Hormones, Mood, and Energy: What to Do About It?

You wake up full of energy, and a couple of days later — you can't get out of bed. Sometimes you want to cuddle, sometimes you want silence. Sometimes sleep is deep, and sometimes your brain won't shut off until late at night. All of this may not just be 'whimsical,' but the work of hormones.

A woman's cycle is not just about menstruation. It's a constant movement of hormones that affect everything from thoughts to appetite. Three are particularly important: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

☀️ First Half of the Cycle: Surge

Right after menstruation, estrogen levels begin to rise. Mood improves, there's more energy, concentration, and inspiration. Many women feel 'in themselves' at this time — confident, attractive, composed. Sleep becomes deeper, waking up is easier.

🌸 Ovulation: Peak

In the middle of the cycle, estrogen reaches its maximum. A bit of testosterone is added — and together they provide a surge of energy, sexuality, and the desire to be in the spotlight. Sleep may become slightly lighter, but still of good quality. This is the 'bright' phase of the cycle.

🌘 Second Half of the Cycle: Slowdown

After ovulation, estrogen decreases, and progesterone takes its place. It calms, relaxes, and sometimes makes sleep more drowsy. But for some, it causes anxiety, tearfulness, and the feeling of 'not wanting to talk to anyone.' This is a time when it's important not to demand too much of yourself. The world isn't falling apart — it's just that hormones are working differently.

🌧 PMS and Menstruation: Reset

Before menstruation, a hormonal 'swing' may begin. Mood swings, cravings for sweets, anxiety, and fatigue are stronger than usual. This is normal. During this time, there may be insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness. After menstruation starts, everything gradually stabilizes.

What Can Be Done About It?

• Track your states and notice patterns
• Don't compare yourself 'yesterday' and 'today' — you're alive, not a robot
• Plan active tasks for the first half of the cycle, and in the second — take a little more care of yourself
• Be gentle with yourself: a bad day doesn't mean there's something wrong with you

IVA helps to see this rhythm. The more you know about yourself, the easier it is to understand why some days you want to conquer the world, and on others — just be.