After a long, cold, and dark winter nothing feels better than fresh spring air. Energy and enthusiasm return, with a renewed sense of adventure. New joys and activities are found in each season. As we learn to adapt to each season and enjoy its unique offerings throughout the year, we also appreciate the variation and purpose of each season. Just like the seasons of the year, women experience monthly “seasons” within their menstrual cycle.[1]
Each phase of your cycle comes with its own strengths and challenges, just like the earth’s four seasons. Learning to enjoy and honor the different parts of our cycle allows us to better regulate our emotions and strengthen our relationships.[2] Read on for a more detailed description of the four phases and how to be mindful of their unique gifts.
Follicular Phase/Inner Spring
The follicular phase is your inner spring season. During this phase, estrogen slowly rises. The ovaries develop multiple follicles, small sacs that house maturing eggs. Only one egg will reach full maturity and be released. The rest will dissolve and be absorbed back into the body. Along with the rise in estrogen, energy starts to slowly increase during this phase. Your body has just finished its “spring cleaning” and you are left feeling renewed and will likely have a boost in your mood.
This phase needs to be celebrated just as we welcome in a new spring season. Honor the work your body does to constantly renew and maintain a fresh environment for the possibility of conception. It is important not to overdo it with your new zeal and productivity. Trying to get too much done will stress your body and increase your cortisol levels. This can cause unpleasant symptoms that mimic PMS, and your body may feel overstressed, delaying ovulation.
Ovulatory Phase/Inner Summer
The ovulatory phase, or inner summer, starts just a few days before and ends right after ovulation. This is the shortest phase of your cycle and estrogen is at its peak. A fully mature egg releases from its follicle and enters the oviduct or fallopian tube via the fimbria. The soft sweeping motion of the fimbria gently collects the mature egg and softly sets it on its way through the fallopian tube. The fragile egg is only viable for 24 hours. After this point you are unlikely to get pregnant for the rest of your cycle.
During this phase you may experience high energy, increased sexual desire, and confidence. This is the best part of your cycle for social interaction or engaging in more intimacy with your partner. Share with your partner how hormones affect your moods and desire and discuss how this can benefit your relationship. You will likely feel more adventurous and respond better to stress during this phase, making inner summer a great time to explore new challenges.[3]
Luteal Phase/Inner Autumn
Inner autumn begins after ovulation, which triggers essential hormone changes that impact your reproductive and overall health. Once an egg is released, estrogen takes a nosedive. The follicle that housed the maturing egg now becomes the corpus luteum, which starts producing progesterone.[4]
For some women, this drastic change in hormonal balance can cause Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms which include tender breasts, mood swings, fatigue, crying, depression, and more. However, some women don’t notice much of a hormonal impact. Women may experience a lack of sexual desire during this phase and can be more attuned to problems in their relationship. You may want to have deeper conversations and get organized during this season as your energy slows and your body prepares for your period or pregnancy.
Menstrual Phase/Inner Winter
Inner winter is the phase most people are familiar with, it is when women bleed. In the absence of a pregnancy, progesterone drops to trigger the onset of your period. The uterus sheds its lining; hormones and energy are at their lowest. Many women experience cramps, tender breasts, back pain, headaches, and more. This might be a good time for extra rest.
During this inner winter you may want to cuddle up with a heating pad and weighted blanket or take a hot bath. It may be a deeply contemplative and reflective time and it can be helpful to focus on spirituality or deeper meanings in your life and relationships.[5] The most important thing to do during this phase is honor your body by putting away your to-do list and tuning into what your body is teaching you. Your period is a natural time for you to slow down and be attentive and aware of how your body responds to this final phase of the menstrual cycle.
As women emerge from inner winter and again move into inner spring, remember to be mindful and joyful about the complex process your body naturally maintains. Estrogen will rise again, giving you more energy. However, you may still have some days that require care and compassion and that’s okay. Tune in to what your body needs and learn to enjoy each season of your cycle. Women are given these unique phases to prevent burnout and find replenishment. Mindfully attune to your body and learn to focus on what matters most in the present moment.
Anna Stewart is a senior at Brigham Young University majoring in Family Life with a special interest in Family Life Education. She has been trained in curriculums to teach teenagers, engaged couples, and married couples about healthy sexuality and relationships. She is passionate about translational science, relationship education, and women’s health. She has been married for two years to her husband, Chad, and they love spending time together on walks and eating ice cream.[1] C. C. medical (2022). Menstrual cycle (normal menstruation): Overview & Phases. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
[2] Madsen, P. (2011). The importance of listening to our menstrual cycle: A woman’s monthly cycle has an emotional and sexual landscape. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shameless-woman/201101/the-importance-listening-our-menstrual-cycle
[3] Yu, C. (2023). What your period really means for your workout. Slate. https://slate.com/technology/2023/06/cycle-sync-workouts-period-women-sports.html
[4] Baerwald, A. R., Adams, G. P., & Pierson, R. A. (2005). Form and function of the corpus luteum during the human menstrual cycle. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 25(5), 498-507. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.1891
[5] Madsen (2011).