A living being that embodies every single emoji over the course of a single menstrual cycle is called a “woman.” I wrote this post to help us understand ourselves better. Take a look at the emojis and transitions in the graphic below!
Our hormones have their own distinct personalities, and as they fluctuate throughout a menstrual cycle, we constantly shift right along with them. We aren’t crazy, and we aren’t lazy… If our moods change from one moment to the next, well, here are the reasons why.
During the first 1–2 days when bleeding starts, both estrogen and progesterone are at all-time lows. This can leave us feeling unmotivated, out of sorts, hungrier, and more sluggish. But brighter days are ahead—by day 3, the sun rises again! Estrogen begins to climb. This is our social, cheerful, and energetic hormone, gradually lifting our spirits.
Next, we prepare for ovulation. During ovulation, progesterone—and testosterone, which isn’t shown in this diagram—join the party. That’s when the real fun begins! These are the days we feel our most productive, creative, and social. Just think about it: our body is preparing to become a nurturing home for a new life, an embryo. Our mood is up, and our energy is thriving.
As estrogen winds down and fades away, progesterone takes center stage. Progesterone is the hormone that brings calm and craves peace. If fertilization occurred, it’s the hormone responsible for helping the embryo attach to the uterine wall. By now, the vibrant, high-flying, social woman from the first half of the cycle might seem completely gone. Something we were dying to do last week might hold zero appeal this week. But both versions are completely us.
Toward the end (if pregnancy hasn’t occurred), progesterone drops as well, preparing us to shed the uterine lining—bringing on menstruation and starting the next cycle all over again.
This is what we go through every single month, my fellow women. It’s about the hormones that govern us—and how well we choose to nurture them. If you’d like to learn how to support your hormones and align your lifestyle with your menstrual cycle, you are warmly invited to “Kız Gibi” (Like a Girl)—Turkey’s first and only hormone-aligned lifestyle program. In it, we dive deep into every female reproductive hormone, covering tailored nutrition and daily living strategies. Every time we open enrollment, I can’t wait to welcome new participants because I have so much to share! Whether you are 20 or 70 years old, you are welcome to join; the program is designed for women at every stage of life.
I hope this information helps you understand yourself just a little bit better.
Warmly,
Sema
