The four seasons of your menstrual cycle: A guide to cyclical living
Tracking your menstrual cycle can unlock a whole new level of body awareness, emotional clarity, and lifestyle alignment. Thinking of your cycle in terms of seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn helps visualize the hormonal shifts and emotional rhythms we experience each month.
Here’s your Lunette guide to the four seasons of your menstrual cycle and how to support your mind, body, and lifestyle in each phase.
Winter: menstruation (days 1 - 4)
What’s happening in your body: Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop, signaling your body to shed the uterine lining also known as your bleed.
How you might be feeling: Fatigue, cramps, and sensitivity are common. You may feel withdrawn or introspective. If your pain is severe, consult a healthcare professional. Interestingly, many people feel emotionally lighter once their period begins.
How to nourish your body: Rest is essential, but gentle movement like walking or yoga can help relieve cramps and boost circulation. Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, and hydrating foods to support your energy.
How to nourish your mind: This is a time for reflection and retreat. Cancel plans, take long baths, journal your thoughts, and embrace stillness. Like nature in winter, it’s okay to slow down.
Your Winter superpowers: Menstruation is a powerful time for intuition and clarity. Use this phase to reflect on the past month and make aligned decisions.
Your Lunette Winter go-to: Lunette offers plastic-free period care to support your cycle sustainably.
Spring: follicular phase (days 5 - 14)
What’s happening in your body: Your ovaries begin developing follicles, and your pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). Estrogen rises, prepping your body for ovulation.
How you might be feeling: Energy surges. You may feel more creative, social, and adventurous. Flirtiness and curiosity are natural - this is your body’s way of preparing for connection.
How to nourish your body: Try new workouts like cycling, or group fitness. Your body is primed for challenge and movement.
How to nourish your mind: Channel your ideas into vision boards, creative projects, or goal-setting. This is a great time to brainstorm and plan ahead.
Your Spring superpowers: Your social skills and charisma are at their peak. Whether networking or dating, this is your time to shine.
Your Lunette Spring go-to: Stay fresh on the go with Lunette Intimate Wipes ideal for spontaneous adventures or busy days.
Summer: ovulation (around day 14)
What’s happening in your body: Estrogen peaks, triggering a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that releases the egg. Cervical mucus becomes thinner to support sperm mobility - your body is ready for potential conception.
How you might be feeling: Your libido, confidence, and communication skills may be at their highest. You might feel magnetic, expressive, and empowered.
How to nourish your body: Support estrogen metabolism with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, garlic, and radishes. These help your liver process excess hormones and reduce symptoms like breast tenderness.
How to nourish your mind: Explore pleasure solo or with a partner. If you’re trying to conceive, remember to stay relaxed and enjoy the process.
Your Summer superpowers: This is the time to negotiate, present, or ask for what you want. Your confidence is radiant, use it wisely.
Your Lunette Summer go-to: Lean into pleasure with our vegan lubricant.
Autumn: luteal phase (days 15 - 28)
What’s happening in your body: If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the egg and follicle break down. Progesterone rises briefly, then drops - triggering your next period.
How you might be feeling: Mood swings, anxiety, and sensitivity may surface. PMS symptoms vary, but you’re not alone in feeling off-balance.
How to nourish your body: Swap alcohol for kombucha or herbal teas. Eat foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon), fiber, and antioxidants to support mood and hormone balance.
How to nourish your mind: Create a calming environment. Read, clean, journal, or connect with loved ones. Prioritize activities that soothe and ground you.
Your Autumn superpowers: You’re more likely to be direct, organized, and boundary-setting. Use this phase to tackle admin tasks and have honest conversations.
Your Lunette Autumn go-to: Our period panties are perfect for the end of your luteal phase offering leak protection and comfort, if your period arrives early.
Embrace the seasons of your cycle
Your menstrual cycle is more than just a bleed - it’s a monthly rhythm of energy, emotion, and transformation. By tuning into your body’s natural seasons, you can live more intuitively, plan more effectively, and care for yourself more deeply.
Photo: courtesy of Pinterest
