The four seasons of our cycle

When I launched this newsletter, my goal was to address period pain and offer insights on how to alleviate it. I aimed to help you embark on the journey toward experiencing healthy periods consistently and encourage you to ask important questions that could lead to a diagnosis.

However, there's another aspect that deserves attention: periods should not be viewed as pathological or as conditions needing a cure. While I understand that some of us need to supress them, they are a natural part of our existence, integral to our ability to procreate. We are cyclical beings living cyclical lives, much like the seasons of the year. Depending on our geographical location, our internal cycles mirror these four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. If we decide to embrace them, it can be a beautiful experience we share with our bodies for us people with menstruations.

Our hormonal cycles evolve akin to these seasons: beginning with a low level, rising, stabilizing, and then falling. This estrogen cycle serves as a fundamental baseline for our energy throughout our menstrual cycle, repeating throughout our reproductive years.

Embracing this natural cycle can be advantageous rather than viewing it as a burden to endure. By acknowledging and respecting our cyclical nature, we can enhance the quality of our lives.

Let’s explore the four seasons of the menstrual cycle!

Winter (Menstruation)

During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest. The endometrial lining is shedding, marking the arrival of our period. We may experience mild fatigue and feel the need to slow down, prompting introspection. Often, we want to rest and stay in.

In nature, winter is a time of dormancy. Many mammals hibernate, and trees enter a state of stasis. As part of this ecosystem, we often forget to honor our natural rhythms amid societal pressures. We're conditioned to push through fatigue or pain, often silencing our needs.

What if we chose to honor our being and embrace our cycles, recognizing that they serve a purpose? During our inner winter, slowing down could allow us to emerge days later with renewed energy, having cared for ourselves, rather than forcing ourselves to power through. Just as nature rests to revive its vibrancy in spring, we too can find rest.

How can we slow down when the world keeps moving?

For me, it involves carving out moments for self-care—taking a 20-minute bath, enjoying a nap, going to bed earlier, or taking a leisurely walk. I seek support, like asking my husband to help with the kids, and I prioritize what truly matters. Additionally, I utilize tools like journaling and meditation to manage any anxiety around the need to slow down, especially when there’s much to be done.

With practice, you’ll find it easier to listen to your body’s needs.

Spring (Follicular Phase)

Biologically, estrogen begins to rise again in this phase, known as the follicular phase, as some eggs mature in preparation for ovulation.

This marks our spring, starting immediately after menstruation ends. Even towards the end of our period, we may feel a resurgence of energy and motivation, feeling ready to embrace new challenges. It’s an ideal time to set fresh goals and engage in activities we may have paused. If you haven’t exercised during your period, now is a fantastic time to begin again or delve deeper into new practices. This phase fuels confidence and creativity, making it perfect for new ideas.

In nature, spring symbolizes renewal. Energy flows through trees and animals as they prepare for mating, and the air is filled with a sense of possibility.

Summer (Ovulation Phase)

Biologically, this phase involves the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the uterus, supported by rising estrogen and FSH (Follicular Stimulating Hormone).

This is our summer, characterized by steady energy that propels us through each day. It's a time to continue projects and embrace new initiatives with little disturbance, often resulting in visible outcomes from the efforts during the previous phase.

Like nature, we flourish during this time, feeling safe to procreate. Our minds are clear, confident, and focused.

Fall (Luteal Phase)

The luteal phase is the longest phase of the cycle and can be divided into two parts. Initially, estrogen remains high, with a second surge occurring as progesterone rises to maintain the endometrial lining. In the latter part, both hormones (estrogen and progesterone) decrease, signaling preparation for menstruation.

Like fall, this phase encompasses duality. In nature, you can experience sunny days as temperatures gradually cool, preparing for winter. Animals gather resources for the colder months, and trees display vibrant colors as their leaves begin to fall.

We retain some energy from summer, but we may also experience a slight dip in confidence, allowing doubts to surface. During the luteal phase, I find it helpful to trust the energy cultivated in spring and summer, maintaining commitment to my goals, much like enjoying the fall’s sunny days. As energy wanes, I start organizing my life for a slow-down in preparation for winter, recognizing that now is not the time for life-altering decisions fueled by self-doubt.

I embrace the opportunity to slow down, reflecting on the past month

What do your inner four seasons look like? What are you doing to embrace it? What results did you have?

Some references :

The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Athletes’ Performance: A Narrative Review, Mikaeli et al, 2021, Environ Res Public Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916245/

Menstrual Cycle Hormonal Changes and Energy Substrate Metabolism in Exercising Women: A Perspective, Hackney, 2021, Environ Res Public Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8508274/

You can have better period, Le'Nise Brothers, 2022