Cycle-Based Living: What Hormonal Changes Really Mean – and Where the Opportunities and Limits Lie
- Oh Yes Baby Yes
- May 27
- 3 min read
Many women experience it every month – yet only in recent years have many started consciously recognizing it: The days before menstruation can feel like a different state altogether. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally.
As part of a recent SRF documentary, “rec.”, I spoke about exactly this phase – and about how our understanding of the female cycle is currently changing.
What Actually Happens During the Menstrual Cycle
The female cycle is a finely balanced interaction of different hormones – especially estrogen and progesterone.
During the first half of the cycle, estrogen levels rise. Many women feel stable, focused, and energetic during this phase.
Ovulation is regulated through a complex interaction of several hormones, including LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone.
During the second half of the cycle, the hormonal balance shifts: progesterone becomes dominant, and shortly before menstruation, hormone levels drop again if pregnancy has not occurred.
These changes are biologically normal – but they can affect each person very differently.
Common Symptoms Before Your Period
Many women report:
Emotional and Psychological Changes
• irritability
• mood swings
• increased sensitivity
• a stronger need to withdraw
Physical Symptoms
• breast tenderness
• water retention
• sleep disturbances
• fatigue
These symptoms are real – and very common. At the same time, the intensity can vary greatly from person to person.
Why the Topic "cycle-based living" Is Becoming More Visible
At the same time, a clear trend can be observed:
More and more women are actively engaging with their menstrual cycle. Cycle tracking, apps, and cycle-based living are receiving increasing attention.
This is fundamentally a positive development.
Because understanding your own body can bring relief and orientation.
But: Cycle Awareness Can Also Create Pressure
In clinical practice, however, another side is becoming increasingly visible:
A growing expectation to “function in harmony with the cycle.”
Women ask themselves:
Am I in the “right” phase today?
Should I be especially productive right now?
Am I doing something wrong if I feel different?
This is where an important boundary appears.
Cycle-based living should not mean adapting to a new ideal – but rather understanding your body better without creating additional pressure.
What Cycle Tracking Can Actually Help With
When used appropriately, cycle tracking can be very helpful:
• recognizing patterns
• understanding symptoms more clearly
• identifying connections
• improving conversations with healthcare professionals
It is a tool – not a system for self-evaluation.
Treatment Options: What Can Actually Help
Treatment should always be based on the individual situation.
Possible approaches include:
Complementary Approaches (for example stress regulation, sleep, movement)
Herbal Supplements and Nutritional Support (depending on individual symptoms)
Hormonal Treatment Options (targeted support for hormonal balance)
At Oh yes baby yes, we now also offer dedicated hormonal consultations focused on cycle-based living – including a structured initial consultation (90 minutes) followed by ongoing sessions (60 minutes).
One important point:
Not every recommendation is automatically evidence-based.
Especially in the field of hormones and cycle health, many simplified or shortened claims circulate online. A differentiated medical perspective is therefore essential.
Why an Individual Perspective Matters
Cyclical changes are normal.
However, significant distress should always be taken seriously.
The goal is not to simply “normalize” symptoms – but to understand when support may be helpful.
Conclusion
The growing interest in the female cycle is an important step forward.
But real relief does not come through optimization – it comes through understanding.
Knowing your body does not mean functioning perfectly. It means learning to relate to yourself more consciously.
And often, this understanding becomes the first step toward greater stability, more self-confidence – and ultimately a better quality of life.
If You Recognize Yourself in This
You do not have to go through it alone.
confidential · evidence-based · in Zurich or online
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