What exactly is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the set of hormonal changes that a woman’s body goes through every month, preparing for a possible pregnancy.

We count the start of the cycle on the first day of menstruation, and on average it lasts about 28 days, though it can vary from woman to woman. During this period, hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, rise and fall, affecting not just our bodies but also our mood, appetite, energy, and even our skin.

The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Our Body and Mind

For years, we’ve been taught to view the menstrual cycle as an inconvenience, that time of the month that comes with pain, bloating, and bad mood.

But the menstrual cycle is so much more than that: it’s a reflection of our health, our energy, and even our emotional state. Understanding what happens in each phase is a way to take better care of ourselves.

The Menstrual Cycle as a Sign of Health

More than just a simple biological process, the menstrual cycle is considered a vital indicator of women’s health. Changes in the cycle’s duration, intensity, or regularity can signal that something is not right in our bodies, from hormonal imbalances, stress, nutrient deficiencies, or other health conditions.

Understanding our cycle is therefore a form of self-awareness and self-care. The more we understand it, the easier it is to recognize what our body needs in each phase, whether that’s rest, movement, nutrition, or just a little patience with ourselves.

Sofia Pinheiro, Clinical Psychologist