Have you ever wondered why your period seems to align with the phases of the moon? Sometimes it arrives during the new moon, while other times it coincides with the full moon. In this blog post, I will explain this phenomenon and answer some common questions about the connection between the menstrual cycle and the moon.
If you’re curious about the messages your menstrual blood is conveying, I’ve got you covered.
Think of your menstrual phase as a monthly report summarising the past month or however long it’s been since your last period.
One interesting way our menstrual cycle communicates with us is through the color of our period blood. Whether it’s a rich ruby red or a pale pink, even brownish or black, the color can provide insight into what’s happening in our bodies.
So, why does the moon influence our menstrual cycle?
A well-known study conducted in 1986 found that 28.3 percent of women started their period around the new moon. However, there is still no consensus among scientists about whether there is a definitive connection.
Let’s dive into my reasoning and let you decide for yourself.
Our species has evolved to follow a daily cycle of exposure to high light (thanks to the sun!) and periods of darkness with minimal light (hello moon!). Light is a powerful stimulant for the brain, sending signals to the hypothalamus and pineal gland, two endocrine glands in the brain, to wake up. Since we haven’t lived with electricity or electronic devices for very long, our brain can’t differentiate between natural moonlight and artificial light from our phones. As a result, it stays awake. When this happens, our 24-hour sleep/wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, may become disrupted. Both those who menstruate and those who do not share this circadian rhythm. However, those who menstruate also have an additional biological clock called the infradian rhythm, which consists of four distinct phases of the menstrual cycle. Each phase brings unique hormonal, physical, and energetic changes. When our circadian rhythm is altered by light (whether natural or artificial), it impacts our infradian rhythm (our menstrual cycle). While the connection between the menstrual cycle and the moon may seem magical and mystical, there is scientific evidence to support it. However, there are also some skeptics.
A 2019 study by the period tracking app Clue, which analyzed data from 1.5 million users, found no direct link between the moon and the onset of menstruation. Here’s my unproven hypothesis as to why these findings differ: in 1987, handheld and in-home technology that emits artificial light, which can affect our hormones like natural light, was less common than in 2019. Perhaps this is why the results are so contrasting. Have you noticed any correlation between the moon and your menstrual cycle? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you menstruate during the new moon, it means you’re likely ovulating around the time of the full moon. When the moon is at its darkest point, you, too, experience your own inner winter during your menstrual phase. Conversely, when the moon is at its brightest, you feel vibrant, fertile, and possibly ovulating (although it’s important to note that not all individuals ovulate on day 14, so the moon isn’t a reliable method for tracking your cycle for contraception). Menstruating with this rhythm means being deeply in tune with the Earth’s rhythm, as many plants also follow this fertility cycle. It may even signal the conception of a human child. This phase of the moon cycle encourages us to focus on our inner circle, our well-being, our families, our living spaces, and our close-knit communities. Interestingly, I was bleeding during this cycle when I conceived my youngest son. It brings me immense peace as my hormonal and energetic fluctuations align with the world around me.
Want to work with the New Moon more closely? Check out my previous blog
