Just as you adjust your wardrobe and activities to suit the seasons, understanding your menstrual cycle helps you align your self-care and daily routines with your body’s natural rhythms.
When I hit 45, every month started feeling like a wild ride on the hormone rollercoaster. Some days I was full of energy, and other days I was barely hanging on. For the longest time, I thought this was just a storm I had to weather—a rush of hormones that would eventually pass. My strategy? Just deal with it and hope for the best. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t the best strategy.
Curious and admittedly a bit desperate, I signed up for a course on Hormonal Health. I thought, "Why not take the opportunity to get educated about what’s really happening with my body?" I was eager to understand more, but what I didn’t expect was the profound “aha” moment that would come next. As I delved into the course material, it became glaringly obvious that I had been overlooking one critical aspect of my health—my menstrual cycle.
Despite its regular, unmistakable presence every single month, I had been treating it as little more than a minor inconvenience or something to be managed rather than understood. The course revealed that my cycle wasn’t just a series of symptoms to endure but a significant component of my overall health that deserved attention and respect. This revelation left me feeling both enlightened and a bit sheepish, realizing how much I had underestimated the importance of truly knowing and working with my body’s natural rhythms.
The course was a revelation. It guided me through the fundamentals of hormonal health, focusing on how to harness the power of my cycle rather than merely tracking it. We delved into the science behind each phase of the menstrual cycle, learning how hormonal fluctuations impact energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
Understanding these patterns allowed me to plan my activities more effectively. For example, I discovered that my energy levels peak at specific times, making it the perfect moment for tackling challenging tasks or creative projects. Conversely, during less energetic phases, I could schedule lighter tasks or focus on self-care. This approach transformed my daily routine, helping me align my personal and professional life with my natural rhythms.
The course also offered practical tips on how to make the most of each phase, from optimizing exercise and nutrition to managing stress and productivity. By integrating these strategies, I moved from merely surviving my cycle to actively leveraging it for better performance and well-being.
The four seasons of the menstrual cycle
Menstrual Phase (Winter)
Duration: Days 1-5
How It Feels: This is your time to hibernate. Think cozy blankets, a hot cup of tea, and minimal movement. It’s all about rest and recharge.
Self-Care Tips: Rest Up: Sleep is your best friend. Embrace it.
Gentle Movement: If you’re feeling up to it, light yoga or a walk can help.
Nourishing Food: Think iron-rich foods and plenty of water.
Relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation, or just zoning out with a good book.
Follicular Phase (Spring)
Duration: Days 1-13
How It Feels: Spring has sprung! Energy levels are rising, and you’re probably feeling like you can take on the world.
Self-Care Tips: Get Moving: Use that energy for running, cycling, or strength training.
Healthy Eating: Balanced meals with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs will keep you going.
Goal Setting: Mental clarity is high—perfect for planning and tackling big tasks.
Socialize: This is your time to shine socially, so enjoy it!
Ovulation Phase (Summer)
Duration: Day 14 (24-48 hours)
How It Feels: You’re in full bloom. Confidence is high, and you’re feeling more sociable than ever.
Self-Care Tips: High-Intensity Workouts: Go for that HIIT session or anything else vigorous.
Balanced Diet: Keep the good food flowing, and add some anti-inflammatory options too.
Be Social: This is the perfect time for social events or creative projects.
Luteal Phase (Fall)
Duration: Days 15-28
How It Feels: The leaves are falling, and so might your energy. You might feel bloated, sluggish, or a bit irritable.
Self-Care Tips: Moderate Exercise: Stick to walking, swimming, or some gentle yoga.
Comfort Food: Complex carbs and healthy fats will help manage energy dips.
Relaxation Techniques: Think mindfulness, journaling, or just catching up on sleep.
Sleep Well: Rest is key, so prioritize a good night’s sleep.
Why Should I Care at 45?
So, why should understanding your menstrual cycle matter at 45? Because your body is throwing some curveballs, and knowing how to handle them is like having a cheat code for navigating midlife. Here’s why it’s worth paying attention to:
Symptom Survival: Rather than being caught off guard by bloating or mood swings, you’ll be able to anticipate them and prepare accordingly—think chocolate and comfy pants as your go-to allies.
Productivity Hacks: Imagine pinpointing exactly when you'll be bursting with energy. This insight lets you tackle long-overdue tasks or make strides on projects you’ve been putting off, making the most of your high-energy windows.
Mood Mastery: Avoid those unexpected emotional rollercoasters. By knowing when to expect them, you can plan for extra self-care or give your family a heads-up, making your emotional landscape a bit more predictable.
Using the seasons as a metaphor for your menstrual cycle turns what might seem like a daunting concept into something relatable and manageable. It helps you embrace and navigate the natural ebb and flow of your body with greater ease.
So, tune in to your cycle’s rhythm. Embrace the changes, plan your activities around your natural phases, and let this understanding empower you to make the most of every stage. After all, the more you know, the better you can navigate this dynamic phase of life with confidence and grace.
Cheers to thriving through all the seasons.
With Love and Care,
Miriam Mettioui
Hormone Health Specialist
Holistic Life Coach & Mind-Body Practitioner
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