The female cycle is more than just a monthly biological function – it's a fascinating cycle that shows striking parallels to the seasons in nature. The concept of "inner seasons" describes how the different phases of the menstrual cycle, in their hormonal, physical, and emotional manifestations, resemble the four seasons.

Inner Seasons - How our female cycle resembles an annual cycle

Have you ever thought about how many menstrual cycles you go through in your lifetime? We've done the math for you: it's around 400-500 cycles! Amazing, right? Each of these cycles brings different hormonal profiles that directly impact your energy, mood, and performance. By learning to understand and work with these "inner seasons," we can significantly improve our well-being.

Contents:

The inner winter: The menstrual phase

Inner spring: The follicular phase

The inner summer: The ovulation phase

The inner autumn: The luteal phase

Living in harmony with the inner seasons

The four inner seasons in detail

The inner winter: The menstrual phase

Hormonal basis: During this phase, both estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels.

Like winter in nature, menstruation is a time of retreat and rest. The uterine lining is shed, a process that requires energy and is often accompanied by fatigue. Studies show that energy requirements can increase by up to 10% before menstruation.1].

During this phase:

• Many women feel less energetic and more tired.
• Is the body increasingly occupied with regeneration processes?
• Can intuition be particularly pronounced?
• Is there an increased need for rest and introspection?

Self-care tip: Make a conscious effort to take rest periods. Scientific studies show that sufficient sleep during this phase can reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps.2].

Inner spring: The follicular phase

Hormonal basis: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) increase, leading to a continuous rise in estrogen levels.

This phase begins immediately after menstruation and lasts until ovulation. Like in spring, when nature awakens to new life, the body experiences an energy boost. An egg matures in the ovaries, while rising estrogen levels provide increased vitality.

During this phase:

• Does rising estrogen increase energy and mental clarity?
• Skin quality improves – it often appears plumper and clearer.
• Is creativity [3] and a particularly pronounced willingness to experiment
• Many women feel particularly motivated to try new things.

Did you know? It is claimed that menstruating women are more risk-tolerant and open to new experiences during the follicular phase – an evolutionary mechanism that may favor finding a partner before the fertile phase.

The inner summer: The ovulation phase

Hormonal basis: Peak estrogen levels and a significant increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) trigger ovulation. Testosterone also reaches its peak.

Ovulation marks the peak of the cycle – comparable to summer when everything is in full bloom. This phase lasts about 3-5 days and is the most fertile time of the cycle.

During this phase:

• Energy and self-confidence reach their peak
• Is libido typically strongest
• Can verbal expression be improved?
• Does social networking ability increase?

Did you know? The surge in testosterone during ovulation has been proven to increase libido. Self-confidence also receives a significant boost – no wonder you're irresistible during your ovulation.

The inner autumn: The luteal phase

Hormonal basis: The corpus luteum produces increased amounts of progesterone, while the estrogen level initially drops briefly, then rises slightly again, and finally falls again towards the end of the phase.

The longest phase of the cycle corresponds to autumn – initially energetic and stable (like the golden autumn), later calmer and more introspective, sometimes rainy or stormy (like late autumn).

During this phase:

• The mood is initially stable, but can fluctuate towards the end.
• Does the energy gradually decrease?
• Does the body temperature rise slightly (by about 0.3-0.5°C)?
• Can this lead to increased sensitivity to stress?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Approximately 80% of menstruating women experience at least one symptom of PMS in the late luteal phase [4This is due to the abrupt drop in progesterone and estrogen, which causes biochemical changes in the brain, particularly in serotonin metabolism.

Living in harmony with the inner seasons

Recognizing and adapting to the body's natural seasons can reduce stress and improve PMS symptoms.

Feel free to try it out:

• Inner Winter: Reduce appointments, prioritize self-care and rest. Studies show that warmth can effectively relieve cramps during this phase – perfect for cozy days with a hot water bottle!
• Inner Spring: Use the increased energy for new projects, creative activities, and more physically demanding pursuits.
• Inner Summer: Ideal for important presentations and social events. The improved communication skills can be consciously used for important conversations.
• Inner Autumn: The early phase is suitable for final tasks and organizational matters, while the late phase requires more rest and self-reflection.

You're already doing that, you want more? How about... cycle-based training For the sporty types among us?

Conclusion: A new understanding of our cyclical nature

The concept of inner seasons provides us with a valuable framework to understand the female cycle not as a bothersome monthly phenomenon, but as a natural rhythm that brings with it various qualities and strengths.

Recent research in chronobiology underscores the importance of the menstrual cycle as a "biological clock" that influences numerous physiological processes. Understanding this cyclical nature allows us to live more consciously and take a more holistic approach to our health.

Instead of fighting against our biology, we can learn to live in the flow of our inner seasons – a perspective that can not only increase our well-being but also lead to a deeper understanding of our own nature.