Do you also recognize that you sometimes think that there are multiple versions of yourself? One version is withdrawn and in itself and the other version is wild, wants to party and go out. How can that be one person? Well, that has everything to do with your hormone balance. And the good news is that once you understand your cycle, you can use the natural powers of your cycle to your advantage. In this article you can read more about your cycle and the 4 seasons.
A menstrual cycle can vary between 21 and 34 days, with an average length of 28 days. Based on this average, you can divide the period between 2 menstruations into 4 periods, or the 4 seasons. This division is made because different hormones are active in each of these 4 periods, and you notice that.
winter
Winter lasts 3 to 7 days, and starts the day before your period. Your estrogen level drops and your progesterone level stops encouraging your uterus to break down the uterine lining. This comes out through your vagina in the form of blood and mucus and sometimes some clots. Your energy level is low and you may feel a bit weak and lethargic. You are often a bit grumpier and can sometimes cry while watching a rather dull movie. Suffering from back pain, cramps and a bloated stomach are typical menstrual ailments.
During this period you are very focused on yourself and less on the world around you. You are sensitive to stimuli, but that can also be positive. Think of loving touches, or enjoying good food. It is good to give yourself a little more rest, to meditate or to stay at home with a blanket on the couch for an evening and be kind to yourself.
Low estrogen and progesterone levels give you unhealthy cravings, but sweets will not make you feel better. It is better to drink plenty of water and eat iron-rich foods. If you fancy something sweet, have a piece of dark chocolate. The magnesium in chocolate helps with cramps and chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, the happiness hormone!
spring
Spring also lasts between 3 to 7 days. You now enter the so-called follicular phase. The pituitary gland in the brain sends follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to the ovaries, causing new eggs (follicles) to mature. Your estrogen level in your body now increases considerably and you feel more energetic and creative. This is the best time to start a new project or do something fun.
And then towards the end of this period your testosterone levels skyrocket. And because it makes you feel very comfortable and confident in your body, this is a very nice moment for exuberant sex. It is best to eat fresh, light food during this phase, for even more energy.
summer
And then comes the summer when your estrogen level and FSH rise even further to a peak. The uterine lining thickens further so that an egg can nest in it. You feel completely good. You have a lot of energy, you want to date, see people, go out. And you feel very confident. In this phase you often feel like looking beautiful, wearing make-up and your best outfit, you want to shine and your libido is high. This is also the phase in which ovulation takes place. So make sure that if you have sex, it is safe. Which is of course always important.
In this phase, fiber-rich food is good for you and you have a lot of energy to exercise.
autumn
Autumn lasts 10-14 days and is also called the luteal phase. Initially, your progesterone rises sharply. Your body now checks whether fertilization has taken place and if not, the progesterone level drops quickly and estrogen also decreases. In the first phase of autumn you still feel chill and sleep well, but that changes quickly. Your libido and energy decrease and you suffer from sore breasts, unhealthy cravings, troubled skin, headaches and mood swings. You are more sensitive to criticism from others. But you are also not gentle with yourself, and you focus on what is really important to you.
What can you do with this?
Now that you know this, you can try tracking your cycle. Please note that this is only possible if you are not on the pill or have a hormone IUD. And maybe you will then recognize the 4 seasons, and you can even organize your work or your appointments based on these seasons. Or if that is not possible, it is sometimes better to explain to yourself why something did not go well or went very well. If you want to know more about the seasons of the cycle, read the book The Cycle Strategy by Maisie Hill, which we also drew from for this article.
Would you like to learn more about the 4 seasons of a cycle? Then take a look here . And are you still looking for nice menstrual products to get through the "winter" better? Then take a look at our shop .
