When to Start Red Light Therapy in Your Cycle?

Generally the best time to begin red light therapy is still during the follicular phase—right after your period ends. Some women prefer to start on CD1 as they find the light therapy helpful for managing period pain. Some women also experience slightly heavier bleeding. But we also need to talk about an essential piece that often gets overlooked in the fertility conversation: natural light exposure.

Why Red Light Therapy Alone Isn’t Enough

Red light therapy offers a targeted approach, but it’s only one narrow band of energy (ie 670nm) The full electromagnetic spectrum runs from about 1nm to 3000nm. Half of that spectrum is invisible. Your body evolved to thrive on a broad spectrum of natural light, not just the red wavelengths we get from devices. We never evolved to spend more than 90% of our time indoors under artificial lights that are missing all of these incredible benefits. Spending time outdoors, especially in the morning around sunrise, exposes you to a full range of light. Getting outdoors later in the day also supports health and fertility and you can do it sensibly.

The Power of Natural Light + Red Light Devices

I mentioned how important your Circadian Rhythm is for health in an earlier blog.

Sunlight contains a unique blend of wavelengths that trigger many beneficial processes in your body. This includes the production of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), a precursor molecule that influences fertility hormones, energy levels, and mood. Here's the kicker: no one in the fertility world is talking about this essential molecule and its impact on reproductive health.

POMC production is influenced by UV light, which we naturally get from sensible sunlight exposure. If we're not getting outside frequently - even on cloudy days (you just need to stay out a little longer), we miss out on this critical process. So, while red light therapy can give your mitochondria a "jumpstart," it should be part of a holistic approach that includes time outdoors and reducing exposure to artificial light at night.

When to Start Light Therapy in Your Cycle

The optimal time to begin red light therapy is during the follicular phase, which kicks off right after your period ends. This phase generally lasts about 10-14 days in a standard 28-day cycle. Why is this timing so crucial? Because the follicular phase is when your body is prepping for ovulation. It's when the follicles in your ovaries start maturing, and your uterine lining thickens—both essential steps for a healthy conception process.

During this phase, red light therapy (and sunlight if possible) can be incredibly supportive by enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs and promoting cellular energy (hello, mitochondria!). Improved blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the ovaries and uterus, setting the stage to optimize the ovulation process and create a healthy welcoming environment for embryo implantation.

Why the Follicular Phase?

Here's where science comes into play. Research indicates that natural light exposure can impact hormonal balance by affecting melatonin levels and Vitamin D levels, which, in turn, influences reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Using red light therapy during the follicular phase aligns with your body's natural hormonal cycle, giving your eggs the best possible environment for growth and maturation.

Plus, a study on photobiomodulation (the fancy term for light therapy) found that red and near-infrared light can reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in supporting the health of the ovarian environment . Reducing oxidative stress means healthier cells and, you guessed it—healthier eggs!

Why Not Wait Until the Luteal Phase?

The luteal phase, which starts after ovulation, is all about preparing the body for a potential pregnancy. While overall light therapy can still offer benefits like reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation during this phase, starting during the follicular phase maximizes its fertility-boosting potential. It’s all about giving your body the right support at the right time.

Quick Recap

• Start during the follicular phase: Right after your period ends.

• Why: Supports egg maturation, hormonal balance, and a healthy uterine lining.

• Science Suggests: Red light therapy enhances cellular energy, reduces oxidative stress, and aligns with the body's natural hormone cycle. Add natural daylight too.

• Remember, red light therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach, including nutrition, stress management, and your light ‘diet’ will set you up for the best possible outcome.

What are you waiting for?

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Tracy