Welcome in this opening session, where together we begin exploring the world of fertility awareness. This first class gently introduces us to what fertility awareness truly means and why understanding it is such a valuable part of a woman’s life. We begin by opening the umbrella of this term and discovering what lies beneath it. Many of us have heard of cycle tracking or calendar-based predictions, but fertility awareness is far more personal and alive. It does not rely on statistics or previous cycles but teaches us to ask each day, “Am I fertile today?” This approach shifts our focus from guessing to knowing, from relying on assumptions to reading the real signs of our bodies.
In this session, we talk about how different methods fall under the fertility awareness umbrella. We explore the calendar and standard days methods, mucus-only approaches such as Billings or Creighton, and temperature-based ones like the Hellebrandt method. Among these, we focus on the symptothermal method, a research-proven system that combines three biological signs: temperature, cervical mucus, and cervix observation. Together, these signs create a complete and dynamic picture of our cycle, helping us recognize fertile and infertile phases in real time.
We also reflect on how fertility awareness differs from natural family planning. Natural family planning is often practiced within religious communities and focuses mainly on abstaining from sex during fertile days. Fertility awareness, on the other hand, is inclusive and focused on knowledge, allowing each of us to make conscious, hormonal-free contraceptive choices. This distinction is empowering, as it gives us freedom and autonomy over our reproductive health.
As we learn, we discover that the symptothermal method is not only natural but also remarkably effective. Research has shown that when used correctly, its effectiveness can reach 99.6 percent, which is comparable to hormonal contraception. This gives us confidence to trust our bodies, to see fertility as a sign of health rather than something to be controlled or feared.
By the end of this first class, we begin practicing small, simple steps—taking our temperature each morning and observing our cervical mucus. These daily actions bring awareness and connection. We realize that through consistency, curiosity, and care, we gain a deeper understanding of our bodies. Fertility awareness is more than a method—it is a way of living in partnership with ourselves, with knowledge, respect, and freedom.
Welcome, everyone, to this class where we explore the fascinating world of reproductive anatomy. In this session, we begin by acknowledging how essential it is to know our own bodies, not just in theory but through real understanding and connection. Together, we look at the female and male reproductive systems and see how each structure plays its role in the shared story of fertility. We start with the female body, tracing the path from the vagina to the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and we learn how each part supports the cycle of menstruation, conception, and renewal. We discover that knowing our anatomy is not only about biology—it is about awareness, comfort, and confidence in our physical selves.
As we move deeper, we explore the organs that shape our sexual and reproductive health. We look at the cervix, which connects the vagina to the uterus and produces the mucus we observe during fertility awareness. We learn about the endometrium, the rich lining that grows and sheds each cycle, and about the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus and help maintain our internal balance. We meet the clitoris as a full organ, not just a single point, and understand how pleasure and anatomy are beautifully intertwined. This session opens space for honest conversation, free from taboo, where naming and seeing our bodies becomes an act of empowerment and respect.
We then shift our focus to the ovaries, the delicate but powerful glands where our eggs are stored, grow, and mature. We follow the life of the ovum, from its tiny beginning inside a follicle to its release during ovulation. We also look at conception, how the egg meets the sperm in the fallopian tube, and how implantation happens inside the uterus. Finally, we explore the male anatomy, understanding how sperm are created, matured, and released. By the end, we see that both systems are perfectly designed to work in harmony. This knowledge helps us understand life itself, deepens our self-awareness, and reminds us of the incredible wisdom written in our own bodies.
Welcome again, everyone, to our third class where we explore the beautiful rhythm of our hormones and understand how the cycle connects to the symptothermal method. In this session, we look closer at how our body communicates within itself, how the brain and the ovaries work together, and how hormones become the messengers between them. We discover the amazing coordination of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, how they release signals that stimulate our follicles, trigger ovulation, and guide the changes in our uterus. As we observe this flow, we realize that every cycle is not just biology but a repeating story of creation and renewal that influences our fertility, mood, and daily energy.
Together, we follow what happens during each phase of the cycle. We start with menstruation, when the hormone levels are low, and the body begins again. As follicles grow, estrogen rises, thickening the endometrium and making the mucus more fertile, soft, and slippery. When estrogen peaks, the luteinizing hormone appears for a short time, triggering ovulation, and after this moment, progesterone takes over. Progesterone calms, warms, and prepares our body for possible conception. When there is no fertilization, the levels fall again, and a new cycle begins. Through this journey, we see that ovulation, not menstruation, is the true center of the cycle and that our fertility is a finely tuned process led by connection and balance.
In this class, we also begin to see how the hormones influence the fertility signs that we observe in the symptothermal method. Mucus, cervix, and temperature all change in response to these hormonal shifts, and by following them we can read the natural messages of our body. This knowledge gives us understanding, confidence, and peace. We learn that by observing these patterns, we are not just studying hormones—we are learning to live in harmony with ourselves.
Welcome, everyone, to this class where we talk about contraception methods that can be used together with the symptothermal method. Today, we open an honest and practical conversation about hormonal-free contraception and the many ways we can protect ourselves while staying connected to our natural cycles. Understanding these methods is a key part of living with awareness and freedom, as it allows us to make informed choices about our fertility, whether we are avoiding or planning conception. Together, we look at the main options available, how they work, what makes them effective, and how to choose the one that fits best for each of us.
We begin by understanding the Pearl Index, which helps us see how effective each method is in real life. From there, we explore different non-hormonal contraceptive methods, starting with avoidance of intercourse—the only method that is fully effective when used correctly. We talk about withdrawal, a widely used but often misunderstood method that relies on body awareness and timing. We continue with barrier methods, learning about condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and the role of sperm acid. Each option is explained clearly, including how it works, what advantages it offers, and what needs attention when used. We discuss their safety levels, how to apply them with care, and how practice and communication between partners can increase both comfort and reliability.
This class also explores the creative side of contraception, showing that intimacy can remain joyful, playful, and safe. We see that the symptothermal method works beautifully with barrier methods, offering natural and adaptable solutions without hormones. By the end of this session, we understand how to combine methods for extra safety and how to select options that reflect our lifestyle and values. This knowledge gives us confidence and freedom. It reminds us that fertility awareness is not about restriction—it is about choice, responsibility, and harmony with our bodies and our partners.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we learn about the temperature sign, the first of our three primary fertility signs. In this session, we discover how temperature reflects the inner rhythm of our hormones and how it helps us see when ovulation has truly happened. Understanding this sign brings science and body awareness together, showing how our natural temperature pattern can guide us in reading our fertility with confidence and clarity.
We begin with a short look back at our hormones. Estrogen does not influence body temperature, while progesterone raises it. This is why the Basal Body Temperature (BBT), the one we measure, becomes such a reliable indicator. We learn that our temperature follows a daily rhythm, lowest in the early morning and highest in the evening. When progesterone rises after ovulation, it gently lifts this baseline, creating the recognizable shift that confirms ovulation.
Together, we learn how to measure this temperature correctly. It is taken every morning before getting up, speaking, or drinking anything, using a thermometer that measures two decimals for accuracy. We keep consistency by using the same thermometer, at the same time, and in the same way throughout one cycle—whether orally, vaginally, or rectally. Each woman finds her preferred way, but all are equally valid when practiced regularly and carefully.
We also learn how to chart this data. The temperature pattern forms two phases, a lower one before ovulation and a higher one after. When we see three consecutive higher readings above six previous lower ones, we can draw a cover line and confirm that ovulation has taken place. This knowledge allows us to close the fertile window with certainty.
By the end of this class, we understand that the temperature sign is not only a scientific tool but also a connection to our body’s natural wisdom. It helps us recognize our fertility, see our hormonal balance, and build a daily habit of awareness. Through patience and practice, the thermometer becomes not just an instrument but a companion in understanding our cycle and trusting ourselves.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we talk about how to chart. In this session, we learn how to collect and organize the information that we already know about our three main signs: mucus, cervix, and temperature. This is where everything comes together in one clear picture. Charting allows us to see our cycle as a whole, to recognize patterns, understand our fertility window, and observe how our body responds through the phases of the month. By learning to chart, we are not only tracking numbers or symptoms, but beginning to read the language of our own body with accuracy and trust.
We begin by exploring the different ways to chart, on paper, on a computer, or with a mobile app. Each method has its benefits, but we start with the paper version because it helps us understand the basics and truly see how the signs interact. The paper chart gives a complete overview of the cycle, all on one page, helping us notice shifts and connections at a glance. It is also flexible and personal, allowing us to write, color, and note extra details such as mood, cramps, or energy levels. Starting this way builds confidence, consistency, and routine.
Once we are comfortable, we explore digital options. We discuss how charting is different from tracking and how real charting focuses on analysis rather than prediction. Apps can be convenient, but it is essential to choose ones designed for fertility awareness, with space for all three signs, manual adjustments, and no automatic assumptions. We also discuss privacy and data protection, learning that our cycle is part of our personal health data and deserves respect and safety.
By the end of this session, we understand that charting is not a chore, it is a practice of awareness. It helps us see when we are fertile, how our hormones work, and how lifestyle influences our health. Charting turns observation into empowerment, helping us live in rhythm with ourselves and trust the natural wisdom of our bodies.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we explore the cervical mucus, the second primary fertility sign that we observe in the symptothermal method. In this session, we reconnect with our anatomy and hormones to understand how the mucus reflects what happens inside our body every day. Together, we see how estrogen and progesterone shape the different types of mucus and how this natural rhythm tells us when we are fertile and when not. Learning to observe this sign brings us closer to our body’s wisdom and allows us to read the messages it constantly gives us.
We begin by looking at how hormones influence the mucus. Estrogen makes it fertile, clear, watery, and slippery, turning it into a nourishing environment for the sperm, helping them to live longer and move with ease. Progesterone, on the other hand, thickens the mucus, turning it white and sticky, protecting the uterus by closing the way to the sperm. Through these changes, we can see how nature has built a perfectly balanced system that works in harmony with our cycle.
We then learn how to observe the mucus in our daily life. We can sense it through touch, look, or even smell, noticing how it changes throughout the cycle. It begins with dryness after menstruation, then slowly turns creamy, milky, or lotion-like as fertility builds, until it becomes clear, elastic, and slippery around ovulation. This is the highly fertile or peak mucus, showing that the body is ready for conception. After ovulation, as progesterone rises, the mucus thickens again and the feeling becomes dry, signalling the end of the fertile phase.
In this class, we also talk about how to identify and chart the three types of mucus: dry, non-peak, and peak. Each has its meaning, and together they reveal where we are in our cycle. By observing these changes daily, we learn to trust what our body shows us. This knowledge empowers us to understand our fertility, protect our health, and live with awareness and confidence in the rhythm of our own body.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we learn about the cervix sign, the third and last primary fertility sign that we observe in the symptothermal method. In this session, we explore one of the most fascinating and often overlooked parts of our body, the cervix. Together, we discover how its position, texture, and openness change throughout the cycle and how these changes reflect the hormonal dance between estrogen and progesterone. Understanding the cervix helps us deepen our awareness of our fertility and connect with our body in a gentle and confident way.
We begin by revisiting our anatomy and hormones. When estrogen rises during the follicular phase, the cervix lifts higher, softens, and opens slightly, allowing the sperm to enter and move freely. After ovulation, when progesterone takes the lead, the cervix lowers, becomes firm, and the canal closes completely, creating a protective barrier. These changes happen naturally and gradually, showing us exactly where we are in our cycle. Through observation, we learn to identify these patterns and recognize when fertility is rising and when it has passed.
In this class, we also talk about how to find and feel the cervix. We learn to use gentle touch, to relax, and to compare only with ourselves, noticing how it changes from day to day. Some may feel it higher or lower, softer or firmer, more open or more closed, and with time, these sensations become familiar and easy to understand. We also learn that the cervix produces mucus in tiny crypts inside its tissue—fertile mucus before ovulation and non-fertile mucus after—making the cervix a true center of fertility.
Finally, we discuss how to record these signs in our chart, marking the position, softness, and openness. We see how this information complements the mucus and temperature signs, creating a complete picture of our hormonal rhythm. By the end of this lesson, we understand that observing the cervix is not only about fertility awareness, but also about trust, curiosity, and connection with our inner health. This awareness empowers us to know our bodies deeply and to live in partnership with them every day.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we explore the double-check symptothermal method rules. In this session, we bring together everything we have learned about the three fertility signs — temperature, mucus, and cervix — and see how they work together to give us a clear and confident understanding of our fertility. These rules are the foundation of how we interpret our charts, open and close the fertile window, and make conscious, informed decisions in harmony with our bodies.
We begin by revisiting the rhythm of the menstrual cycle. Each cycle starts with menstruation, followed by the follicular phase, when estrogen rises, mucus appears, and the cervix softens and opens. Following the hormonal changes of ovulation, the temperature begins to rise as progesterone takes the lead, marking the start of the luteal phase. After ovulation, when both mucus and cervix return to non-fertile states and the temperature remains high, we can confirm that fertility has ended for that cycle. This is how we recognize our body’s transition from fertile to infertile phases with clarity and accuracy.
In this class, we learn to apply the practical rules of the method. The mucus shows us the opening of the fertile window: when any mucus appears, we consider ourselves fertile, because it reflects the presence of estrogen and the possibility of conception. The last day of the most fertile mucus is marked as the peak day, and we count three days after it to confirm the shift. The temperature confirms ovulation through the thermal rise, when three higher readings follow six lower ones. When both mucus and temperature confirm this change, we can safely close the fertile window. The cervix, when observed, supports this understanding by reflecting similar changes in softness, height, and openness.
By combining and double-checking these signs, we practice true fertility awareness. The symptothermal method gives us precision, trust, and independence. It teaches us to rely on our observations instead of assumptions, to understand our hormones in real time, and to live with an awareness that is both scientific and deeply personal. With these rules, we can navigate our cycles safely and confidently, knowing that our bodies communicate with us clearly every single day.
Welcome, ladies, to this new section where we begin exploring the special cases of women’s health, starting with hormonal imbalance. In this first class on the topic, we focus on understanding what a healthy cycle looks like and how to recognize when something might not be working in balance. Together, we learn that the menstrual cycle is not just a monthly event but a reflection of our overall health. It is one of our body’s vital signs, just like heart rate or blood pressure, and by observing it, we can see how our hormones, lifestyle, and wellbeing are connected.
We begin by defining what a healthy cycle looks like. A balanced cycle usually lasts between twenty-three and thirty-eight days, with menstruation flowing for three to seven days. Each phase—the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal—has its healthy range and purpose. We learn that variation of a few days is normal, but large fluctuations or the absence of ovulation can signal imbalance. We talk about what a healthy menstruation means, including the amount of blood lost, its color, and the importance of having red flow rather than brown spotting at the start. Painful periods are discussed as well, not as something to be normalized, but as a message that the body is reacting to disruption and needs attention and care.
We also learn how our hormones influence not only reproduction but every aspect of life. Estrogen and progesterone shape our energy, emotions, and even how we relate to others. Through this awareness, we begin to see that living with our cycle rather than against it brings balance and self-acceptance. We explore how stress, nutrition, environment, and daily habits affect our hormones and why hormonal imbalance is often not a failure of the body but a response to modern life.
By the end of this session, we understand that our cycle is a mirror of our inner health. Charting helps us see the details, recognize patterns, and make conscious choices for healing. This knowledge empowers us to observe with patience, to trust our body’s signals, and to begin building harmony between our inner and outer worlds.
Welcome, ladies, to this second class on hormonal imbalance, where we continue exploring the conditions that may develop when our hormones are out of balance and learn how healing begins with understanding, awareness, and lifestyle change. Together, we look at the most common hormone-related conditions and see how deeply they connect to our daily lives, our nutrition, and the way we care for ourselves. This session brings hope and clarity, reminding us that while these conditions can be challenging, our bodies have a remarkable capacity to restore balance when we create the right environment for them.
We begin by exploring polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular cycles, excess androgen symptoms, and cystic changes in the ovaries. We learn that while the exact cause remains uncertain, lifestyle, diet, and environment play a key role. Healing begins with four pillars: mindful nutrition that stabilizes blood sugar, movement that increases insulin sensitivity, mindful use of supplements or medicine when needed, and care for the mind through stress management, rest, and self-compassion. This holistic approach supports both physical and emotional healing.
Next, we explore endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, often causing pain, inflammation, and fertility challenges. We learn that while its cause is complex, chronic inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and exposure to environmental chemicals play a role. Managing it requires an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors, and finding compassionate medical care that takes women’s pain seriously.
We also learn about thyroid disorders, which affect metabolism and influence the menstrual cycle, and about hypothalamic amenorrhea, where stress, undernutrition, or overexercising can silence ovulation. Both remind us of the body’s sensitivity to life’s pressures and the need for nourishment, rest, and self-kindness. Finally, we meet uterine fibroids, common yet often overlooked muscle growths influenced by estrogen and lifestyle factors.
Throughout this session, we discover that true healing does not come from suppressing symptoms but from creating harmony between the body, mind, and environment. Each small change in nutrition, movement, thought, or rest supports the body’s natural intelligence. Healing begins not with fear but with understanding—and through awareness, we learn to live gently, wisely, and fully within the rhythm of our own bodies.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we open another special case in our lives, strongly connected to fertility, one that is important to talk about with honesty and awareness: pregnancy. In this session, we explore what it means to prepare for pregnancy, how conception truly happens, and how fertility awareness supports us in this beautiful and transformative process. Pregnancy is not only a physical event but an experience that reaches every part of who we are. Together, we learn how to prepare our bodies, our minds, and our hearts for this new chapter.
We begin by revisiting the wonder of conception. Fertilization happens when the egg and the sperm meet in the fallopian tube, and the fertilized egg travels down to the uterus, where the lining has been prepared to welcome new life. From that moment, an extraordinary series of hormonal changes begins. Estrogen and progesterone rise together with other hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin, and relaxin. The body adjusts in many ways. Digestion slows, breathing deepens, and the uterus grows stronger to carry and protect the baby. We may experience new sensations such as nausea, tenderness, or tiredness, but also a special inner glow that comes from this transformation. Pregnancy becomes a living expression of creativity and trust in the natural wisdom of life.
We also look at how conception often unfolds in our modern world. Many couples expect quick results and turn to tests, supplements, or online advice. When pregnancy does not happen right away, this can create stress and doubt. Here we remind ourselves that nature does not rush. The body needs time to prepare and find balance. Allowing several months of gentle preparation gives both partners the chance to strengthen their health, restore energy, and calm the mind. This time is not waiting; it is nurturing the future.
Finally, we learn how fertility awareness helps us connect with our natural rhythm. By observing the cervical mucus and the basal body temperature, we can recognize the fertile window with accuracy and work together with the body instead of against it. This understanding replaces confusion with peace and turns conceiving into a mindful and empowering experience. By the end of this class, we see that pregnancy begins long before conception. It begins with awareness, preparation, and respect for our own rhythm. When we live in harmony with our bodies, pregnancy becomes not only a biological process but a journey of love, patience, and connection.
Welcome, ladies, to this second class on pregnancy, where we explore another special chapter in a woman’s life: the time after giving birth. In this session, we talk about the postpartum period and how to use the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM), a natural and reliable way to understand and manage fertility during breastfeeding. Together, we learn how our hormones shift after birth, how our bodies recover, and how fertility slowly returns in harmony with nursing.
We begin by looking at the hormonal changes after delivery. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone are high, but after birth, they drop quickly. At the same time, prolactin and oxytocin become the leading hormones. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin helps with milk release and builds the emotional bond between mother and baby. These hormones also pause ovulation for a time, which naturally gives space for healing and nursing. This is the wisdom of the body protecting both the mother and the newborn during the first months.
We also speak about the emotions that can follow birth. It is common to feel tired, vulnerable, or even sad. The sudden hormonal change can cause baby blues or, in some cases, postpartum depression. These feelings do not make anyone a bad mother; they are simply signs that the body and mind are adjusting. With time, love, and support, balance returns.
Then we explore how fertility slowly comes back. In the first three weeks after delivery, all women remain infertile, and with full breastfeeding, this period can extend safely up to six months. The Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) can be used as and natural form of contraception when certain conditions are met: full breastfeeding, no long intervals between feeds, and no other food or substitutes for the baby. When practiced correctly, it can be very effective and completely natural.
By the end of this class, we understand that the postpartum time is a season of rest and renewal. It is not only about feeding the baby but also about rebuilding strength, trust, and peace within ourselves. Through awareness and care, we allow our body to heal and find its rhythm again.
Welcome, ladies, to this class where we talk about another important topic in women’s lives: hormonal contraceptives. In this session, we look at what they are, how they work, and what effects they have on the body. Understanding this topic helps us make conscious decisions about our health and fertility, knowing both the benefits and the costs of using synthetic hormones.
We begin with a short look at the history of the pill. It appeared in the 1950s and quickly became one of the most influential medical inventions of the century. The original design included twenty-four days of hormone use and seven days of interruption to create a bleeding that would feel like a natural cycle. This pattern was not based on scientific need but on making the medicine more acceptable for women. Today, hormonal contraception exists in many forms: pills, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices. Each contains synthetic versions of estrogen, progesterone, or both.
We then explore how these contraceptives work. Their main purpose is to prevent ovulation, thin the uterine lining, and block the production of fertile cervical mucus. By doing this, they create an artificial state in the body similar to menopause, where natural hormone production is suppressed. This is why many women notice lighter bleeding or even no periods at all. Periods during using hormonal contraception is not a real menstruation but called withdrawal bleed, caused by stopping the synthetic hormones for a few days.
We also reflect on the broader effects of hormonal contraceptives. They can appear to regulate cycles or reduce symptoms like acne or pain, but in reality, they only mask the problem without solving the underlying cause. Many women are prescribed the pill for issues unrelated to contraception, often without understanding what it truly does to their hormonal system. Knowing how it works allows us to decide whether it is the right choice for us or shall we explore other, natural alternatives when possible.
By the end of this class, we see hormonal contraceptives with clearer eyes. They are powerful tools, but they are not neutral. Understanding their effects gives us the ability to choose with awareness, respect our bodies’ natural intelligence, and seek balance instead of suppression.
Welcome, ladies, to this last class of our journey together, where we open another natural and meaningful stage in a woman’s life: menopause. This is the time when our fertility cycle slowly comes to an end, and our body begins to enter a new hormonal balance. In this session, we talk about what menopause truly is, what happens in our body and emotions during this transition, and how we can support ourselves with awareness, understanding, and care.
Menopause marks the end of menstruation after twelve months without a period. It usually appears in the early fifties, but the transition starts years earlier with perimenopause. This is when the first changes begin—our cycles become shorter or irregular, hot flushes may appear, and sleep or mood can fluctuate. It is also a period of reflection, when we naturally turn inward, reassess our priorities, and focus on self-care and peace. Hormones play a central role in these changes. Progesterone begins to decline first, followed by estrogen, which can cause both physical and emotional symptoms. Understanding that this process is natural helps us move through it with acceptance rather than fear.
We learn that the hormonal shifts can cause sensations like heat, night sweats, or dryness, and sometimes mood changes or a drop in energy. Yet, these are not signs of weakness—they are messages from the body asking for balance and support. Charting remains a helpful tool even in this phase, helping us see patterns and feel connected to our cycle, even as it fades.
We also talk about how to ease this time naturally. Movement, nutritious food, and emotional awareness all help the body adapt. Supporting liver function through healthy habits helps metabolize estrogen more efficiently. Gentle exercise and enough protein maintain bone and muscle strength, and vitamin D supports calcium absorption. These simple actions can bring stability, comfort, and confidence.
By the end of this class, we understand that menopause is not an ending but a transformation. It is the beginning of our wisdom years, when we no longer measure ourselves by cycles but by presence, strength, and clarity. This stage invites us to live calmly, care for our health, and trust that every change in our body carries meaning and grace.
