Many women experience so-called "mood swings" during their cycle, but can't quite place them. How nice then to be able to compare the different phases of your cycle with the 4 seasons and their characteristics? Read in this blog which hormones can affect your mood and needs and what to do about mood swings during menstruation!

The menstrual cycle

A hormone cycle lasts an average of 28 days and goes through 4 phases each time. These phases can be compared to the 4 seasons, which you can read more about in this blog.

Winter Time: During menstrual week you are in the winter phase, your hormones are at their lowest point and you may experience less energy. During this week it is nice to focus on yourself and leave everything else for a while. Of course you can't just ignore all your responsibilities, but prioritize what is really important and take time to feel what is happening in your body. What is your body indicating? What do you feel is important? What do you need? In rest, the best ideas often emerge and you become aware of your internal processes. Just as animals crawl back into their shells to rest in the wintertime, this is also the right time for you to consciously slow down.

Spring itch: When your period is over, spring begins. This season is known for growth, flowering and new ideas. Estrogen increases and you may find that you get a little more energy. You're getting closer to ovulation and just before it begins, a little testosterone is added. You feel like doing more (new) things, your libido increases and you get more confident. This is the time to write down your new ideas and run with them. So the spring of your cycle is perfect for exploring, learning, and scheduling social engagements.

Summertime: When ovulation is over, your estrogen level is at its highest point. You feel on top of the world,you glow and you feel good. Schedule plenty of fun appointments this week, you have plenty of energy for it. During this period also make sure you have enough time and attention for your partner. Your libido is high and this is the week when you could be pre-producing....

Autumn period: During this period your estrogen drops so it's nice to slow down again. This way you can prepare yourself as well as possible for the approaching menstruation. During this period you may notice that you feel less comfortable, have frequent headaches, experience mood swings and are emotional. If you recognize yourself in this, then this may be a sign that your hormones are out of balance. It is nice to support your hormonal balance with sufficient nutrients and possibly supplement with supplements, especially during this period.

At the end of the cycle, before your period starts again, it is nice to reflect for yourself what went well and what might need some attention. That way, you can put your focus on this at the start of the next cycle. Not quite sure about your cycle and what it looks like? Keep a diary for a few months or use an app or cycle tracker.

What to do about mood swings during menstruation?

The list below can help you optimize your mood by phase!

Winter - menstrual phase (3 to 7 days)

1. Increased need for heat
2. Hormones estrogen and progesterone at lowest point
3. Less energy and focus
4. More need for me-time, less need for social engagements
5. More sensitive, both physically and mentally

Spring - follicular phase ( 7 to 10 days)

1. Hormone estrogen rises
2. More energy
3. Feeling more like the outside world and social engagements again
4. A good time to work out new ideas
5. More self-assurance
6. Libido increases 

Summer - ovulation (3 to 4 days)

1. Hormone estrogen at highest point
2. Lots of energy and self-confidence
3. More curiosity and lots of desire to get out the door
4. More creativity and desire to tackle new things
5. This is the time for important presentations and meetings
6. High libido

Autumn - luteal phase (10 - 14 days)

1. Hormone estrogen drops tremendously fast
2. Hormone progesterone is produced
3. Energy level drops
4. More need to throttle back and stay with yourself
5. Sometimes more emotional and somber
6. PMS symptoms when your body is out of balance
7. Libido drops

Wondering how you can adapt your exercise regime to each phase? You can read about that here!