Women are dynamic beings. To live statically as the world tailors us to– is injustice to the self. The female body was never designed to live unchanged by time. Rather it moves in cycles. Rising and descending- in seasons moving forward whether one chooses to be consciously aware or not.
The menstrual cycle is a biological rhythm following a brain of its own. One that influences our thoughts, feelings, perception, and creativity. Instead of moving linearly, we move cyclically. In a world that teaches one to suppress instead of embracing it; Do not be fooled, this biological print is not a vulnerability but in fact a woman’s power once honed.
Women uniquely so, not only hold life but are the embodiment of life itself. Like life, we have our own inner seasons. This article will go into depth regarding the intricate cycle in addition with a neurological outlook answering the question,“How is the brain aligned with this rhythm?”
Menstrual Phase- The Season of Neural Reset
This phase is not one of ending, but rather beginning. The body after realizing that it will not be undergoing potential pregnancy goes through the shedding of the uterine lining. But what does this mean for our brain activity?
At the rise of this stage, estrogen levels start off low and start to slowly rise. Progesterone is at stooped low despite being high during the previous phase- luteal- this drastic change can lead to mood swings as well as tensions.
The changes of these fluctuating hormones especially modulate brain reactivity causing phenomena such as: connectivity and shifts in cognition/emotional processing.
Connectivity is likely to be seen decreasing as a result of lower hormone levels, which can lead to less integrated thinking specifically in the networks of emotion and cognition. Amygdala (our brains’ center for emotion/fear) reactivity is also increased here increasing vigilance and emotional reactivity.
One during this time may feel more discern and more calm. However it is important to remember that this is not a time of cognitive weakness but rather neurological recalibration. Our brain is prioritizing repair and internal signalling, preparing for a time of execution and outer-strength.
This is the time to embrace the peace of the silence and focus on the self.
Follicular Phase- The Season of Cognitive Renewal
A felt new beginning—a fresh start— this phase represents a spring of the inner self. As the hormones (Estrogen, FSH) signal to the ovaries to mature follicles and thicken uterine linings—focus, mood, and motivation are significantly increased.
Estrogen is the key driver of this phase. FSH whilst stimulating follicles also stimulates estrogen as the mature follicles extract estrogen. The rising estrogen levels influences the brain, enhancing connectivity and neuroplasticity.
Highlighted changes during this season to be emphasized include: heightened brain networks, hyperactive brain reward system, and increased drive to execute.
An unique feature of estrogen is its ability to interact with many neurotransmitter systems such as dopaminergic and serotoninergic– both of which are crucial for cognitive function and mood. Increased connectivity of such results in better cognitive performance, memory, and processing speed. The brain’s reward system consisting of the orbital frontal cortex, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus are hyperactive during this phase which gives greater anticipation of that motivation and reward.
It is no mistake that during this phase, you feel simply…overpowered. This is not by chance, but rather in our biology! The brain is opening outward ready to take on even the biggest of dreams. With enhanced focus and cognitive performance, it is indeed peak time to execute the things you’ve been hesitating on (like me publishing this first article of mine), as there is no better time than to do so!
Ovulation Phase- The Season of Expression
Though short-lived, reigning about 12 to 24 hours, the ovulation phase is not one to be overlooked. Lead by an upsurge of the LH hormone, a mature egg is released from the ovary. Apart from this estrogen reaches its peak.
Like the follicular phase, the brain’s reward system and increased connectivity continue. The surge in estrogen during this phase however works as an excitatory signal to our cerebral cortex increasing brain metabolism as well as connectivity. This is an era of peak performance to concisely put it.
During this phase, you’ll feel more energetic, confident, and full of life– own it! Whether it be going to a spontaneous social event or making new connections, don’t shy away.
Luteal Phase- The Season Neural Grounding
Now this is when the quiet starts to seep in.
Estrogen during this season starts to reach a plateau, with another hormone reaching its dominance– progesterone. This hormone works to thicken the uterine lining making it richer in blood vessels and glandular making an ideal environment for an egg to develop. Aside from this phase tends to have a calming effect on the brain and its activity– not necessarily bad.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex crucial for focus and executive control as studies has shown have been seen to have an decrease in activity during this phase leading to the things we find familiar such as brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Due to this era of progesterone it is widely noticed that emotional reactivity and sensitivity is widely increased making it a time for thought.
This is a time for thought and introspection. Rather it be a book or investing in that hobby you never seem to have time for, the luteal phase is your brain’s calling to let you know it’s okay to take a step back.
The Language of your Inner Seasons
The menstrual cycle is a form of communication; it is a rhythm that is one with our body offering guidance on how to move forward in our stages of life. It is a system that embeds balance within our brain: work and rest, drive and pause, clarity and thought. Being one with this rhythm is not about mastering but aligning so one can move forward with a sense of direction over both life and the body.
This is only the beginning of a larger conversation. A woman’s cycle holds so much overlooked neurological and emotional intelligence worth knowing in which we’ll explore throughout this collection.
Further Reading & References
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-024-00012-4?_kx=xYFkB_KeEge0SDFTus6Fyw.Tw6sBY
