Menstrual
Oestrogen and progesterone are low as the uterine lining sheds. If cramps or fatigue affect your day, give yourself room to rest and eat when you need to.
The Science
Work with your body, not against it.
Your cycle can offer clues about how you feel. Understanding its phases gives you more context for changes in appetite and energy, and helps you decide whether fasting fits your life.
Explore the four phases ↓The four phases of your cycle
Day one is the first day of your period. Cycle length and ovulation timing vary, so the phases are a guide to what happens in your body. NIH menstrual cycle overview
Follicular
This phase starts with your period and continues until ovulation. Oestrogen generally rises as a follicle develops. Notice how your energy and appetite change as your period ends.
Ovulation
A surge in luteinising hormone helps trigger the release of an egg. The timing varies between people and cycles. A calendar estimate can help you notice patterns over time.
Luteal
Progesterone rises after ovulation. Some people notice changes in appetite, sleep or mood before their period. Make room for those needs when deciding how to eat and rest.
What research says about fasting
The BioCycle Study found small differences in measures of insulin resistance across the menstrual cycle. It observed those patterns without testing a fasting schedule. Research on fasting in women is still developing, and evidence remains limited on whether changing fasting windows by cycle phase improves outcomes.
At dētoxed, cycle awareness starts with paying attention to how you feel. Hunger, fatigue and changes in your routine can all inform your choices. Fasting is optional. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication that affects blood sugar or have a history of disordered eating, get individual guidance before fasting.
Sources and further reading
- Menstruation and the menstrual cycle · NIH
- Insulin resistance and sex hormones across the cycle · BioCycle Study
- Intermittent fasting and female reproduction · Nutrition Reviews
- Research on detoxes and cleanses · NIH
This page provides general education. The research cited here does not establish the safety or effectiveness of the 21-day juice challenge.
Step inside the Academy
See what you’ll learn, browse the guide covers and explore the support included in the January programme.
01 PDFs and recipe library
Pick up a guide and start planning
Use the weekly juice plans to organise your shopping and preparation. Browse juice recipes and the guides for preparing, planning and rebuilding after your fast.
Open the full guide cover gallery ↗
02 Preparation and juice plans
Get ready before day one
Work through the preparation guide, plan your shopping and use your weekly juice plan to organise your kitchen and ingredients.
03 Recorded masterclasses
Learn with Victoria at your own pace
The January programme includes nine recorded masterclasses. Explore preparation, mindset and habits, and revisit the lessons as you work through the programme.
04 Movement and rebuilding
Make a plan for movement and what comes next
Use the workout guide to explore movement and mobility. The rebuilding resources help you prepare for the transition back to meals.
Find the Breaking Your Fast guide in the cover gallery →05 Live coaching and community
Bring your questions to the group
The January programme includes three weeks of live group coaching and Q&A, with a private community for women taking part.