If you’ve been scrolling on TikTok lately, as the heavy heat of summer sets in—I know you have—you might’ve seen a video or two of a woman comparing how she feels during her “luteal” versus “ovulatory” phase.
Maybe she’s tired–eyed and disheveled in one clip, radiant and put–together in the second. Whatever they depict, these videos form part of a growing online trend, highlighting the daily realities of the female hormone cycle—a constant presence that, until semi–recently, has rarely been part of casual conversation.
This surge in attention is surprising, especially given the notoriously timely and fleeting nature of TikTok trends. A dance goes viral for a week, but then the newest Sabrina Carpenter song takes everyone by storm, just in time for Lorde to announce a new album—and the cycle continues. But every so often, the fickle algorithm that controls so much of our attention spits out content highlighting real, lived experiences, giving me a glimmer of hope that the internet might still serve a higher purpose. A reminder that it can be more than just parasocial drama and eye–catching edits; it can be a platform for sharing truths that are personal, physiological, and, frankly, overdue.
So, before said algorithm sweeps the topic away again (these videos have already been pushed aside by endless matcha tutorials on my For You Page), let’s hit pause.
For those who haven’t experienced its highs and lows, the female hormone cycle is both simple and complicated, reducible to four stages that manifest in countless unique ways for anyone with a uterus. It begins with the menstrual phase, more commonly known as a period, when the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina in the absence of pregnancy. The menstrual phase overlaps with the follicular phase, during which the hormone estrogen rises in the body and another follicle–stimulating hormone causes follicles in the ovaries to grow.
Next is ovulation, when the resulting ovum, or egg, is released from the ovary. The cycle then ends with the luteal phase, during which the egg travels to the uterus and the hormone progesterone rises in the body in preparation for a possible pregnancy. In the absence of fertilization, both progesterone and estrogen levels plummet, triggering the start of menstruation once again.
In addition to its physical effects, each phase of the hormone cycle is associated with a distinct set of emotions and side effects—experiences that, for quite some time, have been the butt of many, often misinformed criticisms. For decades, hormone–related symptoms were (and sometimes, still are) treated with a mix of skepticism and condescension, casually chalked up to “that time of the month.” More recently, however, nuances find themselves dissected openly (and accurately) on the Internet. For example, the luteal phase is typically linked to lethargy, increased moodiness, and sometimes depression, while the ovulatory phase—as you might expect—is nearly the opposite.
While each individual experience is valid, they certainly vary—in severity as well as timing and presentation. Some individuals experience very few symptoms, while others face major discomfort throughout their cycle. The reality is that hormones are powerful chemical messengers that affect not just reproductive organs, but the brain, metabolism, immune function, and beyond. Importantly, hormones are not unique in their influence, but are distinct only in their weaponization. Various conditions that affect all genders—from diabetes to lupus—similarly, have mental as well as physical effects.
There is also rising awareness around the various conditions that can arise from imbalances in female hormones, from premenstrual dysphoric disorder—a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—to symptoms associated with menopause, which can range from hot flashes to mood swings. Just as important are hormonal imbalances related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders—all of which disproportionately affect women and are often misdiagnosed or underresearched.
All that’s to say: women’s health is a mountain that is too often made into a molehill. The female experience is different, to be sure—but it is not exceptional. Women make up half of the population; it is only necessary to recognize and study female health.
There’s a sort of beauty in this shared experience, a quiet solidarity that comes from knowing your body intimately. It’s refreshing to see women advocating for their health publicly, especially given how long the slightest fluctuation in hormones has been a source of shame.The result: an increased reluctance in women and others with female hormones to seek support and healthcare, even when needed. Women should not have to fear for their reputation when advocating for their health. They should not have to contort themselves into stoicism to be taken seriously. The female experience deserves both celebration and care, and it’s high time the world realized that.
