Your menstrual cycle isn't just affecting your mood - it's directly regulating your nervous system.
MENSTRUAL PHASE (Days 1-7):
Estrogen & progesterone lowest. NS impact: More introverted, lower stress tolerance, pain sensitivity increases, fatigue, emotional vulnerability.
What NS needs: Extra sleep, gentle movement, adjustments support sensitive NS, say no to extra demands, nourishing foods. This isn't weakness - it's biology.
FOLLICULAR PHASE (Days 8-13):
Estrogen rising. NS impact: More energy and motivation, better mood, higher stress resilience, improved focus, social and outgoing.
What NS needs: Capitalize on energy (schedule workouts, big projects, social events), this is your power phase - lean into it.
OVULATION (Days 14-16):
Estrogen peaks, LH surge. NS impact: Peak physical/mental energy, highest confidence, most social, best communication, peak stress resilience.
What NS needs: Schedule important conversations, presentations, push harder in workouts, make big decisions. You're unstoppable - evolutionarily designed this way.
LUTEAL PHASE (Days 17-28):
Progesterone rises then CRASHES if not pregnant.
Early luteal (17-23): Progesterone has calming effects, may feel more relaxed/introverted, energy declining.
Late luteal/PMS (24-28): Progesterone crash = NS dysregulation. Irritability, anxiety (sympathetic activation), emotional sensitivity, sleep disruption, food cravings, physical symptoms (bloating, headaches).
What NS needs: Days 17-23 honor slowing energy. Days 24-28 EXTRA NS support - chiropractic adjustments, magnesium, quality sleep, stress reduction, gentle movement, avoid overcommitting.
Upper cervical adjustments during PMS week help regulate NS during hormonal crash.
How chiropractic supports hormonal NS changes:
Upper cervical spine (C1-C2) affects hypothalamus (controls hormone signaling), pituitary gland (master hormone gland), overall NS regulation.
When upper cervical balanced: Hormonal signals communicate clearly, NS can regulate better through fluctuations, PMS symptoms reduce, menstrual cramps decrease, mood stability improves.
Regular chiropractic throughout cycle = smoother hormonal transitions, less severe PMS, better regulation.
Support your nervous system throughout your cycle = hormones don't feel so overwhelming.
Dr. Taylor MacLean
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