One of the most basic, biological facts of being female-having a menstrual cycle-is also one of the most mystifying and frustrating to the tens of millions of women who endure mood swings, low energy, and cramps at varying points throughout the month. This straightforward health story enabled women to not only take charge of their monthly cycle, but to benefit from its various biological and psychological rhythms. Writer Sandra Gordon clearly explained the three major phases of a woman’s cycle, and gave 12 specific ways to benefit from each phase.