Cycle Health: Seasons of the Female Body
By: Krissy Stuart, RN, BSN
When we live within nature, and watch it closely, we see that it is composed of cycles. The cycle of the moon waxes and wanes each month, and the amount of light it gives off changes the atmosphere of the earth. The sun rises and travels across the sky; it sets again and repeats this pattern each day. The years go by in a cycle too; each season brings forth new beauties and challenges.
As I watch the world transform and learn to adapt to its various cyclical changes, I recognize we have a choice to live sustainably, by allowing and adapting to the seasons, or live in resistance, unwilling or unable to make necessary seasonal changes that support more peaceful living. The reality is that each of us is a cyclical being, with our own personal seasons, living within this larger cyclical world.
Yet, overwhelmingly, we live in a society that encourages productivity, steadiness, and accomplishment. Most of us are are taught to do the same things, at the same time, with the same energy every day, regardless of variables. We make daily habits that we try to stick with—no matter what.
Within this striving and routine-setting, many of us lose sight of the natural order of the world. We slowly forget our bodies and our emotions and stop listening to ourselves, as well as to the nature around us. We unconsciously fight against the natural cycles within us, pushing through pain and exhaustion to not appear weak. We learn to distrust emotions because “it’s probably just that time of the month.’” But even when we say “that time of the month,” do we really know what time of the month we are talking about? Do we intimately know the cycles of our own bodies?
In the past, tracking my monthly cycle was something I did for the purpose of promoting or preventing a pregnancy (or to ensure I had an adequate supply of sanitary products). I was unaware of what my body actually did between ovulation and bleeding. As a maternity nurse, I knew all the terminology surrounding menstruation and hormones, but I was unaware of the physical changes happening in my own body and had no idea how to adapt my life to live comfortably and fully within its seasons.
I decided to get to know myself better. I wanted to live more seasonally and sustainably. I considered that we can be proud that we are seasonal creatures. The female body is so in tune with nature that we naturally follow seasons. In light of this, how can we learn to live within our seasons rather than continuously struggling against them? And how can we use this knowledge to live intentionally and powerfully? The following steps can help in the process of beginning to understand your body, listen to it, and take care of it:
**Before we go on, this information is applicable to all people regardless of the organs you have in your body. If there is anyone in your life who is or has ever been in possession of ovaries, you will find benefits from being aware of these steps!
1. Begin to track your cycle
This is a powerful first tool to begin with. By tracking your monthly cycle, you will learn the fluctuations of mood and energy that you can use to your advantage. Some people enjoy using one of the many phone apps available for tracking. I loved learning about my body by keeping a journal in a notebook (with a pen).
Beginning on the first day of your cycle (the first day of bleeding), keep track of moods and physical experiences. This does not have to be a long journal entry—feel free to write down just a few words that describe the day. Include information like sleep quality, headaches, cramping, bloating, aches and pain, connectedness with others, irritability, energy level, emotions, physical and emotional needs. Put your journal somewhere that will remind you to jot down a few words each day. A great reminder is to attach it to a daily ritual like your morning coffee, or nighttime reading. After a few cycles, you will notice some patterns. By getting to know your cycle you will begin to see patterns.
(If you do not currently or no longer have a period, you still have a cycle! One way to track your cycle is to follow the cycle of the moon. You can track the same information along with the cycle of the moon and learn from your body!)
2. Discover your seasons
I love the method of viewing your menstrual cycle in terms of seasons. Winter often begins a few days before the onset of bleeding. As your period ends, you enter the follicular phase, which is your Spring. Summer is the time during ovulation when hormones rise and energy peaks. Autumn is the luteal phase when the days feel shorter, and you prepare again for winter. Once you have started to track your cycle, you can begin to discover where your own “seasons” lie within the month. You get to decide where your seasons begin and end.
3. Learn what defines your seasons
Every body experiences seasons distinctly. People thrive in a variety of seasons. The next step is to understand what characteristics define your own unique seasons. How is your energy in each season? What do you feel like doing? What do you not feel like doing? When are you most social? When do you have the most physical energy? What defines the transition between seasons? With this information, you can begin to see patterns; you are ready to prepare for (and adjust to) the changes that you have learned to predict.
4. Give yourself what you need in each season
Winter is when many people need lighter exercise, more sleep, warmth, comfort, and good food. This is a time to rest and restore. Winter is a time of surrender and letting go, as well as a time to set intentions for the upcoming month.
Spring is when estrogen levels are on the rise. Most people feel more energy and excitement during this season—a time for energetic hikes, making plans to be with family and friends, doing creative things, and setting goals. Cherish yourself during this season, as you can burn through your newly discovered energy quickly.
Summer is usually the peak of estrogen. This is the time to have get-togethers, accomplish goals, do hard workouts, and make elaborate meals. This is a season to celebrate yourself—your strengths and your beauty.
Autumn begins as some hormones fall and others rise resulting in unpredictable moods, skin and body changes, and decreased energy. You may feel a sudden sense of calm. This is the time to begin to relax and do what you need to make your mind and body feel good and grounded. Go on walks, stretch your body, take time to yourself, and nourish yourself with good foods. Find what makes you feel grounded and nourished during this season. If you find that mood instability or physical pain really affect your functioning, there are dietary, supplement, and lifestyle strategies you can integrate into your life.
Dietary changes might include: increasing your fiber intake, eating foods high in calcium and Omega 3, focusing on mineral rich foods (colorful foods), and decreasing your intake of sugar and salt. Talk with one of our naturopaths about supplements that might support your specific routine. Lifestyle strategies include: prioritizing sleep, reducing stress, engaging in low intensity exercises like yoga, and taking time for body work such as massage, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy.
5. Incorporate life habits that are helpful in all seasons
Regular, restful sleep
Move your body consistently
Spend time in nature
Eat a rainbow of foods (especially green leafy vegetables)
Hydrate your body with plenty of water
Practice mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude
6. Reach out for support
Ask for support from those around you to help you make the adjustments you need in each season. As you begin to notice patterns, you may find yourself feeling stuck. Reach out for support! Your team at NWLM can partner with you on your journey.
7. Give yourself lots of grace
As you learn about your body, try to be kind to it. Notice changes without judgement. Although it’s not always possible to completely restructure life to fit around your cycle, there is opportunity and power in understanding the seasons that occur within our own bodies.
For more information and to dive deeper into menstrual cycle health and seasonal living here are some books I recommend:
“Period Power,” Maisie Hill
“Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times,” Katherine May
“Wild Power,” Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, Alexandra Pope
And, some more helpful writings about this topic on these websites.
https://www.redschool.net/blog/the-inner-seasons-of-the-menstrual-cycle
https://www.natracare.com/blog/your-menstrual-cycle-is-like-the-seasons/
https://all-woman.co.uk/energy-seasons-your-menstrual-cycle-and-you/
Krissy Stuart is a Health Coach at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic.