Ever found yourself snapping at your partner over something minor, or crying at a commercial that wouldn't normally faze you? Maybe you've uttered those two little words: "I’m hormonal." But is it really fair to blame our moods and physical changes on these chemical messengers? Let's dive into the science of our cycle and find out.

The Hormonal Rollercoaster

Our menstrual cycles are like biochemical masterpieces, orchestrated by fluctuating levels of hormones that rise and fall throughout the month. The big players? Oestrogen, progesterone, and yes, even testosterone.
In the follicular phase (the first half of your cycle), oestrogen steadily climbs. This powerhouse hormone isn't just thickening your uterine lining - it's also boosting your serotonin levels, which might explain why many of us feel more energetic, optimistic, and sociable during this time. Your skin might glow a bit more, and you might even notice an increased sex drive.

After ovulation, progesterone takes centre stage in the luteal phase. Released by the corpus luteum (that temporary gland that forms after an egg is released), progesterone prepares your body for a potential pregnancy. When levels are high, you might experience breast tenderness, bloating, and those infamous mood swings. If pregnancy doesn't occur, both oestrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically, triggering your period and potentially bringing on fatigue, irritability, and even feelings of sadness.

The Physical Reality

These hormonal shifts aren't just affecting your mood - they're creating real physical changes in your body. During the premenstrual phase, rising progesterone can slow down your digestive system (hello, bloating!), increase your body temperature, and even make your breasts feel heavy and tender.

Water retention is another common complaint and those cravings for chocolate or carbs? That's likely your body responding to dropping serotonin levels by seeking out foods that might give you a quick boost.
Sleep disruptions are also common, with hormonal fluctuations affecting your body temperature and potentially interrupting your normal sleep patterns. No wonder you might feel more irritable - you're literally not getting enough rest!

So, Can We Blame Our Hormones?

The short answer: yes and no.

Your hormones are absolutely influencing both your emotional and physical state throughout your cycle. The biochemical changes happening in your body are real and can have significant effects on how you feel and function. Research has shown that for some, these changes can trigger anything from mild mood fluctuations to more severe symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

However, it's also important to recognise that hormones don't completely override your personality or responsibility for your actions. They might make you more sensitive to stress or more likely to react emotionally, but they're not making your decisions for you.

Finding Balance

Understanding your hormone patterns can be incredibly empowering. Tracking your cycle might help you identify when you're likely to experience certain symptoms, allowing you to plan accordingly. Maybe schedule important meetings during your follicular phase when you're feeling more confident, or give yourself extra self-care time during the premenstrual phase.

Lifestyle factors like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all help moderate the effects of hormonal fluctuations. For those with more severe symptoms, speaking with a healthcare provider about options like hormonal birth control or other treatments might be beneficial.

Remember, your hormones are a natural part of your biology - not something to be ashamed of or something that defines you. They're just one piece of the complex puzzle that makes you, wonderfully you.
So next time you find yourself blaming it on hormones, know that while they're certainly playing a role, you're still in the driver's seat of your life.

Love, Libra x
 
Essity Australasia makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.