
The cycle is a vital sign — just like your heart rate or sleep quality, it gives key insights into your hormonal balance, stress levels, and overall health.
Each phase of the cycle has a purpose — from period to period, your body follows a powerful monthly rhythm that supports physical, mental, and emotional function.
Hormones influence everything — estrogen, progesterone, and other cycle hormones impact your mood, energy, sleep, sex drive, focus, digestion, and immune function.
Chronic stress disrupts your cycle — high cortisol can throw off ovulation, shorten or lengthen phases & increase inflammation, often showing up as PMS, irregular periods, or painful periods.
Disconnection leads to dysfunction — ignoring or suppressing your cycle can cause you to miss early signs of imbalance; understanding your rhythm helps you prevent burnout, make better decisions, and feel more in sync with your life and body.
The menstrual cycle is the hormonal and reproductive heartbeat of humanity.
It's literally the reason we're all here.
It is also a compass and a vital sign.
Similar to our other vital signs, the cycle is a critical vital sign of health, providing valuable insights into a = physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
In April 2021, I co-authored the official definition of menstrual health to guide policy makers, researchers & practitioners. Menstrual health means being able to:
Access accurate, age-appropriate information about the cycle and self-care across life stages
Manage menstruation with dignity, comfort, and access to safe, effective materials and facilities
Receive timely care, treatment, and support for menstrual discomforts and disorders
Live free from stigma with the confidence and resources to make informed self-care choices
Fully participate in all areas of life without menstrual-related discrimination or exclusion
*Not all women menstruate and not all people who have periods identify as women. Inclusivity is paramount.