Although scientists have yet to find the relationship between menstrual and lunar cycles, we sense there’s a correlation between a woman’s period and this monthly time phase…

The word menstruation comes from the Latin word, menses, which means month, and also relates to the Greek word ‘mene’, meaning moon.

Women get their ‘time of the month’ approximately every 28 days (though this is not always the case), and there seems to be a natural link between the moon and menstruation…

I’ve even heard people referring to their period as their ‘moon’, which actually makes me cringe, truth be told!

Though our periods might not necessarily sync with Luna each month, there is a rhythm to the menstrual cycle – and four unique hormonal phases – that correspond with the energy of the Moon’s Cycle.

There are four distinct phases, about a week long:

• menstruation,
• follicular,
• ovulation, and
• luteal.

Knowing the physical phase or mood – and Moon – you’re in can help with how productive you’ll be, the foods or sex you’ll crave, and the exercise you’re inclined towards…

Lets break it down…

Moon Phase & Menstrual Phase: Both 28-Days!

The Menstrual Bleed – New Moon: Energy Is Low…

The Menstruation Phase – the first day of our cycle – and our ‘bleed’ is the beginning.

Hormones are low (progesterone drops), energy is low as you work to shed the lining of the uterus.

You might feel tired, fatigued, with a need to self-soothe and nourish with lots of water.

Eat/Drink:

• Filtered water and unprocessed nutrient rich foods that keep energy and blood sugar levels steady
• Chamomile or peppermint tea
• Iron-rich foods (lentils, kelp, pumpkin seeds, dried prunes and spinach, grass-fed beef, eggs and fish – a good source of heme iron, lean proteins, healthy fats, low glycemic carbs, root vegetables and whole grains) to replenish
• Lower hormone levels may now make you less hungry.

Do:

• Working out can be great relief, however slow down and go for low intensity
• Like at New Moon, prepare for action – but be still
• Listen to your body and rest as necessary; if tired take the time out you need
• Gentle yoga and walking may be all you’re keen on
• Spend time with family, brainstorm and prepare for the month ahead.

The Follicular Phase – Waxing Moon: Energy Is Increasing.

During this week your hormone levels are low but begin to rise with an increase in estrogen.

The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is being released, stimulating the thickening of the uterus’s lining. It’s a time of growth and maturity, perfectly akin to the First Quarter Moon.

We might feel more energized, ready for exercise!

Eat/Drink: 

• Light, fresh and vibrant foods, such as salads and fermented foods like kefir, probiotic yoghurt or sauerkraut, which support gut health and detoxification.

Do:

• With more energy, focus and willpower take action on your plans and initiate projects
• Make the most of the energy you feel, tackle tasks and hard conversations
• Creativity is high as well as openness to new experiences!
• Get out and be more social, explore your options, like at the Waxing Moon Phase
• Work on strategy and try a different gym class – dance, or something physically exciting
• Warm up properly as there’s increased risk of injury now.

The Ovulation Phase – Full Moon: Energy Is High!

At the Ovulation Phase an egg is released, available for fertilisation for 24-hours – imagine the Moon, bright, white and full, ready to be seen.

Hormone levels are rising (so too might your libido!), with oestrogen helping the ovulation process. Excess oestrogen can result in breast tenderness and spots.

Eat/Drink:

• Nutrients that support the liver to remove oestrogen, found in foods such as kale, broccoli, onions, garlic and radishes.

Do:

• Put it all out there! Speak up, pitch, collaborate, and shine
• Make the most of networking opportunities
• Show the world what you’ve been working on, or grow aware and engaged
• Choose exercise that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat and glow like the Moon!
• You may feel vibrant and magnetic during this phase, basal body temperature increases…

The Luteal Phase – Waning Moon: Energy Shifts…

At this time you’re pre-menstrual, estrogen and testosterone decrease, while progesterone increases to its peak, then begins to fall away.

Akin to the Waning Moon, at this time you are approaching menstruation, a time for potential anxiety, forgetfulness,, mood changes, body tenderness, bloating, weight gain, and increased appetite.

Depression can be triggered, as can irritable bowl syndrome; this is when we get PMS – it’s important to listen to the body as anything goes! Manage those pre-period moods, symptoms and discomforts with gratitude…

Eat/Drink:

• Combat water retention and cravings by avoiding salty, sugary foods
• Eat complex carbs like brown rice or pasta; cut down on caffeine and alcohol (stimulants that aggravate anxiety, depression and moodiness)
• Consume more fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and calcium rich foods (that can help cramps)
• Try sparkling fruit water, herbal teas, chicory root or decaffinated tea and coffee.

Do:

• Wrap up tasks you’ve started, put your energy toward staying focused
• Observe, tackle tricky leftover tasks
• Finish projects you’ve started, just like at the Last Quarter Moon…

Understanding the lunar cycles and menstrual cycles can be so beneficial, living in sync with your cycle on multiple levels!