What day are you?

by Dr Peta Wright

In my circle of friends and work colleagues, more and more we are using this question to check in on one another. Women’s hormones are dynamic throughout the month – they are not static (unless we are on hormonal contraceptive drugs that turn off ovulation. Our hormones and the way they interact with the hormone receptors in our brain can influence our moods, how much rest we need, how hungry we are, how likely we are to feel extroverted or introverted and so much more. But it’s not just about the hormones.

Stress, lack of sleep, movement, too much alcohol or an inflammatory diet can all affect the way our hormonal phase can make us feel by altering hormone levels, interfering with metabolism of hormones, increasing hormone receptor sensitivity in the brain or interfering with ovulation and the production of hormones themselves. So being conscious of where we are in the hormonal dance of the menstrual cycle, learning about and giving ourselves what we need, is not only hugely empowering, it can also help to improve many hormonal ailments that are exacerbated by environmental factors.

I’ll go first – I’m day 29 – right on the precipice of a period. PMS has been particularly bad for me this month. I’ve had a bit of stress with not being able to go on holiday, moving house, starting a new daycare for my son and a broken toe which has left me without a major coping tool of mine – running. Exercise has been proven to help luteal phase mood issues because it increases endorphins, reduces stress and inflammation – and I’m missing it!

Knowing where we are in our cycle, tuning in and understanding that how we treat ourselves matters and lastly being able to communicate to those around us about how we are feeling and what we need is hugely important. Women shouldn’t have to pretend or apologise for having our unique dynamic physiology. We are not the same every day of the month and the world should start understanding that and changing to accommodate us, not the other way around.

So ask someone around you today ‘What day are you?’ and see if it changes your ability to connect, support and be supported.

And if you see me today — be gentle… :)