The Menstrual Cycle & The Brain - “Why Is My Energy And Mood Always Changing ?”

May 25

Written By Jess

𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒚𝒄𝒍𝒆?

This is because there is a direct link between our fluctuating hormones and our brain and cognitive function.

There are normal patterns and then there are common, but *not* normal patterns.

In this episode, we're going to address the normal patterns that happen as a result of fluctuating hormones during the different phases of your cycle.

On the days leading up to their period and during the first few days of their period, many women may experience brain fog.

During the menstrual phase (menses week, especially the first few days),
estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are at their lowest.

As your period ends, estrogen will begin to rise and this will encourage the release of serotonin, our happy neurotransmitter/hormone. You will also notice your brain fog starts to lift around this time.

The hippocampus is an area of our brain responsible for decision-making and short-term memory. A 2000 study found that estrogen increases connectivity in the hippocampus by 25%.

Likewise, a 2008 study found that higher estrogen levels make women less impulsive, especially when it comes to making decisions.

The closer we get to ovulation (about mid- cycle or 2 weeks after your period), the more social and confident we feel. This is thanks to the rise in both estrogen and testosterone, as a 2017 study showed.

Around week 3, usually post ovulation, women tend to start going more inward, being more reflective, and introspective. This is due to the drop in estrogen and the rise of progesterone.

So, we can see how our hormones definitely play a role in brain function and health.

Becoming aware of these fluctuations and being in tune with your cycle can help you understand the reasons why you may be noticing changes in your energy, motivation, creativity, and productivity throughout your cycle.

Did this post resonate with you? Shoot me a DM over on IG @holistically_by_jess or email me at: hello@holisticallybyjess.com and let me know your thoughts!

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