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Writer's pictureAudrey Lem

The Monthly Menstrual Cycle Ride: Navigating Flows, Symptoms, and Mood Changes

Updated: Jul 31



Hey Y'all!


I hope July has been good for you all. This summer, temperatures are hitting different, so ladies, please stay cool, stay hydrated, and ensure you're applying sunscreen to your beautiful melanated skin.


The team discussed Auntie Flo today, so I extended the discussion to you. So let's get into it.


All of us currently or can recall our experiences during our menstrual cycle. Many women may share similarities within our period cycle, such as mood swings, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, or the amount of day. Women close to one another may display their period cycles being nearby and jokingly blame their family, friends, or significant other for having the cycle begin, AKA known as "synchronizing." However, synchronizing is not a real thing.




Do you guys track your cycles? Are you aware of the body changes you experience before starting your cycle? How many days does your menstrual cycle usually last? Menstrual cycles vary from person to person. According to the Mayo Clinic Staff (2023), menstrual bleeding occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts between 2 to 7 days. It's common for cycles to be longer and less regular in the first few years after menstruation begins, but they usually become shorter and more predictable with age.


What Premenstrual syndrome symptoms do you identify with? PMS is a combo of symptoms we may experience 1-2 weeks before our cycle begins (Office on Women's Health, 2021).

According to the Office on Women's Health (2021), the following PMS symptoms one may experience are:

Physical symptoms

  • Swollen or tender breasts

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Bloating or a gassy feeling

  • Cramping

  • Headache or backache

  • Clumsiness

  • Lower tolerance for noise or light

Emotional or mental symptoms 

  • Irritability or hostile behavior

  • Feeling tired

  • Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)

  • Appetite changes or food cravings

  • Trouble with concentration or memory

  • Tension or anxiety

  • Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells

  • Mood swings

  • Less interest in sex

As women, we do not always look forward to "that time of the month"; however, our menstrual cycle always displays how phenomenal women really are. All the things we endure and push through during our cycle AND still tend to our children, work those 8-12-hour shifts, cook, clean, study, go to class, etc. Round of applause to all of us for being robust, strong, and resilient women.


Let the conversation begin. Drop your experience with your monthly cycle in the comments, and let's discuss!



References


Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, April 22). Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 11, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186


Office on Women's Health. (2021, February 22). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Womenshealth.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2024, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome

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