The Female Cycle and Psyche

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMT

A woman’s cycle can affect how she feels. Many women experience mood swings during the course of their cycle. Moods swings are caused by the sexual hormones which flood a woman’s body in waves in cycles of around 28 days and generate hormonal highs and lows.

The psyche in the 1st half of the cycle

The first half of the cycle is characterised by light-heartedness because oestrogen generates a feeling of wellbeing and happiness in women of fertile age. During this time, women experience a positive, ‘can do’ attitude, are more energetic, and are able to resolve difficulties with ease.

Weight loss in the course of the cycle

Because the decrease in ovarian hormones is accompanied by fluid loss from the tissues (diuresis), most women weigh less after menstruation. Many women notice a radiance in their skin as their pores become finer during this cycle phase. Sleep is also more restful, pleasant, and undisturbed in this phase of the cycle.

An increased desire for sex

The desire for sex increases continuously during this period. The female psyche supports the body at precisely the moment when everything is prepared and in place for conceiving a child. Shortly before they ovulate, women are able to pick out smells with greater acuity and intensity. Because smells reveal so much about the genetic make-up of a person, women are able to find partners with the right genes during this time of their cycle.

The psychological barrier

During the second half of the cycle after ovulation occurs, many women feel vulnerable and everything takes on a darker, heavier tone. Everyday tasks are felt to be burdensome, problems take up more time, and feelings of stress are experienced.

The body becomes heavier

The body becomes increasingly heavy during this period because the rising levels of ovarian hormones are released by the corpus luteum, which stimulates the tissues to store fluid. It collects predominantly in the lower half of the body, causing heavy legs, a lack of mobility, and a bloated sense of being. Skin blemishes begin to appear and many women report to sweating more often and in larger amounts than usual.

Increased appetite

A drop in serotonin levels can sometimes be observed at the end of the second half of the cycle. During this time, women often experience cravings for sugar and sugary foods.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Oestrogen levels drop abruptly around 21 to 28 days after menstruation. This sets off serious withdrawal symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Women experience the most severe emotional change or strain on the days directly preceding the onset of their next menstruation. Even the first and second days of the menstrual cycle are often affected by this emotional imbalance. Many women feel despondent, unhappy and depressed. One in 25 women undergoes a real personality change as a result of this fluctuation in hormones.

During this phase, many women suffer from a lack of concentration and increased exhaustion. They experience a dip in performance in their work and personal lives and often feel weak and vacant. Women are regarded in this cycle phase directly before menstruation as being complicated, irrational, overwrought, sensitive, and aggressive. The familiar remark, “Is it that time of the month?” used by men all over the world originates from this period of the cycle.

Dealing with emotional turmoil

Schedule important appointments at the start of your cycle. Under the influence of oestrogen, you are more capable of coping with stress and your intellectual capacity is enhanced.

Learn about your cycle and your body

Knowing your body and predicting your ovulation helps you better plan for mood swings and the highs and lows of your cycle. That’s where devices like cyclotest 2 plus can help, showing you at a glance the different stages of your cycle in advance so you can work with your body.

To learn more about your cycle by using cyclotest 2 plus, click here