2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Even though menstruation is often seen more as an inconvenience than a gift, it is still the basis of what differentiates women from men.
Headaches, cramps, irritability, pimples, sensitive breasts… This is a refrain that often comes up when it comes to the menstrual cycle. Indeed, all women experience these symptoms to a greater or lesser extent during their cycle and especially when menstruation approaches. Other effects are overlooked because they are less easily identifiable, but they are nevertheless common to most women. It is the influence of the cycle on the emotions.
The Hormone Ball
Our body produces hormones, messengers that modify the functioning of our organs and our organism. Estrogen and progesterone are those involved in the female reproductive system and during the menstrual cycle. These hormones fluctuate, influence our behaviors and make us feel certain changes.
Physically
At the beginning of the cycle, during and after menstruation, when estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels, the liquids accumulated in the body go to the kidneys which evacuate them through urine, d 'or amore frequent urge to go to the toilet. The woman would also be more vulnerable to viruses. Finally, the nails are more fragile.
Until ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels gradually rise to reach their peak at ovulation. At this time, the cervical mucus becomes stringy and slippery to facilitate the passage of sperm. During this period, the metabolism is slowed down and the effects of alcohol and caffeine can be amplified. Finally, skin glows as hormones stimulate collagen production and skin hydration.
After ovulation and shortly before menstruation, high levels of progesterone cause our temperature to rise. As the period approaches, in addition to the sores of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (migraines, bloated stomach, sensitive breasts, etc.), we can notice that the hair becomes duller under the influence of hormones whose level drops. Finally, some women will have trouble sleeping.
Psychologically
Physical effects are measurable and apparent. The psychological and emotional effects of the cycle are less obvious, as several factors can influence mood. However, some studies have highlighted common characteristics. For example, at ovulation, women are in seduction mode: the choice of their clothes, a higher-pitched voice, a keener sense of smell, their desire to please and a strong libido are characteristics that have been observed.. During menstruation, the sense of direction is at its best since theestrogen and progesterone, which would diminish our sense of direction, are at their lowest levels.
Returning the tide and optimizing the cycle
In her book Optimized Woman, author Miranda Gray goes even further in identifying the psychological effects of the cycle. Instead of undergoing the influences of the cycle on the mood, it proposes to benefit from it. The menstrual cycle serves to regenerate fertility each month in order to give the woman the possibility of being pregnant. But according to her, when there is no pregnancy, the changes caused by the cycle are just as important since they allow the woman to create life in another way, by being creative in her relationships and in her community. So she identifies four phases during which certain abilities and skills are sharper? The woman can therefore make optimal use of these cyclical talents.
One cycle, four personalities
In the first days of the cycle, during menstruation, the woman is in her meditative phase, more conducive to reframing, resting and letting go, it is a time when she focuses on the essentials and is open to new ideas. She has intuitive creativity.
During pre-ovulation, the woman enters her dynamic phase. She has a clear mind and a strong ability to concentrate. It is also a phase of research, physical endurance and independence.
Around ovulation, the woman is expressive. She is focused on others. It is therefore a phase of communication, empathy, helping others and emotional and relational creativity. It's time to work as a team.
Finally, the premenstrual period is identified as the creative phase. The woman is inspired, identifies problems and solves them. This is a phase of assertiveness.
Use the daily cycle
According to Miranda Gray, when a woman does not take her cycle into account, she can act in ways that are incompatible with her current abilities. For example, the expressive woman is skilled in building new relationships, but it is difficult for her to achieve the high level of concentration characteristic of the dynamic phase. The premenstrual phase is the perfect time to tidy up and put things in order. Finally, it is easier to budget in the dynamic phase.
Using the full potential of her cycle and becoming aware of its optimal phases will help the woman to live her femininity intensely and be in harmony with her deep nature. So she will make her cycle her secret weapon to shine both personally and professionally, by simply being herself.
