At times, it's very difficult for women to explain to the men in their lives how the menstrual cycle affects their bodies and behavior. Sometimes they don't understand it themselves. Hopefully, this presentation can help. Enjoy! Visit Unloaded Science at htpp://www.unloadedscience.blogspot.com or follow us on Twitter @TintaWritingCo

1. Deciphering
the
Menstrual
Cycle
A survival guide for clueless, wellintentioned men
Unloaded Science
Partnered with:
Tinta!

2. The Basics
Each month, a woman’s body
prepares to get pregnant.
The
process is characterized by a cyclic
pattern of physical and hormonal
changes that happen every 28 days
or so…
The cycle can be fragmented into 4
predictable stages. Each stage has a
different effect on women’s bodies,
personalities and moods. This may
explain why your wife, sister, friend or
girlfriend seems to be a different
woman every week.
We know that at times it may be
difficult for you to understand the
women in your life, but don’t worry.
This guide will break it down for you,
so that you know when to come
close and when to stay away.

3. (Day 1-Day 7)
First Week
The menstrual cycle starts
when the woman’s period
arrives. Make sure to keep
track of this date, ‘cause it
will help you throughout the
entire month.
At this time, the body
knows that your girl
isn’t pregnant (phew!),
so it rids itself of the
unfertilized egg.
Enter, blood flow.
Menstruation may last
3-7 days, and women
often experience
cramps, discomfort
and periods of
teariness.

4. Behavioral Effects
During this first week, the levels of two
important hormones (estrogen and
progesterone) are at their lowest. This
makes women feel less energized,
both mentally and physically. They
may also get a little emotional.
As the days go by, estrogen begins to
increase, and women will start to feel
better. This is the best time for them to let
go of the things they don’t need, like
anger, regret, or unhealthy relationships.
Be careful with the things you say and do.
Male tip: Pampering her, showering
her with compliments, and
surprising her with flowers and
chocolates will take you a long
way, bro!

5. Second Week:
The Good One
During the second week, estrogen levels rise, which means that there’s
an increase in energy and enthusiasm. As a result, women feel:
Upbeat
Happy
Beautiful
At this time, women are able to concentrate and remember things
more. They also get more detail oriented, self-motivated and
independent.
(No need to worry during this week… woohoo! )

6. OVULATION
Third Week:
Sexy!
During ovulation, the woman’s
body prepares to get pregnant
again, so it releases yet another
egg from one of the two ovaries.
The hormonal changes that
trigger the release, make women
feel and look more attractive.
Given that this is a woman’s most
fertile time, the process is sort of
nature’s
trap
to
get
her
pregnant.
Male tip: Take her out,
if she’s feeling sexy,
and don’t forget to
wear a condom later.
During this week, women are
more likely to buy new clothes
and makeup. Since they’ll be
feeling
confident,
they’ll
probably wear sexier clothes, as
well. Her sex drive will also
intensify to an unexpected
degree.

7. WARNING
It is also around this
time that the
majority of women
fall victims to Premenstrual Syndrome
(PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric
Syndrome (PMDD).
These should be
handled with
greater care. Your
chances to
understand and
please your girl may
drop dramatically

8. Your intentions may be good,
but they will most likely be
misinterpreted…
Women with PMS and PMDD
suffer a long list of symptoms,
which include: bloating, breast
tenderness, depression, anger,
social withdrawal, bad skin,
tiredness, headaches, dizziness,
constipation or diarrhea,
confusion, feelings of insecurity,
loneliness, anxiety, stress,
aggression, and irritability.
Note: Women with PMDD suffer more
severe symptoms than women with regular
PMS. PMDD is actually considered a real
mental disorder.

9. Male tip:
It’s not your fault, or hers. Breathe,
keep your distance, and try not to
argue. Keep yourself alive.

10. Last Week:
Days before
period
Progesterone levels peak during
ovulation, in hopes of a possible
pregnancy. When one’s not
achieved, the hormone levels
plummet, gradually decreasing the
woman’s energy and increasing her
sensitivity. During this time, women
feel the need to slow down, and if
they are not allowed to, resentment
will most likely surface. Pamper your
girl. Cook, clean, give her a welldeserved break.
Finally, the drop in progesterone
eventually causes the period to
start all over again. Then, it’s back
to Day 1, my friend…

11. Conclusion
Women are not difficult. Their
bodies
are
simply
programmed
to
work
differently.
As the body
prepares for a potential
pregnancy every month, the
change in hormone levels not
only affect them physically,
but emotionally as well. Love
and understand the women
in your life. They are beautiful.

12. References Shout
out!



Anea Bogue, 9 things every women should know about
menstruation, http://huff.to/1eLKEX1.
Diana Vegas, Lo que los hombres deben saber sobre las mujeres-y
las mujeres sobre sí mismas, http://bit.ly/1l6eg7n.
Other helpful websites:
 Thedoctorwillseeyounow.com
 Women.webmd.com
 Self.com
 Blog.womenshealthmag.com

13. THE END.
Tinta!
@TintaWritingCo