Living in rhythm: why menstrual cycle awareness matters now more than ever

Most of us grew up learning the bare minimum about our menstrual cycles - usually just enough to somehow manage bleeding and avoid pregnancy. Many of us as girls might have been inundated with the idea that menstruation is just a "necessary evil”, something that we need to push through, and is just part of becoming a woman. Annoying, painful. 

What we unfortunately didn’t learn is that our cycle is actually our natural rhythm, influencing our energy, creativity, focus, and our sense of connection to ourselves.

For years, I moved through my cycle on autopilot. I pushed through exhaustion and cramps with painkillers, blamed myself for my mood swings, and I was angry at my body for being ‘an inconvenience’. It wasn’t until I discovered Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) that something clicked. 

My body and emotions weren’t unpredictable - I just wasn’t listening.

In short, MAC is the practice of observing your cycle in a four-phase rhythm, rather than a problem to manage. It’s not about perfection, ‘biohacking’, or synching your life to strict, ‘always productive’ schedule. It’s about the relationship to your body: to learn the language of your body so you can respond with more compassion and clarity.

Here’s why this matters now more than ever:

1. We live in a world that expects constant productivity and high output

Our bodies are cyclical. When we understand our natural ebbs and flows, we can work with ourselves instead of against.

2. Emotional patterns make more sense when you have context.

What it feels like ‘out of the blue’ random mood swings, often has a reason and a rhythm. Awareness about these brings relief, not judgment.

3. Creativity and confidence fluctuates throughout our cycle

Every phase has its joys and shadows. Some phases are perfect for brainstorming and putting yourself out there in the world, others are for refining projects or resting. MCA helps you harness these natural waves.

4. Awareness builds self-trust

The more time you allow yourself to observe your cycle, the more you will understand your needs, then the easier it becomes to honor them.

As a cycle coach, I’m not here to preach expertise. I’m here to share what I’m learning, and what might help you reconnect with your own inner rhythm and help to create a safe space to deepen these discoveries. 

This blog series will explore each phase of the cycle, how to chart sustainably and without overwhelming yourself, and how to use awareness as a tool for self-compassion rather than control.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, confused by your symptoms, or curious about how your cycle influences your daily life, you are in the right place. 

Let’s embark on this journey together - gently, honestly, and with a lot of curiosity.