She Strengthens

Unlocking the Secrets of Your Hormones: How Tracking My Cycle Changed My Life

As I navigated the challenges of quarantine, I found myself struggling to cope with mood swings that seemed to come out of nowhere. Without the usual distractions of socializing and treating myself, I was left to face my emotions head-on. But it wasn’t until I started tracking my moods alongside my ovulation cycle that I discovered a game-changing connection.

The Power of Self-Awareness

When I switched to a new birth control pill at the start of the pandemic, I began journaling to monitor any side effects. As I settled into the new hormone dosage, I stopped tracking my moods, only to find myself frustrated with my continued emotional ups and downs. It wasn’t until I restarted my journaling practice that I noticed a pattern: my moods and symptoms were closely tied to my menstrual cycle.

Cracking the Code

I used a simple yet effective method to track my cycle: numbering each entry with the date, noting my cycle phase, and recording my moods and symptoms. This visual representation allowed me to identify consistent changes throughout the month. You can use a journal, note-taking app, or calendar to find a method that works best for you.

The Surprising Patterns That Emerged

As I delved deeper into my tracking, I discovered patterns I never expected. My food cravings, exercise preferences, and productivity levels all followed a predictable cycle. By anticipating these hormonal swings, I could plan my workouts, meals, and tasks more efficiently. I stopped beating myself up over cravings and instead kept healthier options on hand. I even took advantage of my most productive periods to complete tasks ahead of time.

The Science Behind Hormonal Cycles

MyHormonology, a valuable resource, helped me understand the science behind my observations. Did you know that hormones can affect your facial symmetry, making certain times ideal for a first date? Or that your hormone cycle can impact your ability to lose fat or gain muscle? Even hunger and chronic health issues like IBS can be linked to female hormones.

Empathy and Self-Care

Tracking my cycle has been life-changing. It’s allowed me to treat myself with empathy and kindness, rather than judgment. I’ve come to realize that my seemingly “crazy” actions are often driven by chemicals in my body. This knowledge has given me the power to “hack” my routine, improving my quality of life and relationships with others.

Take Control of Your Cycle

If you’re struggling with mood swings and hormone imbalances, I encourage you to try tracking your cycle. You might be surprised by the patterns that emerge. By understanding your body and hormone cycle, you can take control of your routine, treating yourself with more empathy and kindness. Knowledge is power, and it’s time to unlock the secrets of your hormones.