Cycle and Self-Esteem — How Hormones Affect How You Feel

Sometimes you look in the mirror and think:
"I'm awesome, I'm doing great, I like how I look."
And a few days later, it seems like everything is the opposite — you can't keep up, you don't look right, you don't speak right.
It feels like self-esteem has a life of its own.
And in a way — it's true.
Because it is closely linked to the menstrual cycle and how hormones work.

🌸 First Half of the Cycle — Growth and Confidence

After the end of the period, the level of estrogen begins to rise.
Along with it often comes a surge of energy, inspiration, and clarity.
This is the time when it's easy to look at yourself with love and confidence.
Often during this period, you want to be in the spotlight, set goals, and socialize.

🔥 Ovulation — Peak of Energy and Confidence

This is the moment when estrogen and testosterone give the feeling: "I can do anything."
Libido increases, mood improves, and there is a sense of attractiveness and lightness in the body.
Even if you don't track ovulation — you might just feel "in the zone."

🌙 Luteal Phase — Calmness and Vulnerability

After ovulation, the level of progesterone begins to rise.
It makes us a bit calmer, and sometimes — more vulnerable.
During this time, many experience self-criticism, anxiety, doubts like
"What if I'm doing everything wrong?".

🌧 Before the Period — Decline and Reset

Before the period, these feelings can intensify.
PMS is not only irritability but also a temporary drop in self-esteem.
Everything seems more difficult, reactions become sharper,
internal support seems to waver.
It's important to remember: you are not becoming worse — your body is just preparing for a reset.

💫 Acceptance of the Cycle — Path to Stability

When you understand that this is temporary and related to the phases of the cycle, it becomes easier.
You can avoid scolding yourself for a "bad day" and acknowledge:
right now my hormonal background is changing, and I should be especially gentle with myself.

💜 How IVA Helps

IVA helps notice these fluctuations.
If you note your mood and well-being in the app,
after a few months you will see:
self-esteem is not chaos. It's a wave.

And if you learn to ride it,
you can maintain yourself, not lose yourself.
Because the cycle is not the enemy of your confidence. It's part of it.