Do you also recognize that sometimes you think there are multiple versions of yourself? One version is withdrawn and introverted, while the other version is wild, wants to party and go out. How can that be just one person? Well, it has everything to do with your hormone balance. And the good news is that once you understand your cycle, you can use it to your advantage. In this article, you can read more about your cycle and the four seasons.

A menstrual cycle can vary from 21 to 34 days, averaging 28 days. Based on this average, the period between menstruations can be divided into four phases, or the four seasons. This division is made because different hormones are active during each of these four periods, and you'll notice that.

the winter of your cycle

Winter lasts 3 to 7 days, starting the day before your period. Your estrogen levels drop and your progesterone levels decrease, stimulating your uterus to shed its uterine lining. This is released through your vagina in the form of blood and mucus, and sometimes a few clots. Your energy levels are low, and you may feel a bit lethargic and lethargic. You're often grumpy and can even cry during a dull movie. Backache, cramps, and bloating are typical menstrual symptoms.

You're very focused on yourself during this time, and less on the world around you. You're sensitive to stimuli, but that can also be positive. Think of loving touch or enjoying delicious food. It's good to give yourself some rest, meditate, or enjoy an evening at home with a blanket on the couch, and be kind to yourself.

Low estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to unhealthy cravings, but sweets won't make you feel better. It's better to drink plenty of water and eat iron-rich foods. If you do crave something sweet, try 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!

the spring of your cycle

Spring also lasts between 3 and 7 days. You're now entering the so-called follicular phase. The pituitary gland in the brain sends follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to the ovaries, which stimulates the maturation of new eggs (follicles). Your estrogen levels are now significantly increasing, and you'll feel more energetic and creative. This is the best time to start a new project or engage in a social activity.

And then, towards the end of this period, your testosterone levels skyrocket. And because this makes you feel great and confident, it's a wonderful time for exuberant sex. It's best to eat fresh, light foods during this phase for even more energy.

the summer of your cycle

And then comes the summer, when your estrogen and FSH levels rise even higher. The uterine lining thickens further, making room for an egg to nest. You feel great. You have lots of energy, are eager to date, see people, and go out. And you're brimming with confidence. During this phase, you often want to look beautiful, rocking your makeup and your best outfit. You want to shine, and your libido is high. This is also the phase where ovulation occurs. So, if you do have sex, make sure it's safe. Which, of course, is always important.

In this phase, a fiber-rich diet is good for you and you will have plenty of energy to exercise.

the autumn of your cycle

Autumn lasts 10-14 days and is also called the luteal phase. Initially, your progesterone levels rise sharply. Your body checks whether fertilization has occurred, and if not, progesterone levels drop rapidly, along with estrogen. In the first phase of autumn, you still feel relaxed and sleep well, but that quickly changes. Your libido and energy decrease, and you experience breast tenderness, unhealthy cravings, irritated skin, headaches, and mood swings. You're more sensitive to criticism from others. But you're also not kind to yourself, and you focus on what's truly important to you.

What can you do with this?

Now that you know this, you can try tracking your cycle. Note that this is only possible if you're not on the pill or have a hormonal IUD. Perhaps you'll then recognize the four seasons and even be able to schedule your work or appointments accordingly. Or if that's not possible, you might find it easier to explain to yourself why something went wrong or very well. If you'd like to learn more about the seasons of the cycle, read Maisie Hill's book, The Cycle Strategy , which we also used for this article.

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