1. VOICE CHANGES
Do you find your shower concerts are better at certain times of the month? You're not imagining it!
Your voice can change in pitch and tone during the different phases of your menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen levels, can affect the vocal cords, making your voice slightly higher and smoother or lower and gruffer. A scientific study found that many women experience vocal changes, especially around ovulation.
2. GIVE GOOD FACE
How your face looks can also change throughout the month. Your face may appear slightly fuller or more angular at different times of your cycle.
Estrogen (which peaks at ovulation) can cause fluid retention, leading to a fuller appearance, while lower levels can make your face look more defined.
3. ATTACK OF THE RACK
Your breasts might feel more tender and appear fuller or slightly larger at different phases of your cycle. Rising progesterone levels during your luteal phase can cause breast tissue to swell or become more sensitive. This is actually quite a common PMS symptom, and typically resolves with the start of your period.
4. DO YOU SMELL SOMETHING FUNNY?
Did you know your sense of smell becomes more acute during certain phases of your cycle? Recent research indicates that your sense of smell might be heightened during ovulation, likely due to increased estrogen levels. This heightened sensitivity may actually have evolutionary roots, meaning that it aided mate selection.
5. I'M A SENSITIVE SOUL
Your monthly hormonal changes can make your skin more reactive, particularly during the menstrual and luteal phases. Lower estrogen levels can compromise the skin barrier, leading to dryness and sensitivity, while increased progesterone can cause oiliness and breakouts. For more information and for our best tips on how to balance out the skin throughout your menstrual cycle, read this blog post.
6. FEELING ENERGIZED?
During the follicular phase and around ovulation, higher levels of estrogen can give you a major surge in energy. Time to crack out that workout gear! A week or so later, your progesterone levels rise as you head through the luteal phase, whichcan bring about a major cause of fatigue. *Yawn*.
7. A GUT FEELING
Hormonal fluctuations, especially in the luteal phase, can affect gastrointestinal motility (i.e. your digestion). Progesterone tends to slow down digestion, which can even lead to constipation, while the drop in progesterone before menstruation can cause diarrhea. Neither are great, so read our best tips for combatting both here.
8. IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE
Do you find you're more uncomfortable with the thermostat at certain times of the month? Your cycle could be to blame!
Your basal body temperature (BBT) changes throughout the cycle, which can affect how hot or cold you feel. After ovulation, progesterone causes a slight increase in BBT, which remains elevated until menstruation.
AND SO... WHAT DO I DO?
Our hormones impact us in so many different ways, and in many cases we may never have realized these cyclical changes are caused by our menstrual cycles.
By understanding these changes and adapting your lifestyle accordingly, you can better manage the ups and downs of your cycle. Knowledge is power, and that's why these conversations are so important!
