What are the 'luteal uglies'? And how they're affecting women

Elena, who works in hospitality and as an actress in London, says she feels lethargic and "completely unmotivated" during her luteal phase.

"I feel like my brain is working in slow motion, I tend to become clumsy and way more forgetful," she says. "I don't want to socialise as much and I feel low."

Newson says that while women are starting to talk more about the impact of their cycles, many still do not know what to do about it.

"These women are genuinely suffering and it's affecting their ability to work, function, socialise and just exist," she says.

The response to women's concerns can also be frustrating, she adds.

"Would you say to a man 'Oh your testosterone is down, just don't go to the gym, have a duvet day?' It's unacceptable that women have to put up with it."

Your relationships may also change during the luteal phase, Newson says - which is something freelance journalist Henrietta experiences.

"If I find myself wanting to get irritated with my wonderful, hilarious, chilled out partner there's an extremely high chance I haven't had my coffee, haven't eaten or that I am in my luteal phase," said the 30-year-old.

It also affects her friendships. "With my friends, I tend to either overshare and regret it, or isolate myself from them and regret it."