The 4 Animal Phases of Your Cycle: Hormone Expert Shares How to Tame Each One by Lacey Dunn, MS, RD, LD, CPT

We can think of the fluctuations of our mood and behavior during our cycle as “animal” phases. While not all women experience these types of mood and behavior changes, lack of sleep, stress levels and nutrition can greatly impact them. It should not noted that if you are on any form of hormonal birth control, you won’t notice these changes because your cycle won’t have its ebb and flow. The pill won’t regulate your cycle. It will take it over, including how your mood and behavior naturally change.

Here's how to understand the animal phases of your cycle and what you can do to tame each:

Week 1: Sloth Phase 

• decreased energy
• slower and sleepier
• more reserved and inward focused

DO MORE: rest and relaxation

Week 2: Dog Phase 

• increased energy and concentration
• more social
• greater mood stability
• more adventurous and creative

DO MORE: socializing and activity

Week 3: Peacock Phase

• more energetic and outgoing during ovulation first half of the week
• mellow and more reserved and cautious after ovulation second half of week

DO MORE: socializing and meditation

Week 4: Cat Phase 

• decreased energy and concentration
• sleepiness and fatigue
• increased cravings and mood swings
• may have increased anxiety
• more reserved and prefer smaller groups or isolation

DO MORE: self-care, rest, sleeping

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