For many, the concept of living cyclically is tied closely to the menstrual cycle. However, not everyone experiences a textbook 28-day cycle, and some may not have a menstrual cycle at all.
This can lead to confusion and frustration, especially when so much of the discourse around cyclical living seems tailored for those with regular periods.
The good news is that even without a perfect menstrual cycle, you can still embrace cyclical living in a meaningful and joyful way.
Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Many factors can disrupt a regular menstrual cycle, including stress, travel, pregnancy, postpartum changes, medications, athletic activity, malnutrition, illness, and hormonal birth control.
For those whose cycles don’t fit neatly into the four phases of the menstrual cycle (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal), it’s important to remember that cyclical living is still accessible.
No Menstrual Cycle? Follow the Moon
If you don’t currently have a menstrual cycle, you can align your life with the lunar cycle instead. The moon’s phases, which last approximately 29.5 days, can serve as a guide:
New Moon: Inner Winter (rest and reflection)
Waxing Moon: Inner Spring (growth and new beginnings)
Full Moon: Inner Summer (peak energy and visibility)
Waning Moon: Inner Autumn (harvest and preparation for rest)
By syncing with the moon, you can experience a rhythm that mirrors the natural world, even without the biological fluctuations of a menstrual cycle even if you’re not experiencing those hormonal changes.
Long or Short Cycles
For those with long cycles, such as those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the follicular phase may feel prolonged and less intense. Meanwhile,, short cycles can result in brief luteal phases, leading to intense but fleeting experiences of inner autumn.
It’s essential to be kind to yourself and recognize that your experience of inner seasons may differ from the norm. You can still live cyclically by adapting the concept to your unique situation.
Whether it’s following the moon, setting personal cycles, or mixing and matching cyclical habits, the goal is to find what serves you best.
Pregnancy and Cyclical Living
Pregnancy brings its own unique cycle. The experience can often be mapped onto the concept of inner seasons:
First Trimester: Inner Winter (adjustment and introspection)
Second Trimester: Inner Spring (renewed energy and planning)
Third Trimester: Inner Summer (preparation and visibility)
Labor and Early Postpartum: Inner Winter (release and recovery)
These parallels show that cyclical living can extend beyond the menstrual cycle, encompassing the broader stages of life.
Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control
Transitioning off hormonal birth control can be a time of uncertainty as your body readjusts to its natural rhythm. During this period, living cyclically with the moon can offer a mental structure while your hormones stabilize. Many people find that aligning with the lunar phases helps them stay connected to a cyclical rhythm and may even encourage the return of their natural cycle.
Embracing Your Unique Cycle
Ultimately, the essence of cyclical living is to honor the natural ebb and flow of energy and emotions. Even without a perfect menstrual cycle, you can embrace cyclical living in ways that feel authentic to you.
Whether through the lunar phases, calendar months, or personal milestones, the key is to find a rhythm that resonates with your life. By doing so, you can prevent burnout, add variety to your days, and create harmony across your commitments.
Remember, living cyclically is about tuning into your own rhythms, whatever they may be. If you are interested in learning more, please check out my book The Cycle Syncing Handbook!