What is the infradian rhythm and why does it matter for your health?
What is the Infradian Rhythm?
You’ve probably heard of the 24-hour circadian rhythm and its influence on your well-being, but have you heard of the female infradian rhythm?
The infradian rhythm is a biological cycle lasting around a month, unique to women. You literally have a second body clock! This rhythm governs brain activity, immune function, metabolism, and reproductive health, all of which shift in a complex but predictable sequence throughout the 28-day menstrual cycle.
How the Infradian Rhythm affects your body.
Your hormones fluctuate in a precise rhythm, influencing:
✔ Mood & emotions
✔ Mental clarity & motivation
✔ Sensuality & creativity
✔ Nutrient needs & cravings
✔ Physical energy & sleep
✔ Stress resilience & metabolism
This means your body’s needs change throughout the month, so the idea that women should eat, exercise, and function the same way every day is outdated!
Why haven’t you heard about the Infradian Rhythm before?
Historically, medical research has prioritised men’s health, meaning much of the health advice we receive today is not tailored to female physiology.
Most clinical trials focus on male subjects, so what trickles down into mainstream healthcare is based on the male circadian rhythm—not the infradian cycle.
For decades, women have been taught to follow daily habits that don’t align with their natural hormonal shifts, often leading to burnout, imbalances, and frustration.
When women align their nutrition, movement, and lifestyle with their natural cycle, their health, energy, and overall well-being improve dramatically.
The Endocrine System & your cycle hormones.
Your endocrine system is an intricate network of glands that produce and regulate hormones. This system controls your menstrual cycle, metabolism, stress response, sleep, mood, and reproductive health.
At the core of this system is the hypothalamus, which continuously monitors hormone levels and communicates with the pituitary gland—the master regulator of hormone production.
Let’s explore the key hormones that influence your menstrual cycle:
The Key Players in Your Cycle:
🌀 Oestrogen – The Beyoncé hormone! It boosts fertility, enhances mood by increasing serotonin, and supports ovulation, bone health, brain function, and heart health.
🌀 Progesterone – A calming, anti-anxiety hormone that promotes relaxation and stabilises mood, sleep, and uterine health after ovulation.
🌀 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Stimulates ovarian follicles to mature, setting the stage for ovulation.
🌀 Luteinising Hormone (LH) – Triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary, initiating ovulation.
But hormones don’t just regulate reproduction—they also respond to stress, energy levels, and metabolism.
The Stress Hormones That Disrupt Your Cycle:
⚡ Adrenaline – Activates the fight-or-flight response and increases glucose levels for quick energy during stress. Chronic activation can lead to burnout and hormone imbalances.
⚡ Cortisol – Regulates stress, blood sugar, inflammation, and metabolism. High cortisol levels disrupt ovulation, cause irregular cycles, and contribute to PMS and hormonal anxiety.
How to support your hormones & stay balanced.
Your body is designed to thrive—but it needs the right conditions to function optimally. The most common causes of hormone imbalances include:
❌ Chronic stress
❌ Poor nutrition
❌ Lack of sleep
❌ Over-exercising or under-exercising
❌ Blood sugar imbalances
By supporting your endocrine system naturally, you can reduce PMS, mood swings, anxiety, and irregular periods.
How can you work with your Infradian Rhythm?
Understanding your infradian cycle allows you to adjust your nutrition, movement, and self-care to support your body’s natural rhythm.
For example:
✔ In the follicular phase (after your period), oestrogen rises, making this a great time for lighter, protein-rich meals and high-energy workouts.
✔ During ovulation, your metabolism and energy peak, making it ideal for social activities and higher-intensity exercise.
✔ In the luteal phase (before your period), progesterone increases, and your body benefits from more rest, gentle movement, and warming, nutrient-dense foods.
Want to learn more? Check out my Why you should track your cycle (and how to do it right) to start tuning into your unique rhythm.
Need support in balancing your hormones?
Your hormones are brilliantly designed, but sometimes they need extra support. If you're struggling with hormonal symptoms or want to learn how to eat for cycle health, I’m here to help!
📩 Book a free clarity call to start feeling better today.
🌿 Nourish your endocrine system and thrive!
Important: Not everyone feels like Beyoncé during ovulation, and that’s okay! We are all unique, and hormone responses vary depending on genetics, lifestyle, diet, environment, and stress levels.
FAQs:
💡 How do I know if my hormones are imbalanced?
If you experience PMS, irregular cycles, fatigue, mood swings, or period pain, your hormones may need support.
💡 Can I improve my hormone health without changing my whole lifestyle?
Yes! Even small, sustainable changes can have a big impact over time.
💡 What’s the best way to start working with my cycle?
Begin by tracking your symptoms and energy levels—this will help you understand how your body responds to hormonal shifts. Need help? Book a clarity call!
