Irritability during your period is entirely normal—something worth remembering. This in-depth dossier explores the rising trend of aligning your life with the phases of your menstrual cycle for better well-being.
You likely recall the day you got your first period, probably between ages 12 and 16—a milestone blending embarrassment and pride. It marks the start of fertility driven by shifting hormones. "Every cycle begins with menstruation, lasting about a week," explains gynecologist and menstrual expert Marlies Bongers. "The uterine lining sheds, causing bleeding. Soon after, the lining rebuilds. By mid-cycle, it's complete, triggering ovulation—felt as abdominal pain, a sharp twinge, or nothing at all by some women."
Around ovulation, there's a four-day fertile window. Bongers adds: "Post-ovulation, the lining thickens with nutrients for a potential embryo. Without pregnancy after two weeks, it sheds again—your period restarts the cycle."
Read also: 'This is what your life according to your cycle looks like'
Many women feel their best in the week post-period: energetic, upbeat, and vibrant. Ovulation follows, with moods gradually shifting toward grumpiness as menstruation nears. Period arrives, relief sets in, and energy rebounds. "This isn't universal, but common," notes Bongers. "Hormone fluctuations are key."
Hormones stem from the pituitary gland in the brain, near the amygdala, which processes emotions. Their proximity creates interplay, sparking unexplained mood shifts.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone dominate cycle influences. Hormone therapist Francisca van den Berg explains: "Post-period, estrogen rises steadily, peaking mid-cycle to trigger ovulation. Testosterone surges during the fertile window. Then both drop as progesterone rises. By week four, estrogen plummets further, and progesterone crashes."
Responses vary, but estrogen generally boosts positivity, energy, optimism, and stress resilience—you feel unstoppable. Testosterone spikes libido around ovulation. Progesterone counters this, promoting introspection, coziness, and irritability post-ovulation.
Moods often bottom out pre-period due to low estrogen and progesterone. "You may feel grumpy, depressed, fatigued, or short-tempered," says body therapist and cycle coach Anke Verhagen.
It's not just hormones. Gynecologist and author Christiane Northrup, in The Menopause as a Force, suggests women subconsciously amplify approachability for reproduction. Without pregnancy, authenticity returns—explaining brighter, more assertive pregnancy vibes.
Read also: 'Tips about your cycle'
Historically, menstruation was endured silently. "Little focus was given to its life impacts," says Bongers. "Women rarely discussed it—now, awareness of cycle burdens is growing."
She welcomes destigmatization: too many suffer alone, unsure of normalcy. "Share heavy pain with friends or professionals—simple solutions may exist. Menstruation is natural; let's normalize talking about it."
Increased attention yields insights like cycle-syncing. Bongers advises: "Identify your high- and low-energy weeks. Avoid big projects in tougher phases. Accept variability to reduce frustration."
Track moods, energy, and productivity monthly. "Understanding impacts lets you adapt: lighter tasks one week, socializing another, restful evenings the next," she says. "It makes life smoother and more enjoyable."
In The Cycle Strategy, acupuncturist Maisie Hill urges working with hormones, not against them. She details phase-specific optimization and imbalance remedies.
Source: Santé January 2020, text: Fleur Baxmeier
