Menstrual cycle awareness: Summer

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 and you may stay in a particular season longer than the others. Tracking your cycle is the most valuable way to tune into your body’s wisdom.

Summer is the third phase of the cycle, the ovulation phase – approximately day 14 to 19 of the cycle.

The sunny season

Summer is the beginning of the luteal phase of the cycle – the second half that also includes Autumn.

It’s the peak of the hormonal cycle - oestrogen levels are surging, triggering the release of luteinising hormone and testosterone in the push towards ovulation.

The energy and momentum that started in Spring has also reached its peak - this is commonly the season where we feel we can do it all!

We’re confident, upbeat and productive, and more likely to say yes to opportunities than in any other season. In short: we feel invincible :-)

Biologically our hormones are getting us ready to find a partner and get pregnant – a reminder that the menstrual cycle is designed to create life.

While that’s obviously not on everyone’s agenda each month, it does mean it’s usually a time when we look and feel our best. Other people can also seem more attractive to us, which is why we’re more sociable!

Ovulation is key

I’d been having periods for well over 20 years before I understood anything about ovulation and I know from talking to my clients that I’m not alone.

Ovulation isn’t just something we need to pay attention to when we’re trying to get pregnant, it’s an indicator of our overall health.

Not ovulating regularly can be normal for teenagers and when we’re perimenopausal, but outside of those phases it might be a sign of a hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Ovulation is only possible when your endocrine system is functioning normally. So if you have irregular or long cycles, or your periods have disappeared completely it’s important to have this checked out.

At a very basic level, ovulation lets you know when your period is coming!

Here are some ovulation facts you might find helpful:

It’s an ‘all or nothing’ event – you either ovulate or you don’t
After ovulation you’ll either be pregnant or get a period 12-14 days later
The average day of ovulation is day 14, but it may be a few days earlier or later depending on the length of your cycle
It’s the only way your body can make progesterone. Progesterone is essential for counterbalancing oestrogen, calming the nervous system, promoting sleep, protecting the heart, maintaining bone density and much more.

So how do you know if you’re ovulating? Here are a few signs, if you start tracking your cycle you’ll soon spot what’s common for you:

Your facial features may seem softer and more symmetrical
Your skin might be clearer
Your cervical mucus changes - in the 5 days before ovulation it becomes thin and watery, it can be stretchy like egg-white, and feel wet
There’s a small rise in your body temperature after ovulation (due to the rise in progesterone)
You may have an increased libido
Your appetite might dip in the lead up to ovulation and rise afterwards
You may be constipated as the surge in hormones slows down your digestive system

How you can help yourself in Summer

For most people Spring and Summer are the happy seasons of their cycle, but this might not be true for you.

Being ‘out there’ and in the spotlight might leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed. If you have PMS you may be starting to dread the inevitable post-ovulation dip in your mood as hormone levels drop off.

We’re all unique and so are our cycles. It’s important to know what works best for us depending on how we experience each season.

Here are 10 tips for improving your experience of summer:

Plan challenging projects for this time in your cycle – they’ll feel far more do-able than in other seasons
It’s a great time to connect with others and share your ideas
Focus on pleasure – think about what kind of music, art or food can bring you pleasure besides physical intimacy :-)
Before you say ‘yes’ to everything, think about when in your cycle you’re going to have to meet any commitments and whether you actually have capacity
Go easy on alcohol as it can increase oestrogen levels at ovulation, exacerbating the hormonal drop-off after ovulation
Do some batch cooking for the freezer in preparation for Autumn and Winter when you have less energy
If there are people in your life you feel obliged to see, you’ll tolerate visiting them better in Summer!
Write down your achievements and what went well during Summer – if your mood takes a dive during Autumn you might be grateful for the positive reflections
If you feel vulnerable look back to your Winter phase – make sure you’re carving out time to connect with yourself and set intentions for the cycle ahead
If you feel exhausted it might be a sign you’re overdoing it in Spring and Summer and you need to plan more downtime and sleep.

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 improve your period health. You can send me an email or book a free call with me:

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The sunny season

Ovulation is key

How you can help yourself in Summer

Further reading

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How to ease into an Autumn reset

Menstrual cycle awareness: Spring