How hormones can get in your way

Research shows that fluctuations in your hormones can actually affect your health all month long. Here’s how:

Week ONE and TWO. During week one and two, your cholesterol spikes. According to research, your total cholesterol levels rise by almost 20 percent during the follicular phase. Make sure to visit your doctor around the same time of the month for consistent comparisons.

Week THREE. During week three, multitasking becomes more difficult. This is because you have higher levels of estrogen during ovulation which may affect your ability to concentrate. Make sure to take extra time to concentrate or focus in things you need to get done. Additionally, you feel sexier. During the third week of the month, women are most fertile, which also means they are often in the mood.

Week FOUR. Your symptoms intensify. If you have a certain health condition such as asthma, depression or chronic headaches, your symptoms may feel worse right before your period. During week four, it is likely that your gums are sensitive. This is because your progesterone increases before menstruation which can increase gum inflammation and discomfort. Make sure to visit your dentist at the start of your cycle, or take a pain reliever first. Lastly, during week four, your cravings peak. This is because the decrease in estrogen causes a reduction in your brain's feel-good chemicals. This makes you crave sugar and starch.