Taryn Darlow is a menstrual cycle and fertility coach helping women understand their cycles, balance hormones, and optimize wellbeing. Through her Find Your Flow coaching, Flourish & Flow course, and HTMA testing, she empowers women with practical tools for natural fertility awareness and hormone health, to promote better health, fertility, energy, balance and vitality. Connect with Taryn at taryndarlow@flourishbytaryn.com or visit Flourish by Taryn.
For too long, women have been disconnected from the natural rhythms of their bodies and the unique changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle. Although apps and other tracking tools are a great starting point, they only predict your cycle based on a mathematical calculation. They fail to take into account the variable nature of our cycle. Many women feel their cycle is a mystery, but in reality, it’s a language, and when you learn to read it, you unlock invaluable insights into your health, hormones, and overall well-being.
Tracking your menstrual cycle goes beyond simply marking the days of your period on a calendar (this is what I thought and did in my teens and 20s, until I knew better). By observing key biomarkers—like cervical mucus and basal body temperature (BBT)—you can gain a deeper understanding of your body’s hormonal shifts, fertility patterns, and even uncover underlying health imbalances. Let’s explore how these two indicators can transform the way you navigate your cycle.
4 Phases of Your Cycle
The menstrual cycle can be broken down into 4 phases. They are the menstrual phase (your period), the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase. During these phases, different things happen to your body, both within your reproductive system and your entire body. Knowing where you are in your cycle unlocks incredible power.
All you need to do is observe your cervical mucus or the discharge you will notice in your underwear.
Cervical mucus is one of the most reliable indicators of where you are in your cycle. Produced by the cervix in response to hormonal fluctuations, it changes in consistency, texture, and appearance throughout the month:
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Dry or Sticky: Typically seen in the days following your period when estrogen levels are low.
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Creamy or Lotion-Like: Signals rising estrogen levels as your body prepares for ovulation.
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Egg White or Stretchy: The most fertile type of mucus, appearing just before and during ovulation, allowing sperm to survive and travel efficiently.
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Thicker or Sticky Again: After ovulation, progesterone rises, causing mucus to become thick and impenetrable, marking the luteal phase.
By consistently tracking these changes, you’ll begin to see patterns that allow you to pinpoint ovulation, assess cycle health, and even recognize potential hormonal imbalances.
Basal Body Temperature: Your Internal Confirmation
BBT refers to your body’s resting temperature, which can shift in response to hormonal changes. Tracking your BBT daily (I use Tempdrop) reveals a key pattern for many women:
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Follicular Phase (Pre-Ovulation): Lower temperatures due to estrogen dominance.
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Luteal Phase (Post-Ovulation): A noticeable temperature rise (about 0.3-0.5°C) due to progesterone production.
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Sustained High Temperatures: If temperatures remain elevated for 14+ days, it could indicate pregnancy. If they drop, menstruation is likely approaching.
Using BBT alongside cervical mucus observations provides a fuller picture of your cycle, helping you confirm ovulation and assess overall hormonal balance.
Why This Matters for PMS and Hormonal Health
Understanding your cycle isn’t just about fertility—it’s about health. PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and fatigue are often exacerbated by hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic stress. By tracking your biomarkers, you can see how your cycle responds to diet, lifestyle, and supplementation. If your luteal phase is too short, for example, it could signal low progesterone. If ovulation is inconsistent, stress or nutritional deficiencies may be at play.
This is where targeted support—like the right supplements—can make all the difference. WaveBye is designed to help women reduce PMS symptoms by supporting hormonal balance with key nutrients your body needs throughout the cycle. But knowledge is power, and when you pair supplementation with cycle tracking, you can take even greater control of your well-being.
If this has sparked your curiosity, imagine what fully understanding your body could do for you. By tracking your cycle with confidence—whether for fertility awareness or hormone balance–you can reconnect with your own body.