The Menstrual Cycle as a Health- and bioMarker
The menstrual cycle is more than just a monthly event; it is a direct reflection of women's inner health status. By paying attention to the cycle's character, length, and associated mood and symptoms, we can gain valuable insights into our physical and emotional wellbeing.
The hormones throughout the menstrual cycle from menstruation through ovulation to the next menstruation. FSH signals that estrogen should be formed and LH signals that the body is ready for ovulation. Estrogen responds to FSH while progesterone is produced after ovulation.
Health & Hormonal Balance
The menstrual cycle, in all its complexity, is a unique tool for evaluating our health. Variations in cycle length, frequency and intensity of bleeding, and other characteristics can all be signs of underlying health conditions.
A regular and relatively symptom-free cycle is often seen as a sign of good hormonal balance. On the other hand, irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or absence of menstruation can be indications of hormonal imbalances such as nutritional deficiencies, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or early menopause.
Reproductive health
The menstrual cycle provides insights into the reproductive system's function. Ovulation, an important part of the cycle, can be affected by various factors such as stress and general health. Irregular or absent ovulation can affect fertility and signal the need for a more thorough evaluation.
Metabolic health
Changes in the cycle can also point to metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance (the precursor to diabetes). PCOS, a common cause of irregular menstruation, with symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and difficulty losing weight, can be linked to metabolic (un)health.
Emotional & mental health
The menstrual cycle is closely linked to mental health. Conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can seriously affect women's emotional wellbeing. Extreme mood changes, anxiety, and depression before menstruation, although common, are important to pay attention to.
What you can do
To use your cycle as a health marker, it's important to:
Note your cycle: Record days with menstruation, energy, and mood throughout the cycle.
Listen to your body: Be attentive to what your body is trying to tell you through different phases of the cycle.
Seek professional guidance: For concerning changes or symptoms, seek help from a medical specialist. To understand how you can better support your health, you can consult with a health expert.
The menstrual cycle is an indispensable part of women's health, and changes in the cycle can be an early signal of health problems. By understanding and monitoring these signals, we can take proactive steps to protect and improve our health.
Do you want to learn more about how you can interpret your menstrual cycle and what it can reveal about your health? Contact us to see if we can help you.
Take care of yourself!
Carin Suveer
