#82: Unlocking the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle: A Guide to Fertility Awareness

Did you know that your menstrual cycle is one of the best indicators of your overall health? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Lipsett, a certified fertility awareness educator and therapist, to discuss how cycle tracking can be a game-changer for understanding your body, balancing hormones, and making informed choices about fertility and contraception.

We explore:

✅ What fertility awareness really is (and how it differs from the rhythm method)

✅ The key signs of fertility, including cervical fluid and basal body temperature

✅ How cycle tracking can reduce anxiety, improve health, and optimize daily life

✅ The four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they impact mood, energy, and productivity

✅ How fertility awareness can be an effective method of natural birth control or conception support

Listen to the episode now:

In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Julie Lipsett (she/her), a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and therapist, about the transformative power of cycle tracking. Many people think of menstruation as just a monthly occurrence, but in reality, the menstrual cycle is an intricate system that affects overall health, mood, and energy levels. Understanding it can be life-changing, and fertility awareness offers a way to deepen that understanding.

What is Fertility Awareness?

Fertility awareness is a method of tracking one’s menstrual cycle to understand patterns of fertility, hormonal health, and overall well-being. It is often confused with the rhythm method, but fertility awareness goes far beyond simple date tracking. It incorporates real-time observations of bodily signs, such as:

Cervical Fluid: The consistency of cervical mucus changes throughout the cycle, signaling when ovulation is approaching.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Measuring temperature first thing in the morning helps determine whether ovulation has occurred.
Cycle Patterns: Recognizing hormonal shifts through physical and emotional cues can provide insight into one’s health.

Julie teaches the Symptothermal Method, which uses both cervical fluid observations and basal body temperature to determine fertile and infertile windows accurately.

Why Does Cycle Tracking Matter?

Regardless of whether someone is trying to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or simply understand their body better, cycle tracking has numerous benefits:

1. Gaining Predictability and Clarity

Many people experience irregular cycles, painful periods, or unexpected hormonal shifts. By tracking one’s cycle, they can recognize patterns, anticipate symptoms, and identify any potential health concerns before they become serious.

2. Reducing Anxiety Around Fertility

One of the biggest sources of anxiety for menstruators is uncertainty—whether it's fear of unintended pregnancy, difficulty conceiving, or unexplained hormonal symptoms. Fertility awareness provides concrete data, offering a clearer understanding of what’s happening inside the body.

3. Enhancing Daily Life Planning

Hormonal shifts impact mood, energy, and cognitive function. Knowing when these fluctuations occur can help with scheduling important events, optimizing productivity, and practicing self-care when needed. Many people find they are more articulate and social around ovulation and more introspective and restful during menstruation.

The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Julie describes the menstrual cycle as similar to the four seasons:

Winter (Menstruation): Hormones are at their lowest, making it a time for rest and reflection.
Spring (Follicular Phase): Estrogen rises, bringing energy and motivation.
Summer (Ovulation): Peak fertility occurs, along with heightened confidence and sociability.
Autumn (Luteal Phase): Progesterone dominates, promoting introspection and, sometimes, PMS symptoms.

Understanding these phases helps individuals work with their natural rhythms rather than against them.

Cycle Tracking and Contraception

For those interested in natural contraception, fertility awareness can be as effective as other forms of birth control when used correctly. The Symptothermal Method has been shown to be up to 99.6% effective when followed properly, comparable to an IUD. However, education is key—learning from a trained educator ensures accuracy and confidence in tracking methods.

Is Cycle Tracking Useful for Those on Birth Control?

While hormonal birth control suppresses natural ovulation, tracking can still provide valuable insights. For those using non-hormonal methods, like the copper IUD, fertility awareness remains a useful tool. Even those on hormonal birth control can benefit from tracking symptoms and hormonal influences on mood and energy.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Julie emphasizes that the menstrual cycle is a "fifth vital sign," offering a crucial window into overall health. Hormonal imbalances can indicate issues such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Being in tune with your body’s signals allows for earlier intervention and more effective health management.

How to Get Started with Cycle Tracking

If you're ready to begin your cycle-tracking journey, here are some recommended first steps:

Choose a Tracking Method: Options include paper charting, the Read Your Body app, or other non-algorithm-based methods.
Observe Cervical Fluid and BBT: Learn to recognize signs of fertility by tracking changes in cervical mucus and temperature daily.
Take a Course or Read a Book: Julie recommends Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler or her own fertility awareness classes for in-depth learning.
Be Consistent and Patient: Like any new skill, fertility awareness takes time to master, but the long-term benefits are immense.

Cycle tracking is not just about pregnancy planning—it’s about understanding and embracing your body. As Julie shared, fertility awareness can be truly life-changing, offering empowerment, self-trust, and a deeper connection with one's body. By tuning into the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle, individuals can make informed decisions about their health, fertility, and overall well-being.

Interested in learning more? Follow Julie on Instagram at @julielipset or explore her courses to start your journey into fertility awareness today at www.therapywithjuliallc.com/!

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