A Woman’s Mood Across the Menstrual Cycle Explained

Let me start by saying that if you ever feel down or unimportant at some point in life, just remember that you're stronger than you think.

As women, I don't think there's ever a time of rest for us, as each day passes we're been led into another phase of our menstrual cycle. Often times, our moods, behaviours, cravings, emotions and even confidence are linked to different phases of our cycle. Each cycle comes with it's own attributes. Below are the 4 phases of our menstrual cycle and how it affects us.

In this phase, the uterus sheds it's lining and estrogens and progesterone are low. Apart from cramps, tender breasts, bloating, headaches, low back pain, some other changes you can experience are;

-Fatigue
-low energy
-emotional sensitivity
-Desire for rest or isolation
-Reduced motivation.

This happens because, hormone levels decreases and this affects serotonin levels

This phase, women often feel;

• Withdrawn
• Tired
• Emotionally delicate.

It occurs after menstruation until ovulation. In this phase, estrogen begin rising and the body prepares an egg for release.

Follicle stimulating hormone is stimulated, serotonin increases and it plays a vital role in mood and emotions.

Common characteristics include;

• Better and more happier mood
• Increased creativity
• More sociability

Many women feel more productive, confident, and energetic during this phase.

Usually occurs on the 14th day of your cycle. Here, estrogen peaks, luteinizing hormone is released which tells the ovaries to release an egg into the fallopian tube, so it can travel to the uterus to be fertilzed.

Because the estrogen level is high, most women may experience;

• Happiness
• Increased libido
• Increased confidence
• More social behaviour
• Feeling attractive
• Increased communication skills.

Occurs after ovulation before menstruation. There's increase in progesterone, if there's no pregnancy, there's a drop in hormone and its like an emotional rollercoaster.

It gives the following effect;

• Irritability
• Exhaustion
• Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)
• Cravings
• Inability to concentrate
• Anxiety
• Depression, feelings of sadness
• Deceased libido
• Mood swings
• Sadness or frustration.

Pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) is associated with this phase. Emotional symptoms tend to become more noticeable.

It is important to note that not every woman experiences the same symptoms or intensity. Different women are affected by hormones differently. When we understand menstrual phases, women can be more self aware of, and the people around them can respond with more empathy during hormonal and emotional changes.