The Moon, Menstruation and Menopause
There’s something magical about the moon. Early this morning, as I stood on my back porch, I snapped a photo of its luminous glow. That same glow has been linked to the rhythms of our bodies for centuries, especially for women. The connection between the moon and a woman’s menstrual cycle is both fascinating and, in many ways, mysterious—tied to science, folklore, and our own lived experiences.
The Science Behind the Connection
The average menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, which closely mirrors the moon’s cycle of 29.5 days. While not all women experience a cycle that aligns perfectly with the moon, many do, and this correlation has sparked curiosity for generations. Scientists believe that the moon’s gravitational pull, which influences tides, might also have a subtle effect on our bodies, particularly in regulating the menstrual cycle. While the exact science is still debated, the link between our bodies and the moon remains a powerful symbol of nature’s influence on our lives.
The Folklore of the Moon and Menstruation
For centuries, cultures around the world have woven stories that connect the moon with women’s cycles. In many ancient traditions, the moon was seen as a symbol of femininity, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life. The new moon represented the start of menstruation—a time of renewal and reflection—while the full moon symbolized peak fertility and energy. These stories highlight the belief that women, like the moon, are deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the Earth.
My Own Moonlit Journey
Thinking back to when I first got my period during puberty, I remember the shock. It felt like a sudden, overwhelming transition into a new chapter of life—one I wasn’t quite ready for. In my 20s, I experienced what I like to call the “monthly grumpies.” Every 30 days or so, I’d crave ridiculous foods, feel bloated beyond belief, and wonder why I was in such a mood. Then, like clockwork, I’d start to bleed, and the mystery was solved. “Ah, right…next time I’ll remember,” I’d think. But, just like in a real-life version of Groundhog Day, I’d forget and repeat the cycle, month after month, year after year.
Then perimenopause arrived—just when I thought I’d finally gotten into a rhythm, aligning with nature and the moon. Suddenly, it all went haywire. The cycles became irregular, my body changed in ways I hadn’t anticipated or ignored, and the connection I felt with the moon seemed to wane. Yet, even now, post-menopause, I still feel the moon’s pull. This morning, I noticed a dull ache, a shadow of what used to be my monthly cycle, reminding me that the moon still influences me. Even though the physical cycle has ended, the connection to the moon remains—a reminder that I’m not invisible to the rhythms of nature.
It's Not An Ending
Menopause is often seen as a time of loss—the end of a cycle. But for me, it’s also a time of reflection, growth, and connection. The moon, with its constant cycles, reminds me that change is natural, and every phase has its own beauty and purpose. Even as my body transitions, the moon’s influence persists, offering a sense of continuity and grounding.
As women, our lives are deeply intertwined with the cycles of nature—from the first shock of puberty to the monthly dance with our periods, and finally, to the new rhythms of menopause. Whether you're in the midst of your monthly grumpies or working through the unpredictability of perimenopause, know that you’re not alone. We’re all connected by the moon’s glow, and it’s a connection that lasts a lifetime.
