We can approach our care for the mental health of women and people with estrogen cycles from two directions. It can be regenerative, featured by mix of grounding meditation, invigorating physical routines, conversations, or inner silence, going pharma or staying holistic and every combination in between, or sustainable, approaching the natural flow of things with respect and grace, aligning treatment with phases of the flow, not forcing “fix it” mindset.
From my first menstruation at 15 till menopause sets in at 55, I will experience 480 cycles. Not always I will have access to hormonal treatments and not always I will choose to use them. Do I want to constantly need to turn to therapies, mediations, and retreats to regenerate my mental health, or do I rather once and for all acknowledge the existence of my mood patterns at different phases of the cycle, and choose to understand them, to learn to predict and manage those patterns, anticipate my emotional needs and communicate them accordingly?
I choose second. I choose to be ahead in this game. Because regenerative mental health is not the only way to care for myself. Menstrual emotional health can be sustainable.