How to Predict Your Mood All Month Using Your Menstrual Cycle

Did you know that different phases of your menstrual cycle impact your mood all month long? That’s right! PMS isn’t the only time your cycle affecting how you feel! 

Your estrogen, testosterone, and serotonin levels all play a role in your energy, confidence, motivation and mental clarity throughout the month.

Here’s what you can expect your mood and mindset to be like during each phase of your cycle:

Phase 1: Menstruation (Days 1 - 7)

This phase is marked with feeling of a new start. Just as there is a physical shedding of the uterine lining, there’s a sense of emotional shedding as well. It’s a time to let go and approach the day with a new perspective. This is a good time to go for a walk and get some sunshine and fresh air.

Slow down a little during this time, especially on days 1 and 2. You may crave comfort foods due to decreased serotonin. Keep your favorite sweets on hand for this time! Warm apple pie topped with coconut ice cream, anyone?

Phase 2: Follicular Phase (Days 1 - 14)

The rise of E2 and Testosterone, during this phase, you should be feeling energized, sexier, bolder, and more vibrant. You might notice you also feel mentally clearer. The hormones being produced during this time will give you sharpened focus and memory. This is the time to make big decisions and take on initiatives where confidence could serve you well.

Not only that you’ll be feeling more motivated to go out and about. Use this time to socialize, go out and meet new people. You’ll be looking good too! Your hormones will enable clearer skin and more facial symmetry — that’s right! Your hormones actually physically make you look more beautiful and put you in the mood to go out to attract potential mates.

Phase 3: Ovulation (Days 14 - 18)

Ovulation will put you at the peak of energy, desire, and optimism. This is a time when you are more likely to get together with your girlfriends, go out, mingle and take big chances.

Your mental alertness and focus are at an all-time high, and you’ll have an enhanced ability to learn new things. Now is the time to try that new hobby you’ve been thinking about or advance your level in a current hobby.

You may notice fewer food cravings and more willpower, as if mate hunting has become more of a priority over food — nature’s way of pushing us to reproduce. Time to start that new workout routine or take a group exercise class!

This is the time when you’ll be most adept at innovative problem solving. Your productivity might go up at work! Not only that, your sleep may start to improve.

Phase 4: Luteal Phase (Days 14 - 28)

About a week before your period, declining E2 can lead to lower moods, lower energy, and feeling depleted. This is when PMS starts — and you’re probably no stranger to what follows.

You might feel the desire to spend more time alone. This is a time where you’re more emotionally reactive and sensitive to critical comments. This is because the emotional filter thins and emotions are prone to come spilling out. Schedule downtime!

For the first part of the week, you may have great sleep, but as you get closer to your period, E2 and P lower and your sleep can be disturbed with violent dreams or nightmares.

This is a highly intuitive time when inner life is closer to the surface, which may reveal unmet needs and frustrations. You may find you’re in your creative zone. It's time to turn inward. Express yourself through journaling or an artistic hobby.

Typically, this phase lasts 14 days, though 9 to 16 days is normal.

Start tracking your cycle and see if you notice your moods following these patterns along with each phase. Once you can start predicting your moods and mindset, you can use that information to help plan your week, knowing the optimal time for going out or scheduling some downtime.

Do you notice your confidence rising about a week after your period or enhanced intuition about a week before your period? Let me know in the comments.