How does the menstrual cycle affect your emotions and energy level?

Throughout your cycle, your hormones, which control your menstrual cycle, can also affect other aspects of your health — emotionally, mentally, and physically.

In the follicular phase,

• your energy levels might be higher;

• your memory may be better, and your pain tolerance may be higher during these weeks. After your period ends is a good time to schedule a Pap test, as your cervical fluid is thinnest during this week, which can help show the clearest results.

In the luteal phase,

• you may feel sluggish or forgetful;

• if you have a health problem, such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, or asthma, your symptoms may get worse right before your period starts;

• if you have diabetes, you may find that your glucose levels are harder to control. Your glucose levels may be higher or lower than usual. This problem may be more common in women who also get premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms;

• levels of the brain chemical serotonin drop. Along with changing glucose levels, this can make you crave sugary and starchy foods.

Glow Energy Index is used to reflect your actual energy level during your periods, fertile windows and also days before your periods. The score is calculated based on your logged health data (including physical symptoms, stress, moods, etc.) in Glow. If you want to learn more about how Glow Energy Index works, please visit Glow Cycle Analysis.

Reference: 

1. Usha Rani, Y.S., Manjunath, P., Desai, R.D. (2013). Comparative study of variations in Blood Glucose Concentration in Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Young Healthy Women Aged 18–22 Years.  IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences; 9(2): 9–11.

2. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Your menstrual cycle and your health. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle-and-your-health (Accessed: 06 June 2022).