"No, you’re not hysterical. It’s biology… and misunderstood power"

It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility to know this story. It’s not the usual narrative, and what isn’t usual gets silenced at the margins.

1. Why have female hormones been demonized?

Since childhood, we’ve heard supposed universal truths:

“You’re on your period, right?”
“Your hormones are all over the place”
“You’re menopausal, that’s why you’re moody”
“Periods are dirty and gross”

Female hormones have been blamed for everything. As if womanhood equals endless imbalance. It doesn’t.

While we’re shamed for being cyclical, we forget that hormones are also our best hormonal health toolkit.

We are cyclical. Like the moon. Like the earth.

Nature runs in cycles — seasons, organic agriculture — and so do we. Instead of celebrating that, we’re asked to be linear: productive, stable, the same every day.

Follicular phase (post-menstruation): better memory, imagination, spatial skills and sociability… with possible anxiety.
Ovulation: higher libido, strength and glow.
Luteal phase: progesterone soothes, inviting rest and introspection.

Allostatic load and the demonstration effect

Add the “double duty”: care work, paid work, and proving you can do it all with a smile. That chronic stress is allostatic load and helps explain higher chronic fatigue in women.

The protective role of hormones

Estrogens: shield the heart before menopause.
Progesterone: natural anti-inflammatory; calms body and mind.
Testosterone: key for energy, bone density, muscle mass and desire.

2. What happens when they drop? Hello, menopause.

When hormones fall, everything shifts — lubrication, energy, protection, mental clarity. You may see joint pain, sleep problems, low libido, hot flashes, brain fog, mood changes, recurrent UTIs, overall dryness.

The brain still needs estrogen for memory, focus and mood. As Rachel Rubin says: “Add a little estrogen to keep the receptors happy.”

3. What can you do?

1. Make a plan

A hormonal health plan reduces stress, lowers allostatic load and gives you power.

2. Adapt to your cycle

Phase	What happens	What to do
Menstruation	Low energy, higher inflammation	Avoid coffee and alcohol; rest more
Follicular	More energy, possible anxiety	Increase complex carbs; prioritize planning and focus
Ovulation	Libido and strength peak	Hydrate, raise protein, go for intense training
Luteal	Calmer but more tired and low mood	Magnesium and B6; more self-care