Phases of the menstrual cycle: the 4 seasons
Most people will look at menstruation (or a period) as the main ‘event’ in a woman’s menstrual cycle. I can see why they think that. We were only ever taught about the period, it sounded something like… “this is how a tampon works.. cramps are normal, take panadol”. We were never taught what happens in between periods. I know personally that I never learnt about ovulation, or cervical fluid, or why we might be outgoing one week and wanting to hibernate in a cave the next.
I like to look at a menstrual cycle a little differently to most. I view each phase of the cycle as an eb & flow of hormones, with these hormonal fluctuations come different emotional & physical characteristics. If we understand the phases of the cycle we can better predict how we may feel at a certain time, and we then have the awareness to plan our work, social and life events to better suit our needs.
There are 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. Each phase mimics a season of the year. I like to teach it this way as not everyone can grasp the biological terms, but also because as humans we are so deeply connected to nature.
The phases as seasons:
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
The biological terms for the phases are:
Menstruation
Follicular phase
Ovulation
Luteal phase
Winter / Menstruation (period)
Physical:
Hormone levels are at their lowest as bleeding starts
Low energy, time to rest
Libido may peak – either love or hate sex
Emotional:
Withdrawn
Calm
Inward
Can feel unmotivated
2. Spring / Before ovulation (follicular)
Physical:
Oestrogen is increasing – skin glows
Boost of serotonin suppresses appetite
Energy builds
Body feels lighter
Increased urge to exercise
Emotional:
More outgoing
Increased desire to socialise
Spontaneous
3. Summer / Ovulation
Physical:
Libido peaks
At your most fertile
Boost of serotonin suppresses appetite
Cervical fluid (discharge) is more copious, stretchy and clear
Increased focus & productivity
High intensity workouts are good here
Emotional:
Confident & outgoing
Can cope with a heavier workload & longer days
Networking & socialising
Pleasure & fun
Autumn / Pre-menstrual
Physical:
Increased appetite & food cravings – start to food prep
Body can feel swollen
Energy starts to dip
Emotional
Self care needed
Crave space (alone time)
Desire to declutter/clean/organise
Inner critic surfaces