Thursday

"I am grateful for the changing of the seasons and the changes in my life."

Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The link between mental health and your menstrual cycle

• Discover the key to better health and energy

• The benefits of hormone tracking

• The hormonal impact of stress

• Question of the day

The Link Between Mental Health and Your Menstrual Cycle

Your menstrual cycle isn't just about your physical health—it's intricately tied to your mental well-being too. Many women notice mood swings, anxiety, or even depressive feelings around their period. These emotional shifts are linked to hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle.

In the first half of the cycle, estrogen rises, boosting mood and energy levels. But as the cycle progresses and estrogen drops, it can leave some feeling more irritable or down. This is especially common during the luteal phase, the two weeks leading up to menstruation.

Additionally, some women experience severe symptoms like anxiety or depression during PMS or perimenopause. These can be amplified by the hormonal changes that impact neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate mood.

Understanding this connection can help you better manage symptoms. By tracking your cycle and recognizing patterns, you can adjust self-care practices to support your mental health. Simple changes, like incorporating stress-reducing activities or adjusting your diet, can make a big difference.

Discover the Key to Better Health and Energy

Thank you to Natural Cycles for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How Hormone Tracking Can Improve Your Wellness

Hormones play a crucial role in various aspects of health, but many women are unaware of how their fluctuations can affect overall well-being. Hormone tracking provides a way to monitor these changes and gain valuable insights into your body’s natural cycles, from PMS to menopause.

By tracking factors like temperature and sleep patterns, you can spot shifts in your hormones and their effects on your well-being. This empowers you to address issues like mood swings or fatigue and adopt personalized lifestyle changes. In fact, studies show that hormone tracking can significantly reduce PMS symptoms and enhance fertility awareness.

The beauty of hormone tracking is its ability to give you a deeper understanding of your unique body rhythms. Apps and wearables allow you to easily monitor your cycle and get more in tune with your health. By linking symptoms to hormonal shifts, you can make more informed decisions on everything from nutrition to exercise.

Whether you’re navigating PMS, perimenopause, or just everyday health, hormone tracking can offer the insights needed to improve your quality of life. When paired with mindful practices like stress management and proper nutrition, it can be a game-changer in your self-care routine.

Could Stress Be Messing with Your Hormones?

Hormonal imbalances affect a large number of women, often triggering symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety. What many don’t realize, though, is that stress could be the primary culprit behind these changes.

According to experts, the root cause often lies in excessive cortisol—the stress hormone—that disrupts the balance of other key hormones in the body.

This imbalance can manifest in a variety of symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, brain fog, and even changes in your wants and desires. Stress is a powerful force that can also lead to physical discomfort, like leg cramps and hot flashes. For many, these symptoms start in their mid-30s, as hormonal fluctuations begin to occur naturally.

While managing stress is critical, it’s not just about relaxation techniques. Dr. Jane Oh, an OB-GYN, explains that diet plays a significant role too. By reducing caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, and focusing on foods that promote hormonal health—like healthy fats—women can help rebalance their hormones naturally.

Understanding and addressing the root causes of stress can make a big difference in how you feel, both mentally and physically. Sometimes, medication or lifestyle changes are necessary, but focusing on stress management is key to finding relief.

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True! Tracking your menstrual cycle helps you understand the fluctuations in key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. By monitoring these changes, you can identify patterns such as PMS, energy levels, or mood shifts, allowing you to adjust self-care routines accordingly.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Empower yourself by prioritizing your health and honoring your body’s needs. Every step you take toward self-care brings greater strength and clarity

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!