Menstrual cycle awareness: Autumn

When it comes to periods, bleeding is just part of the picture. The menstrual cycle is an integral part of us, providing a rhythm to our lives.

Using the seasons of the year, this blog series explores what’s going on at each stage of the menstrual cycle and how we can use this information to support our wellbeing.

This framework is based on the average length of a menstrual cycle, however every woman’s cycle is unique.

Your cycle may be shorter or longer than 28 days. Tracking your cycle is the most valuable way to tune into your body’s wisdom.

Autumn is the final phase of the cycle, the pre-menstrual time – approximately day 20 to day 28 of the cycle.

Autumn has a bad rep

There’s no getting away from the fact that Autumn has a bit of a bad reputation: mood swings, bloating, sore breasts, headaches, spotty skin, and a desire to eat everything in sight are all well-known signs of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

I expect you can relate to at least some, if not all of these!

Levels of oestrogen are falling in this phase of the cycle, and after an initial post-ovulation peak, progesterone also starts to drop off. These hormonal fluctuations are what can cause symptoms of PMS.

Here are some other tell-tale signs that you’ve landed in Autumn:

Your energy levels decrease
You crave carbs and sugary food
You have weird dreams
You find yourself crying at anything
Your libido drops
You’re more sensitive to criticism
You want more time to yourself
You lack confidence and doubt yourself
You’re less tolerant of things that annoy you

Feeling ‘less tolerant’ can be quite an understatement. It’s not uncommon to feel intense anger – rage even - that can be quite overwhelming. You might experience such strong emotions you don’t recognise yourself.

There’s some truth behind the Autumnal rage

It’s easy to blame hormones for all the anger you might feel pre-menstrually - those around you might do that too! The truth is though, whatever bothers you in Autumn is lurking during the rest of the cycle too.

Oestrogen is the hormone that makes you want to say yes to everything. When levels of this hormone are high during the Spring and early Summer seasons of the cycle, you may be happy to look after others and sacrifice your own needs – this can even make you feel fulfilled.

By the time Autumn comes however, oestrogen is falling and can no longer camouflage your true feelings.

If you’ve ‘put up with’ things during the rest of the cycle and contained your irritation, in the pre-menstrual stage it can erupt. You may find you suddenly have a very short fuse.

It’s true that hormones can be the trigger for this eruption but it’s important to look at what’s driving it.

Perhaps because your time is taken up looking after others, you’re never really getting around to what you want to be doing. You might feel resentful of how your own needs seem to be ignored.

Everyone is allowed to be angry and whatever you feel is legitimate.

Naming and expressing your emotions can give you clarity about what action you need to take to feel better.

How to help yourself in Autumn

Autumn is the time to slow down and focus on self-care.

Thinking about what really bothers you can lead to some positive ‘editing’ of your life.

Maybe you joined a class or took up an activity that you’re no longer enjoying but can’t seem to get out of.

Or there’s a domestic chore you just wish someone else would take over.

Perhaps you’re in a friendship circle that does nothing for your self-esteem, and you actually dread the get-togethers.

Autumn is the time to say ‘no’, ask for help and get rid of what isn’t working for you.

It may seem like a small thing but knowing what you don’t want anymore and taking action to change it is very powerful.

Small changes add up to more of a sense that you’re living the life you want to live.

Alongside your ‘life edit’, here are 10 self-care tips for Autumn:

Delete social media apps for a few days
Eat regularly to balance blood sugar – try to focus on protein and healthy fats, but don’t beat yourself up about the chocolate bar!
Slow down – plan ahead and block out free time
Build in a 10-minute breathing meditation each day
Allow your body to rest – make sure you’re getting enough sleep and try to schedule a 20-minute lie down or nap during the day
Support your liver by staying hydrated and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine
Move your body in whatever way feels good – a long walk or a yoga class, it doesn’t have to be high intensity
Say ‘no’ as much as possible
Do some decluttering and tidying – honour the nesting instinct that comes with Autumn
Ask for help :-)

PMS is common but it’s not normal for it to interfere with your life.

There are many factors that influence your experience of your menstrual cycle. I can help you get to the bottom of what might be causing your symptoms.

Get in touch if you’d like to find out how homeopathy could help relieve pre-menstrual symptoms and improve your period health. You can send me an email or book a free call with me:

BOOK NOW

Please note: Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that can have a significant impact on your mental health. If you think you may have symptoms of PMDD, speak to your GP.

Autumn has a bad rep

There’s some truth behind the Autumnal rage

How to help yourself in Autumn

Further reading

Remedies for winter self-care

Why we all need to consider boosting our Vitamin D levels