When we talk about cycle syncing and fertility tracking, it’s usually in the context of physical health and/or birth control/getting pregnant. But I think the most important benefit is mental health awareness.
In my own life, I have seen a strong correlation between my menstrual & mental health. I don't know how many times I have looked up the qualifications for bipolar disorder. When I’m off-balance, my mood fluctuates so much that I feel like two different people from one week to the next.
This is why I am a huge promoter of the cyclical lifestyle. It gives me a point of reference and language to articulate and process my experience. There have been a number of times where I have felt overwhelmed, deeply sad, and anxious. After looking at my chart, I realized where I was in my cycle. I was able to calm myself and assure my concerned husband, “I’m in the luteal phase right now. I need to take a little better care of myself and I’ll feel better next week.” On the flip side, I have more energy, ambition, and passion when I’m in my follicular phase. This knowledge of where I am in my cycle has reminded me to not bite off more than I can chew.
How much heartache and anxiety could we save if we knew how the phases affected our bodies and mental health? How would it benefit young girls who are transitioning into womanhood? How many conditions, both medical and mental, could we catch early enough to correct if every woman was aware of and tracked her cycle?
The need for this awareness and recorded data seems especially dire according to an article by the Mayo Clinic Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap. They state that women are almost twice as likely as men* to be diagnosed with depression. Many cases are linked to hormonal fluctuation, everything from puberty to menopause.
It’s estimated that PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) affects around 90% of us and that 2-5% of women are diagnosed with PMDD according to Sex Hormone–Sensitive Gene Complex Linked to Premenstrual Mood Disorder. In case you are not familiar, PMDD is similar to PMS but the symptoms of irritability, sadness, and anxiety are cranked up to a level that makes it difficult to live a normal life and you can only get this diagnosis with 2 months of recorded symptoms.
The need for body literacy and tracking one’s cycle is more important than simply using a chart for birth control. It is vital to recognize that something is truly wrong and get help as soon as possible.
If you are interested in beginning to track your cycle, here are a couple of free printable charts to get you started.
If you want to get to know your cycle, these charts will help you keep track of your signs of fertility.
If you think you may have PMDD this chart by Psychologist, DR. Marks will help you record your symptoms and hopefully aid you in getting accurate diagnoses.
*This article doesn't take into account the fact that men are less likely to report mental illness symptoms or that doctors are less likely to diagnose a man with depression, which hampers the statistics.
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