I’m sick… Is it my menstrual cycle?
Hey gorgeous 😍
I've been super sick for four days: fever, flu, tummy, the whole shebang.
As I was reflecting on this week's newsletter topic, I remembered that our immune system is also related to our menstrual cycle (I hope you're no longer suprised by now).
I had forgotten, because I only learnt about this two years ago, and it takes some training to think in terms of our menstrual cycle.
Of course, I can't simply blame my menstrual cycle for getting sick. (I'll save you the full story, but a fair few factors definitely contributed)
However, after ovulation, our oestrogen levels drop, which leads our immune system (i.e. body response to illnesses) to downshift. That means we might find it more difficult to resist to sickness.
During perimenopause and menopause as well, as our oestrogen levels drop, we become more prone to sickness.
This morning, I checked my cycle tracking app.
You guessed it: I had started my luteal phase (phase following ovulation) when I first became sick four days ago.
Pretty crazy!
Our cycle really does impact every aspect of us.
Of course, we can get sick at all times of our cycle.
However, as more research is done on the topic, perhaps women will become aware of times they're more prone to sickness and be able to combat sickness better.
I, for one, will definitely be more aware of this from now on!
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