Seasons of Your Menstrual Cycle

Have you ever stopped to think that hormonally you are different every day of your cycle?

Women are incredible cyclical beings. Men operate on a 24 hour cycle (circadian rhythm) whereas women operate on a 28 day cycle (infradian rhythm). This affects our mood, exercise regime, dietary requirements, mindset, energy levels and productivity throughout the month

Did you know that the four phases of your menstrual cycle is reflective of the 4 seasons of the year; summer, autumn, winter and spring?

❄ WINTER: Menstrual phase. Days 1-5

A time to turn inwards, retreat, rest and reset. We crave safety, alone time and comfort in this phase. This is a time of deep reflection, heightened intuition and clarity. Visions, insights and dreams are magnified. We crave safety, alone time and comfort in this phase. Winter is not a time to give to others, but to ourselves

Mood: release, slow, inward, rest, sensitive, reflective, intuitive, restorative

🌱 SPRING: Follicular phase. Days 6-16

A time to start planning and take action! A time we feel driven, creative, playful, organised and social. Energy begins to increase as oestrogen rises.

Mood: active, focused, new projects, creative energy

☀️ SUMMER: Ovulatory phase. Days 17-22

This phase is where we often feel our best! A time to socialise and connect.

Mood: Outward, expressive, high energy, confident, motivated, productive, increased libido, adventurous

🍁 AUTUMN: Luteal phase. Days 23-29

This is where things start winding down in preparation for menstruation. A time to rest, be still, go slow, finalise tasks, retreat and nourish ourselves in preparation for the next phase. We often begin to feel more sensitive, have lower energy levels, crave space + alone time

Mood: nourish, slow, gentle, self care, comfort, surrender

Women are cyclical beings

As women we expect to always be at our peak but as our hormones move through their 28 day cycle our physiology changes so it's highly unrealistic to expect to be functioning like your in summer all month long. Also keep in mind most women's cycle length is much more variable than this

Understanding each phase of our cycle is so important, it gives us so much power. It’s a great way to check in and tune in to ourselves. It helps create awareness of our emotions and how to start honouring them. A way to start listening to our bodies and respecting what it needs on a day to day basis. You can begin to structure your work, exercise & social life around these changes to get the most benefit from the energy available to you in each phase.

Written by Dr Emma Berry (Osteopath)