You actually have more than one cycle!
Presently, most discussions regarding a woman's cycle tend to revolve around her menstrual cycle, which is often portrayed in a negative light, reinforcing the stereotype that women are often irritable and hard to deal with. Unfortunately, women are not adequately educated about the fact that their menstrual cycle is not just about reproduction, but also a vital indicator of various aspects of their health, starting from their first sex education class.
In addition, these discussions tend to overlook the fact that women have multiple biological cycles that have a significant impact on their health, and it is essential to recognize and comprehend them better.
A few include:
- The circadian rhythm acts as an internal clock that regulates the timing of various physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, metabolism, and body temperature. This 24-hour cycle is influenced by external cues such as light and social cues, and disruptions to the circadian rhythm have been linked to various health problems.
- The metabolic cycle is a series of chemical reactions that occur within cells to convert nutrients into energy and other vital molecules. It involves several pathways, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, and is crucial for sustaining life and maintaining cellular functions.
- Biorhythms refer to the natural cyclical fluctuations in physiological and behavioral processes that occur over time. These rhythms are present in a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to humans, and are influenced by internal and external factors such as genetics, hormones, and environmental cues.
- Hormonal cycle: Women experience established fluctuations in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, including estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), among others. Unfortunately, women are often not informed about these fluctuations, which can impact their broader health. Better understanding these hormonal changes can help women have more control and experience better health outcomes.
The duration and regularity of these cycles can significantly vary among women and are often influenced by age, health, stress, and lifestyle factors.
Recognizing all of these cycles and their impact on various parts of a woman's body is a crucial step towards understanding the integrative nature of women's health. It can also help break down negative stereotypes and encourage more substantive conversations.
Unfortunately, discussions about women's menstrual cycles, let alone other cycles, are rarely in-depth between women and their healthcare providers. Imagine the benefits of discussing all of your cycles and their impact on your health during your next doctor's visit. Such conversations can lead to more research, better solutions, and improved health outcomes for all women. Women should take the initiative to ask these questions now to better support and empower themselves and other women in the future.
References
1. C. F. Draper. “Menstrual cycle rhythmicity: metabolic patterns in healthy women”, 01 October 2018, Scientific Reports: url: https://www.nature.com/articles s41598-018-32647-0
2. Shadab A Rahman, “Endogenous Circadian Regulation of Female Reproductive Hormones”, JCEM, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6821202/
3. Ari Schechter, “Sleep, Hormones, and Ciradrian Ryhtyms throughout the Menstrual Cycle in Health Women and Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, 2010, Janu 18, url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2817387/
4. Beverly G Reed, MD, “The Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation”, NIH, August 5, 2018 Url: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/5.