menstrual cycle awareness

Menstrual Cycle Awareness

Our menstrual cycles are about so much more than fertility and periods.

More Than Just a Period

Most of us were only taught about menstruation – and maybe ovulation – in school. But the menstrual cycle is a whole-body rhythm that influences mood, energy, focus, and wellbeing.

Because the endocrine system (which governs the menstrual cycle) impacts nearly every other system in the body – regulating metabolism, growth, stress, sleep, mood, and more – understanding how it works is not only a powerful form of self-care, but a necessity.

What is Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA)?

Menstrual Cycle Awareness is the practice (and art!) of tuning into and working with all four phases of your cycle, rather than seeing it only as “bleeding days” or “fertility”.

MCA looks at the whole cycle as a rhythm, and invites you to notice how your physical, emotional, and mental energies shift across your cycle, and align your work and life with the unique gifts of each phase.

The Four Phases of the Cycle

Based on a 28-day cycle.

  • Menstrual (Days 1–5) – Inner Winter
    Rest, retreat, reflection. Energy is low. A good time for journalling, quiet planning, and letting go.

  • Follicular (Days 6–11) – Inner Spring
    Rising energy, playfulness, creativity. Great for new projects, brainstorming, and socialising.

  • Ovulatory (Days 12–16) – Inner Summer
    Peak energy, confidence, connection. Ideal for communication, collaboration, and outward-facing work.

  • Luteal (Days 17–28) – Inner Autumn
    Energy gradually declines, intuition sharpens. Best for editing, finishing projects, and setting boundaries.

Why Practice MCA?

  • Self-care – plan rest and activity in sync with your natural rhythm.

  • Productivity – align tasks with your energy flow.

  • Wellbeing – better understand mood shifts, cravings, and physical sensations and symptoms.

  • Empowerment – reclaim your cycle as a source of wisdom.

A Mindfulness Practice

One way to begin is through menstrual journaling – tracking mood, energy, and mindset daily. This simple act becomes a form of mindfulness, helping you connect with your body’s signals and live with more balance and self-compassion, in alignment with your natural cycle.

Sources

Cycle

State of mind

Mood

Energy

State

Sleep

Physical sensations

Seasons