Whether or not you believe that those who menstruate are inherently connected to the moon, you’ve got to admit that the similarities between the menstrual cycle and the moon cycle are intriguing. Is it merely a coincidence or could there be something deeper at play? Let’s explore this connection.
Exploring the Connection
Your menstrual cycle is not just the days you bleed; it encompasses the entire cycle that the female body experiences each month. The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, though this varies from person to person. Day 1 of the cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until the next period begins.
Similarly, the moon follows a 29.5 day cycle. During this cycle, we see its phases change from a new moon to a full moon and back again. Like the female body, the moon goes through predictable phases each month, resetting itself at the end of each cycle.
The similarities between the average length of both cycles, the menstrual cycle and the moon cycle, is something that makes you pause and wonder, is there a deeper connection here?
We know that the moon affects the tides, could it also influence the female body? Or perhaps the moon’s cycle simply mirrors what we experience within our own bodies, offering us a natural rhythm to connect with. For those looking to deepen their connection to the natural world, it’s worth pondering the possibility of a deeper connection between these two cycles.
Let’s look in more detail at both the menstrual cycle and the moon cycle to help with this contemplation.
The Menstrual Cycle Phases:
1. Menstruation:
This is the start of a new menstrual cycle. It is when the uterine lining sheds and menstruation (your period) occurs.
2. Follicular Phase:
This begins with menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase estrogen levels rise.
3. Ovulation
This typically occurs around day 14 of your cycle, but remember that this is just an average and that the day that ovulation occurs can of course vary.
During ovulation, an egg is released and fertilization can occur. A woman is most likely to become pregnant in the five days leading up to ovulation and on the day of ovulation, though pregnancy can happen at any time since ovulation can vary from month to month.
4. Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the luteal phase begins and lasts until your period starts again. Progesterone levels peak during this phase.
If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop dramatically in order to trigger menstruation. This hormone drop can lead to PMS symptoms.
The Moon Phases:
1. New Moon
This is when the moon is dark and is the start of the lunar cycle.
2. Waxing Moon
The moon is growing, making its way to a full moon. You’ll see the moon becoming brighter and larger each night.
3. Full Moon
The moon is fully illuminated, representing a peak in energy.
4. Waning Moon
The moon is gradually making its way back to a dark moon. You’ll see it getting smaller and darker each night until the cycle starts again at the new moon.
Comparing The Menstrual Cycle And The Moon Cycle
The new moon can be compared to the start of the menstrual cycle. When our period begins, we often feel the need for rest, similar to the quiet energy of the new moon. This phase is about turning inward, slowing down, and prioritizing self-care as we prepare for the next cycle.
The waxing moon corresponds to the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. As the moon grows brighter, it symbolizes a time for action. Similarly, the follicular phase is when energy levels are typically at their highest due to rising estrogen. This is a phase of growth and momentum, much like the waxing moon’s increasing light.
The full moon is a time of heightened energy and intensity. The lore surrounding the full moon comes from somewhere; its powerful energy has a noticeable impact on us. I see the full moon as a peak moment for creativity, much like ovulation, when we are fertile and capable of creating life. However, creation doesn’t have to be limited to having a child; this creative energy exists within us as females, and we can harness it to bring forth whatever aligns with our purpose. During the full moon, we can tap into this energy, recognize what we want to nurture and create, and release whatever no longer serves us as we move into the next phase.
The waning moon is a time for releasing what no longer serves us. It’s also a period of introspection as we transition back toward the dark moon. This phase aligns with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. During this time, energy levels often decrease due to the drop in hormones, mirroring the gradual dimming of the moon. Just as the moon prepares for its next cycle, our bodies prepare to shed the uterine lining if pregnancy has not occurred, perfectly reflecting the waning moon’s energy of letting go and renewal.
Practical Application
While not all women follow their menstrual cycles in tandem with the moon, the takeaway here is that we are inherently cyclical beings. The relationship between the menstrual cycle and the moon reminds us to honor the natural ebb and flow of our energy throughout the month. It reminds us that our bodies are not meant to be in a constant state of productivity.
The moon’s phases can serve as a reminder of our connection to nature and its cycles, something often lost in modern times. By observing the moon and its rhythms, we can reconnect with our spiritual side and foster curiosity about the unseen forces at play. Embracing this connection between the menstrual cycle and the moon keeps us open, fluid, and can actually help deepen our connection with ourselves.
So next time you gaze at the night sky, take a moment to reflect on the connection between the menstrual cycle and the moon cycle and their similarities. Pause to honor the moon and her rhythms, recognizing her as a guiding force in the divine feminine.
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Sources:
Chen, Jennifer. “Women, Are Your Hormones Keeping You up at Night?” Yale Medicine, Yale Medicine, 10 July 2017, www.yalemedicine.org/news/women-are-your-hormones-keeping-you-up-at-night.
Choi, Charles Q. “The Moon: Everything You Need to Know about Earth’s Companion.” Space.Com, Space, 13 Dec. 2021, www.space.com/55-earths-moon-formation-composition-and-orbit.html.
“Lunar Phases and Eclipses – NASA Science.” NASA, NASA, science.nasa.gov/moon/lunar-phases-and-eclipses/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
OB-GYN, Moreland. “Understanding the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle.” Understanding the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle, Moreland OB-GYN Associates, 20 Feb. 2024, www.morelandobgyn.com/blog/4-phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle.