Contrary to how we sometimes talk about them, a woman’s period isn’t just about cramps and mood swings. It’s a powerful biological rhythm that affects how a woman feels, thinks and moves throughout the month, according to Sarah E. Hill. The Texas Christian University psychology professor breaks down her research on what’s really happening in the body and why it’s time to stop treating these changes as weaknesses.
- Rising estrogen boosts energy and mood. During the follicular phase, or the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels climb. This means more energy, a brighter mood and often the best workouts of the month.
- The body needs more time to fuel later in the month. In the luteal phase, the second half of the cycle, progesterone increases the body’s caloric need by as much as 200 calories a day.
- Motivation and recovery naturally dip. As progesterone rises, the body slows down recovery and reduces motivation for high-intensity activity. These changes are a part of normal biology, not a lack of discipline.
- Cravings are biological, not a weakness. Hormonal shifts can also influence hunger and cravings throughout the cycle. These changes are natural responses to the body’s needs.
- One-size-fits-all wellness typically misses the mark. Most diet and fitness advice is based on male biology, leaving women’s cyclical changes overlooked. Recognizing these shifts in the body can support healthier, more compassionate self-care.
Hill dives deeper into her research on this topic in her new book, The Period Brain: The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It and on her website.