The part of your menstrual cycle that starts after you finish your period is known as the follicular phase. It usually happens over days 7-14. In this post written by a naturopath near Ballarat and Castlemaine, let us learn what are the things you should do in order to cope up with the body’s changes you are going through in this menstrual cycle.

In this phase, your ovarian follicles mature, preparing one of them to be released during ovulation. As they mature, they secrete oestrogen. When oestrogen levels reach a certain point, the hypothalamus responds causing your pituitary gland to release luteinising hormone. This triggers the most mature follicle to burst open and release the egg – which is ovulation.

While your ovarian follicles are maturing, there are concurrent changes in the endometrium. The lining of your womb thickens and the cervical mucus changes. This is part of the reason why the follicular phase is also known as the proliferative phase. It is a time of building up and looking forward.

Emotional & Psychological Energies

While these physical changes are happening, you are also experiencing a change in your physical and emotional state. Being aware of these can help you to understand why your mood can seem to change so much depending on when you are in your cycle.

Your focus will shift outward; feeling like you have a heightened awareness of both you and others.

You may feel as if energy is building within you. It may be physical, sexual, or creative. This energy will build, seeming to peak at ovulation.

Seasonal Progression During Follicular Phase

This is your body’s Summer-time. It brings with it all the energy of this season. It is a time for all the seeds you planted in spring to burst forth and grow. Summer moves outward, expanding and connecting to the world around you. It is a time to play, to be more carefree, and fill yourself with the enjoyment of life.

Take the time to fully embrace this high-energy creative phase.

See if these phrases resonate with you:

  • I feel happy, excited, full of energy.
  • I can do anything.


If they do – embrace them!

Did you like reading this post about the proliferative phase in our monthly cycle? If you answered yes, check out these healthcare articles about women’s menstrual cycles and pregnancy issues and learn more. These are all prepared by the best naturopaths near Ballarat and Castlemaine.

Katherine Knott

Katherine is a certified naturopath and the founding director of Acorn and Oak.   She began studying Naturopathy when she was 18 years old and has practiced in both Melbourne and rural Victoria.  She has also studied 2 1/2 years of nursing and midwifery, but decided that she was happier to work with women as […]

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Nicki Stewart

Nicki has always been drawn to Holistic Health and she follows in her mother’s footsteps who is a Reflexologist and Natural Therapist. Nicki was inspired to study Herbal Medicine after attending one of Dr. Sandi Rogers’ (Naturopath, Director of National College of Traditional Medicine and former President of Australian Traditional Medicine Society) seminars on ‘Fruits […]

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Alyce Beaton

Alyce is qualified naturopath in Ballarat who loves supporting people on their health journey. Alyce believes optimising and restoring health first and foremost begins with food as medicine and creating healthy lifestyle habits. She is passionate about providing a safe, non judgement environment and endeavours to support her clients with strategies they can implement into […]

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