

As oestrogen ramps up, so does your serotonin: the feel-good brain chemical. That means your mood may get a natural lift. Many people notice they feel more motivated, social, and emotionally balanced during this time. If you’ve ever had a week where everything just felt easier - focusing at school or work, hitting the gym, catching up with friends - it might have been thanks to this phase.

It’s not just about emotions either. Your ability to handle stress, make decisions, and even think creatively can all feel sharper. This is a great time to plan, start new routines, or tackle that project you've been putting off.

Energy Levels on the Rise

The energy levels during the menstrual cycle vary a lot, and during the follicular phase, you're likely to feel that boost kick in a few days after your period ends. Oestrogen is the MVP here again, it supports better endurance, strength, and stamina. That means your workouts might feel more productive, and everyday tasks might seem less draining.

Need to clean your room, hit your deadlines, and still make it to a yoga class? This is the time when you’re most likely to do all three, and still feel up for making plans afterward.

The “Get Things Done” Phase

Because the follicular phase is often linked to higher energy and brighter moods, some call it the “get things done” time of the month. If you’re someone who likes to schedule tasks around how you're feeling, this is the time to lean in. New habits stick easier. Confidence gets a natural bump. You’re more likely to say “yes” to opportunities, or even create your own.

This is also a good window for learning and problem-solving. Got a test coming up or a big pitch? You might notice ideas flow more easily, and staying focused isn’t such a struggle.

But Everyone’s Different

Here’s a key reminder: not everyone feels the same during each cycle phase, and that’s okay. While some may feel like a productivity machine, others may only notice subtle changes. And some might not feel any major difference at all.

Hormones are just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Sleep, nutrition, stress, health conditions, and lifestyle all play a role in how your body reacts. So, try not to compare your experience to someone else’s, your normal is valid.

Tuning In to the Stages of Your Cycle

Learning about the menstrual cycle moods can help you recognise what’s hormonal and what’s not. It’s not about blaming everything on your cycle, it’s about gaining insight. Knowing you’re in your follicular phase might explain why you suddenly want to reorganise your whole closet or say yes to every social plan. It also gives you permission to take advantage of that extra brainpower and motivation.

A Few Tips

• Try something new: Start that project, hobby, or side hustle idea you’ve been thinking about.
• Move your body: This is a great time for strength training, cardio, or dance workouts - your body is primed for it.
• Fuel up: Focus on iron-rich foods after your period and eat well to support rising oestrogen.
• Track it: Use a period tracker to learn how long your follicular phase usually lasts. It can vary!
• Plan ahead: If you know this is your high-energy window, use it to prep for slower days later in your cycle.

Final Thoughts

Your cycle isn’t just about your period, it’s an entire monthly rhythm that impacts everything from your mood to your focus to your physical energy. The mood boost and energy spike can be incredibly empowering once you know how to work with it.

The more you tune in, the more you can align your life (and your to-do list) with your natural rhythms. And honestly, there’s something kind of powerful about knowing what your body is up to and riding that wave with confidence.

Love, Libra x 

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.