The Seasonal Shifts And Your Hormone Cycle
There are 4 phases of the female hormone cycle, the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase and the luteal phase.
These are present when we have our natural hormone cycle and aren’t on any synthetic hormones. These phases represent the natural hormonal shifts we experience when we embrace our cyclical nature.
Our bodies offer up subtle hints as we move through these phases, and when we truly embody our unique hormonal rhythms we often find that not one day is the same.
As a woman, our body is an intricate system that moves through shifting moods and energies.
The fine-tuned interplay of hormones and physiological responses are to thank for our ever changing emotions, energy, mood, appetite, wants and needs.
Ancient women's wisdom connects the phases of our hormone cycle to the 4 seasons we transition in and out of throughout the year. Women all over the world connect with this wisdom, it helps them pay attention to their unique hormonal rhythms so they get to understand their individual needs week on week, or phase on phase.
They get to know their body. They have trust in their body and what it is communicating to them.
Here’s how you can start connecting with this ancient wisdom.
Inner Winter - Menstruation - around days 1-7 of your cycle
Menstruation welcomes the monthly bleed. It is a time of depletion, a time when your energy and your hormones are at their lowest. It is a time to embody pure rest and indulgence.
From a nutrition perspective, menstruation requires an abundance of energy and it is important to enter your bleed with energy reserves, and to maintain those reserves throughout the bleed by nourishing the body through nutrient dense, balanced meals, restorative movement and plenty of rest.
As you move into your inner winter you might find yourself more withdrawn and craving for time alone. This is your body’s way of subtly telling you to reserve your energy by not giving it to others. Feel into that and cancel plans if necessary, take a bath with epsom salts and oils, relax on the sofa with a book or your favourite show, ditch the workout for a yoga nidra practice or a nap!
You owe it to your body.
Inner Spring - Follicular - around days 7 - 12 of your cycle
This is the race towards ovulation. Oestrogen begins to rise and follicle stimulating hormone is maturing your eggs, and you likely see a lift in energy and mood.
Think of this phase as your re-birth, you’re ready to step back into your routine, slowly. This phase often comes with more clarity and focus, and you naturally become more present and connected with your loved ones.
As you move through this phase reflect on the subtle shifts taking you from winter into spring, or menstruation into follicular. What are the main changes you recognise in yourself? How do they make you feel?
Do more of the things that uplift you in this phase, and take the opportunity to connect with your nearest and dearest.
Inner Summer - Ovulation - around days 12 - 18 of your cycle
Ovulation is the star of the show. It is the sole purpose of female physiology, regardless of whether you want to procreate. A healthy ovulation brings us longevity due to the production of progesterone, one of the most protective hormones for the female physiology. It is not just a pregnancy hormone!
Ovulation sees a rise in hormones, with a peak in energy and mood. It is a time to embody your true feminine energy, become more expressive and grow in confidence. You may even feel sexier during this phase, thanks to testosterone. Oh - and sex is going to be it’s most pleasurable at this time … but obviously caution needs to be practiced here as you are at the height of your fertility, too!
Explore this space and the energy you have for others during it. How do you feel about yourself when you ovulate? Can you embody that feeling and connect with it throughout your whole cycle?
Inner Autumn - Luteal - around days 18 - 28 of your cycle
This is a phase of anticipation. Physiologically the body is still preparing for a potential pregnancy so hormones are at their highest which often brings with it a host of PMS symptoms.
Throughout each day of your luteal phase, things slowly start to wind down. Your energy will subtly shift, you may crave alone time and start to notice that shift towards feeling withdrawn. Choosing to consciously wind down is a pure act of self love.
Feel into this and start setting boundaries. Don’t let people ask too much of you. Create space for your gentler movement, spend time in nature and embody any creative energy that comes your way.
One thing that may increase is your appetite. Remember, your body needs nourishment for the coming bleed or the anticipated pregnancy. Connect with this appetite, are you eating enough nutrient dense food? Are you going too long without eating?
Your inner autumn is time for pure self-love rituals. Nourish yourself with journaling, baths, nature, food, stretching, reading and earlier bedtimes.
This act of self love will help you transition into your monthly bleed, and with consistency month on month, cycle after cycle, I am confident you will find a true connection with your hormone cycle and an ease in your symptoms.
Autumn is my favourite season and I love to embody my luteal phase. It's the phase where I start winding down, make less plans, focus on the things that are important to me and indulge in delicious (but nutritious!) food.
As women we often feel like we are going crazy, or there’s something wrong with us because our moods changed. A woman who is connected with her body understands that each day is different, and truly embraces the subtle shifts of her body.
This is when we open the doors to our true potential.