Roughly day 6 until ovulation

Follicular phase

After your period, estrogen climbs. Many people notice more energy and a better mood.

What's happening

Technically the follicular phase begins on day one of your period and runs until ovulation, but most people notice it once bleeding stops. Rising estrogen helps rebuild the uterine lining while follicles in the ovaries mature.

What many people find helpful

Matching workouts and meals to your cycle, sometimes called cycle syncing, is popular, but research on it is still limited. Treat it as a way to listen to your body rather than a set of rules.

Gear for this phase

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Next up: ovulation phase