Menstrual Cycle in Sync: Reclaiming Our Rhythms
For centuries, the menstrual cycle has been treated as something to hide, sanitize, or silence, reduced to “PMS,” productivity loss, or hormonal chaos. But the menstrual cycle isn’t an obstacle to overcome; it’s one of the body’s most sophisticated rhythmic systems—a neuroendocrine dance connecting our brains, hormones, and nervous systems to the pulse of the planet itself.
When we sync with our cycle—rather than suppress it—we begin to align with one of nature’s most powerful internal clocks. The menstrual cycle is not random. It’s a biological symphony that mirrors the seasons, the moon, and the rise and fall of our inner chemistry.
The Four Seasons Within
Each phase of the menstrual cycle offers a unique psychological and physiological landscape, and is defined by shifts in key hormones: estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Each hormone influences not only reproductive function but also brain activity, emotional tone, and behavior. It’s an internal ecosystem that guides how we think, feel, move, and connect.
❄︎ Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter)
Days 1–5 - The Neural Reset
A time for release, reflection, and renewal. Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest—energy wanes, intuition peaks. Your brain literally shifts into a more reflective state, with the right and left hemispheres communicating more fluidly, activating the default mode network, the system responsible for introspection and meaning-making.
The prefrontal cortex, which governs logic and executive function, quiets—creating space for deeper inner awareness and emotional integration. This is the body’s built-in reset. Let yourself go inward. Shed not just blood—but what no longer fits.
⚘ Follicular Phase (Inner Spring)
Days 6–13 - Domaminergic Spike
Estrogen rises, enhancing dopaminergic transmission, improving focus, working memory, and creativity. The brain becomes more receptive to new ideas, problem-solving, and social engagement. This is the season of possibility, like seedlings breaking through the soil. Movement feels natural again. Say yes to what excites you.
☀︎ Ovulatory Phase (Inner Summer)
Days 14–17 - The Neurochemical Peak
Estrogen and luteinizing hormones peak, while testosterone briefly surges. This brings confidence, magnetism, and verbal fluency. Research from the Journal of Neuroscience shows that women in this phase exhibit heightened activity in the ventral striatum, a dopamine-rich area linked to pleasure and motivation. Biologically, this phase is designed for reproduction. The body glows; the nervous system is regulated. You’re wired for connection, empathy, and visibility. This is the season of expression - of shining and sharing.
✦ 4. Luteal (Inner Autumn)
Days 18–28 - The Progesterone Cocoon
After ovulation, progesterone rises, bringing grounding and introspection. It stimulates GABAergic pathways, creating a calming, sedative effect, if supported by rest, balanced blood sugar, and magnesium. Energy starts to turn inward again.
When stress or inflammation interferes, the same hormonal environment can trigger irritability, fatigue, and emotional volatility - what’s often mislabeled as “PMS” is actually preparation. The body is clearing, integrating, discerning. This is when boundaries become sacred.
What you can’t tolerate now? That’s information.
The Circadian and Lunar Link
Modern light pollution and screen exposure distort melatonin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) patterns, desynchronizing the menstrual rhythm from natural day–night and lunar cycles.
Historically, cycles tended to align with the lunar calendar—menstruation during the new moon and ovulation near the full moon. While this isn’t universal, studies suggest moonlight exposure may influence melatonin and reproductive hormone levels (Cutler, 1980; Law, 2019).
To live cyclically is to live ferally - in rhythm with the wild intelligence of the body and the planet. Living in sync with light, sleeping in darkness, spending time outdoors—helps restore the body’s chronobiological integrity.
Rituals for Cycle Syncing
Track your rhythm: Use a journal or app to note moods, energy, dreams, and physical sensations. Patterns emerge.
Eat for your hormones: More root vegetables and iron-rich foods during menstruation; more raw greens and protein-dense meals in follicular; lighter and hydrating foods in ovulatio;, grounding complex carbs and magnesium in luteal.
Move with intention: Yin yoga and rest during menstruation/bleeding; strength training follicular/post-period; expressive dance or HIIT cardio during ovulation/mid-cycle; slow walks and restorative yoga in luteal/premenstrual.
Communicate cyclically: Schedule creative projects or social events during follicular/ovulatory phases. Say no or go offline during mensuration/when your energy dips. Do deep work or evaluation in luteal.
Rest unapologetically: Menstruation is a parasympathetic window. Prioritize sleep, solitude, and emotional processing. Your hormones are your ancestors speaking. Listen.
Remembering the Feral Feminine
To sync with your menstrual cycle is to come home to your biology. To remember that you are nature, not separate from it.
Your bleed is not a burden, it’s a compass.
Your mood swings are messages.
Your body is a calendar older than time.
Syncing with your cycle is rewilding the feminine — a reclamation of power, rhythm, and truth.
Rewild Your Rhythm
Want to go deeper into the science and spirit of living in sync with your natural cycles? Read Modern Life vs. Ancestral Rhythms to explore how our daily habits, technology, and environment have pulled us away from the ancient patterns our bodies still remember.