It's subjective, but many find themselves looking and feeling their best during the follicular phase (after period, leading to ovulation) due to rising estrogen causing glowing, hydrated skin, while the luteal phase (before period) can bring hormonal breakouts, water retention, and duller skin, though some studies show faces appear more attractive around ovulation, not necessarily just after the period, and individual experiences vary greatly, often tied to hormonal fluctuations affecting skin and mood.
Days 8–15: “The Venus Week” The week following your period, estrogen and testosterone are climbing together toward a perfect crescendo just prior to ovulation, around days 14–15. I call this grouping of days the Venus Week, as the hormonal recipe is designed to make you look and feel your best.
You're Most Attractive During Your Fertile Period
Men and women find you more attractive when fertile. One study showed men images of women during various phases of their menstrual cycles. The participants were more attracted to women in their fertile window and luteal phase.
The general (social media) consensus is that people are at their 'most attractive' during the first half of the cycle, the follicular phase, which begins on the first day of the period and ends after ovulation, and at our aesthetic low point during the latter half, the luteal phase, which starts after ovulation and ...
Many women find that during this stage of their cycle their skin is clearer, their hair is less greasy and they feel focused, confident and more energetic. In short, higher levels of oestrogen can make you feel pretty good! Was this helpful?
Increased sex drive
Some women say they feel sexy, flirty, more sociable, and more physically attractive right before and during ovulation. Studies support the idea of increased libido during ovulation. And an increased sex drive makes good sense, in terms of the propagation of the species!
Approximately day 14 of your cycle ovulation happens and your skin is usually looking it's best during this phase. Your skin will likely appear clear and bright until testosterone and oestrogen begin to decrease. Oestrogen, which peaks during ovulation, often gives the skin a healthy glow.
It's normal to have some weight gain before or during your period due to hormonal fluctuations, water retention and food cravings. Generally, it will go away a few days after your period starts which seems like you lost weight after period.
Week two starts the entry to the sweet spot of your cycle: You begin producing hormones again. Extra estrogen may make your skin glow. Your skin cells turn over more quickly, creating a youthful luster.
👉 As ovulation approaches, estrogen levels gradually increase, peaking at the moment of ovulation. It's during this phase that your skin is often at its best: it looks smoother, more hydrated, and more radiant.
There's absolutely no scientific evidence that washing your hair during your period has any effect on fertility. None. Zilch. It's a myth that somehow still finds its way into conversations, usually passed down from well-meaning elders who genuinely believed it to be true.
The simple answer is: hormones. Changes in your hormone levels cause all sorts of changes in your body, one of which is your metabolism, which is linked to weight loss. This is how it works: During the first half of your cycle, estrogen levels are higher, making your body more sensitive to insulin.
Glowing Skin Post-Period
During the follicular phase (day 6-14), oestrogen levels rise ahead of ovulation, causing increased collagen production, leaving skin looking softer and more radiant.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
In the week or so ahead of your period, it's totally normal to weigh a bit more than usual and for your clothes to seem a little tighter. In fact, one study found that 65% of participants experienced swelling during their period — usually across the face, abdomen, pubic area, limbs and breasts [1].
The general (social media) consensus is that people are at their 'most attractive' during the first half of the cycle, the follicular phase, which begins on the first day of the period and ends after ovulation, and at our aesthetic low point during the latter half, the luteal phase, which starts after ovulation and ...
Taken together, first evidence suggests that both self and other perceived attractiveness is affected by the menstrual cycle and is highest during the most fertile phase, i.e., ovulation.
As these hormone levels fluctuate, your skin may become oilier, drier, or more sensitive, resulting in changes in texture, tone, and the overall appearance of your face.
Ovulation leads to the production of fertile cervical mucus, which is clear, stretchy, and slippery—often compared to egg whites. Some women notice a slight “sweet” or “musky” smell, which is normal.
Fluid becomes stretchier, clearer and more wet and slippery — like an raw egg white. This fluid tends to “peak” about 1–2 days before ovulation, when estrogen is highest (3). Around that time fluid can often be stretched several inches between your finger and thumb. For others it may be more watery.
Four common signs of ovulation are changes in cervical mucus (becoming clear, stretchy, like egg whites), mild lower abdominal pain or cramping (mittelschmerz), a slight increase in basal body temperature, and an increased libido or sex drive, though not everyone experiences all these signs. Other indicators can include breast tenderness, bloating, light spotting, or mood changes, as hormonal shifts prepare the body for a potential pregnancy.
Background: Menstrual blood contains mesenchymal stem cells (MenSC), considered a potential "off-the-shelf" treatment for a range of diseases and medical conditions. Samples of menstrual blood can be collected painlessly, inexpensively, and as frequently as every month for cell therapy.
It is 100% safe to have a bath while on your period, and there is zero reason not to bathe or take a nice, long shower on your period.
Period fact: Day 5-14 of your menstrual cycle is where you are happiest and your body is at its strongest! During Peak Phase, oestrogen increases and so does the happiness hormone serotonin. Now is the time to make the most of your energy – what are you doing this week?
If you have to change your pad or tampon less than every 1 to 2 hours because it's soaked, bleed longer than 7 days, or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger see your healthcare provider. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a problem.