Throughout the menstrual cycle, a woman's body undergoes many internal and external changes, many of which are primarily driven by fluctuating reproductive hormones that prepare the body for the possibility of fertilization and subsequent pregnancy.
In this article, we'll look at changes you might observe in yourself throughout the month that you might not have noticed before, or perhaps never associated with reproductive hormones!
Physical Appearance
Do you sometimes feel like you look completely different than a few days ago, and you blame it on your impending period? You're not far from the truth; the phases of the cycle and specifically the hormones that govern menstruation do, to some extent, truly change your appearance.
After menstruation ends and ovulation approaches, the hormone estrogen gives the skin a healthy glow, but it also affects fluid balance, which can impact the texture and thickness of the face. The skin may have a more even tone and may appear firmer overall due to increased collagen production. During the luteal phase, with the rise in progesterone, the skin tends to be oilier and more prone to acne. Or a woman may experience darker spots and skin breakouts. During menstruation, when hormones are at their lowest level, the skin may be drier and lines and wrinkles more pronounced. (1)
Number on the Scale
A woman's body weight can vary slightly almost every week. And hormones play their part again: hormonal changes during the cycle can lead to weight fluctuations, especially before menstruation, when the body usually retains more water, which can show on the scale. However, this is not body fat, but only the aforementioned water, which the body loses again after menstruation ends.
Sweat Rate
A woman's basal body temperature fluctuates slightly throughout her cycle along with hormone levels, a factor widely used in the symptothermal method to determine the fertile window. Just before ovulation, body temperature first drops sharply and then rises again after ovulation due to an increase in progesterone.
After ovulation and during the luteal phase, progesterone remains at a higher level, and with it, body temperature, which can worsen the body's thermoregulation. During physical activity, you may sweat faster and more, or you may notice it in the form of so-called night sweats, one of the relatively common signs of PMS. As progesterone levels drop before menstruation, body temperature also decreases. (2)
Libido
Libido is not constant in either sex, and in women, it's further complicated by reproductive hormones governed by a monthly cycle.
An increase in estrogen, testosterone, and LH just before ovulation can boost libido, especially related to fertility and the likelihood of conception. With rising progesterone during the luteal phase, there may be a slight decrease in libido.
However, libido can also change with age and, of course, does not depend solely on hormones; current psychological state, relationship with a partner or length of the relationship, mood, amount of sleep, or even self-image and self-confidence also have a significant impact.
Breast Size and Sensitivity
In preparation for pregnancy, you may notice changes in breast size or sensitivity throughout your cycle, especially during the luteal phase. The increase in progesterone causes the growth of mammary glands, and during this period, you may observe breast swelling, increased sensitivity, or even mild pain. If pregnancy does not occur, hormone levels drop, menstruation begins, and the mammary glands = breasts return to their usual size.
Quality and Quantity of Sleep
7 out of 10 women experience sleep changes before menstruation, and so-called premenstrual insomnia is among the relatively common symptoms of PMS. As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the month, the aforementioned body temperature or neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, change to some extent. All of this can affect how you sleep that night and how much energy you'll have the next day.
With the rise of estrogen after menstruation, it supports energy levels and helps maintain body temperature within a lower range, which positively affects the quality and quantity of sleep. During ovulation, basal body temperature fluctuates significantly. After ovulation, the temperature rises, which can negatively impact sleep quality, and you may experience short-term insomnia. A few days before menstruation, hormone levels drop, which can disrupt sleep patterns.
During these days and the period during menstruation, women may experience increased fatigue and sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night. (3)
Voice
This change might be the biggest surprise for you! Receptors for sex hormones have been found on the vocal cords, indicating a close connection between vocal cord function and hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
One study examined the relationship between voice tone and the phase of the menstrual cycle, comparing menstruating women and hormonal contraceptive users. While women on hormonal contraceptives showed no change during the cycle, menstruating women exhibited a higher minimum tone in the late follicular phase and a lower voice intensity in the luteal phase. (4) However, further research is needed in this area to understand the specific role hormones play in changes in a woman's voice.
Femvie Products That Can Help You
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Organic pads — certified organic pads without chemicals
- 🌿 Organic tampons — organic tampons made from certified organic cotton
- 💊 Magnesium — helps alleviate cramps and tension before menstruation
- 🩹 Menstrual patches — natural relief from painful menstruation
- 📦 Carefree subscription — your organic menstrual essentials automatically every month
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a normal period last?
A healthy period lasts 3 to 7 days. If you bleed longer or shorter repeatedly, consult a gynecologist.
Why is menstruation painful?
Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins—substances that contract uterine muscles. Magnesium, heat, exercise, or natural patches can help.
Are organic pads and tampons safer?
Yes. Organic cotton products do not contain pesticides, plastics, or bleaching chemicals commonly found in conventional menstrual products.
What affects the regularity of the menstrual cycle?
Stress, diet, exercise, sleep, and hormonal balance—all of these affect the length and regularity of the cycle. Tracking your cycle can help you identify patterns and any deviations.
