The Week Before Your Period Matters More Than Your Period Itself
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
If a woman comes to see me because her periods are painful, I don't start by asking about her period.
I ask about the week before it.
Because that's usually where the story begins.
We've been taught to believe that our period is the problem. That the cramps, exhaustion, bloating, anxiety and overwhelm are just something to survive for a few days every month.
I don't believe that.
I believe our bodies are communicating with us long before our bleed arrives. The week before your period is often your body's way of saying:
"Please slow down. Please listen. Please support me."
Yet most of us do the opposite.
We work harder.
We drink more coffee.
We sleep less.
We ignore our stress.
We keep giving to everyone else.
Then we're surprised when our body finally says, "Enough."
Why do I feel so bad before my period?
This is one of the most common questions women ask Google.
You might experience:
Feeling exhausted
Anxiety that seems to appear from nowhere
Feeling more emotional
Bloating
Food cravings
Headaches
Lower back pain
Irritability
Poor sleep
For many women, these symptoms happen during the luteal phase—the week or two before menstruation begins.
While hormonal changes play a role, your overall wellbeing, stress levels, sleep, nutrition and nervous system can all influence how you experience this phase.
Your period didn't suddenly become painful overnight
Your body has been working all month.
Your nervous system has been working all month.
Your hormones have been changing all month.
By the time your period arrives, your body is simply revealing how supported—or unsupported, it has felt.
That's why I encourage women to stop thinking:
"How do I survive my period?"
and instead ask:
"How can I support myself before my period arrives?"
That small shift changes everything.
We treat our period like an emergency instead of a season
Most women only reach for the hot water bottle when the pain starts.
They only rest when they're forced to.
They only cancel plans when they physically can't continue.
Imagine if we treated the week before our period the way athletes prepare for a marathon.
Instead of waiting until our body is screaming, we would nourish it, slow down and create space for recovery.
This is why I created The Womb Club
I realised that women don't need another thing to remember.
They need a gentle reminder to care for themselves.
The Womb Club was created to bring that reminder into your home every month—a box filled with seasonal rituals, nourishing products and moments of pause that encourage you to work with your cycle rather than against it. (p.s its £35pm!)
Because self-care shouldn't begin when you're already in pain.
It should begin before.
You deserve more than surviving your cycle
Some discomfort around menstruation can be common, but severe or worsening symptoms deserve assessment by a healthcare professional.
Alongside appropriate medical care, I believe every woman deserves the opportunity to reconnect with her body instead of fighting against it.
Your body is not your enemy.
It's been speaking to you all along.
Maybe the week before your period isn't an inconvenience.
Maybe it's an invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel exhausted before my period?
Many women experience fatigue during the luteal phase due to hormonal changes, alongside factors such as stress, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Why do I get anxious before my period?
Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood, and many women notice increased anxiety or emotional sensitivity before their period.
Why is my period so painful?
Painful periods can have many causes. If your pain is severe, worsening or affecting your daily life, it's important to seek medical advice.
When should I start looking after myself?
Not when your period arrives—the days leading up to your bleed are often when your body benefits most from rest, nourishment and intentional self-care.
A few links to my shop here items i made & recommend for the luteal phase
This is also in the pms section on my site!
Also highly recommend booking any kind of bodywork in the luteal phase!!!
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