Made myself up on my menstrual cycle

What if we stopped fighting our body? Me, Justine, journalist, 34, I decided to listen to my cycle as we follow the seasons: by adapting my pace of work and my hobbies. Motivation, productivity … This is what it changed.

“A few years ago, I swapped the pill for a copper IUD. I then rediscovered my natural cycle, with its share of symptoms: bloating, mood swings, foliage, but also energy peaks and moments of mental clarity. I discovered that some of my symptoms came back cyclically, depending on my menstruation.” And it is not just an impression: according to the national college of French gynecologists and obstetricians, the menstrual cycle not only influences fertility, but also mood, sleep, energy and cognition.

Our interior seasons

Californian researchers have observed, via medical imaging, that cycle hormones caused temporary changes in the brain, especially in areas related to memory and emotions. Each month, we cross our interior seasons; Winter (rules), spring (follicular phase), summer (ovulation) and fall (luteal phase, post-ovulation).

Little by little, I tried to adapt my daily life to these phases. Here’s how I did and what it changed.

Winter – days 1 to 5: the rules and the art of slowing down

What science says: The fall of progesterone and estrogens triggers the rules. This brutal stop of secretion of hormones leads to a drop in energy. In addition to the rules, the hormones of the past cycle must be evacuated or recycled, this generates additional work for emunctories, body cleaning organs, especially for liver, kidneys and skin.

My life in office: “Before, I tended to do as if nothing had happened: continue to fuel at work, accept evenings, force despite cramps. But now, I consciously get in winter mode: I slow down, I do not force myself to play sports (only sweet yoga), I sleep enough and I take advantage to fold Little on myself by reading, and favoring series under a plaid rather than worldly. I also try to limit my alcohol consumption, because I know that it tires me much more than normal. ”

Spring – Days 6 to 13: Follicular phase and return of energy

What science says: This phase begins while the ovaries embark on the creation of a new egg. The ovaries recover to secrete estrogens, which has the effect of boosting energy, concentration and mood.

My life in office: “I take full advantage of the return of energy. I take back the sport, I accept the exit proposals, I plan meetings at work or the projects that ask me to get out of my comfort zone.”

Summer – days 14 to 16: ovulation or the splendid period

What science says: The ovary releases an oocyte and begins to secrete progesterone, under the effect of the luteinizing hormone (LH). We feel sociable, attractive and strong.

My life in office: “This is the most enjoyable period of the cycle. I feel full of energy, more charismatic, more enthusiastic. So I take advantage of it. I am more productive for everything: I have the feeling of being able to move mountains, I fill my dinner agenda with friends, important appointments, sports challenges.”

Fall – Days 17 to 28: Luteal phase and great sorting

What science says: Progesterone and estrogen rates fall sharply, which impacts neurotransmitters like serotonin (well-being hormone). This is where the symptoms of SPM (premenstrual syndrome) are landed: fatigue, irritability, hypersensitivity.

My life in office: “I who flog me to ‘be on edge’ before my rules, I decided to accept this phase as an autumn: a moment to slow down, sort, say no to the stresses, be more in introspection and reflection. I generally do very intuitive sorting: in my mailbox, my wardrobe, my cupboards, my social contacts. try me moderately, where I try not to make a too important choice or to initiate difficult conversations which would be quickly a source of conflicts, because I notice that I manage my emotions less well. ”

My assessment: Does it really change life?

We cannot speak of a spectacular revolution, but rather of a feeling of fluidity, self -respect, “as if I finally stopped shooting on the rope”.

Respect your energy

“By adapting to the seasons of my cycle, I respected my energy (and therefore avoided cracking), less guilty to slow down certain days, optimized the moments of form and better understood my moods (and therefore avoided arguing because of a damn SPM). By agreeing to slow down, during my period, I discovered that I recovered better and that I left faster once these are finished. Above all: it was a period during which I often fell ill, if I continued my usual frantic pace. Less struggle, more listening! The key? Do not feel guilty not to be at the top on these days. ”

Be more connected

“I would say that I feel more connected to my body, instead of undergoing it. So, of course, it is not always simple: work, social life, children (if you have) do not always allow us to comply with our hormones. You also have to get to know the symptoms related to your own cycle, as they can vary from woman to woman. To start, I advise you to note your cycle for a few months: rules, energy, mood. You will quickly see a diagram appear. There are apps (Clue, Flo, Moody) that allow you to follow all of this easily. Finally, listening to your cycle is a bit like listening to your interior weather: it is not always beautiful, but you can choose to adapt to it to live better every day. ”

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