Embracing the Cycle

For a long time, medical research was almost entirely limited to men’s health. As a consequence, the menstrual cycle is still a very active research area with lots of unanswered questions. Fact is that the menstrual cycle does – lo and behold – not only affect one’s ability to reproduce. It has a severe impact on physical health and mental wellbeing, such as the immune system, blood sugar levels, mood, and energy levels. Ways to escape the menstrual cycle are hormonal contraceptives or getting pregnant. However, there is another option: using the cycle to one’s advantage. To this end, Structured is introducing Cycle Seasons.

The Idea Behind Cycle Seasons

Just like the seasons of the year, the phases of the menstrual cycle can be considered seasons. In each season of your menstrual cycle, your body undergoes different physical processes that may affect your well-being, mental health and energy. Cycle Seasons helps you to envision which season you are currently going through and how to integrate the features of each season into your everyday life. The goal of the Cycle Seasons is to gain awareness of your menstrual cycle and to include it into your daily planning. By considering each season's advantages and disadvantages, you can plan your day in Structured by (re)scheduling tasks accordingly.

The predictions made by cycle seasons are based on your Apple Health data. By including your Apple Health data into Structured, the cycle phase you are currently in will be depicted on top of your timeline, right next to your all-day tasks.

Of course, not everyone is affected by their menstrual cycle in the same way. But by paying special attention to yourself in the different phases of your menstrual cycle, you can learn how to use it to your advantage. Following, we want to elaborate on the different phases of the menstrual cycle itself. Moreover, we provide you with some examples of how to adjust your schedule in Structured accordingly.

The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle, which on average lasts 28 days, is determined by the changing levels of three key hormones: estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. According to hormone levels, the cycle can be divided into four phases: The follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, the luteal phase and the period. For visualization purposes, each of these phases can be assigned to a season.

🌷 Follicular Phase (Spring)

About the first half of the menstrual cycle marks the follicular or proliferative phase. It is characterized by elevated estrogen levels and a slight rise in testosterone. In this phase, hormones trigger an increased growth of the inner lining (endometrial layer) of the uterus in preparation of a potential fertilization. The composition of hormones during the follicular phase leads to overall high-energy levels.

This phase is associated with fresh and creative energy, as well as higher sociability. You can use this energy to plan your month ahead, try out new hobbies, or catch up with friends and family. Define a daily routine that helps you to get out of bed. Schedule the to-dos that have been sitting in your inbox for quite some time. Start realizing your ideas and dreams. The world is yours!

☀️ Ovulatory Phase (Summer)

The ovulatory phase has the shortest duration of all four seasons, as it usually lasts only a few days. During ovulation, both estrogen and testosterone levels reach an all-time high. This spike in hormones can lead to feeling more energized and extroverted than usual.

This season is associated with boosted self-confidence and high verbal skills. You can use this empowered feeling to attend a conference, go on a date, or ask for a pay-raise. Checking off tasks has never been this easy. You are glowing!

🍂 Luteal Phase (Autumn)

The luteal phase can last up to two weeks. After ovulation, estrogen levels drop before slowly rising again. In the absence of a fertilized egg, progesterone levels will drop. This is associated with the onset of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms may include fatigue, acne, bloating, migraines and an increased appetite. Progesterone has a calming effect on the body, meaning that in the luteal phase, you might feel more tired than usual.

This season is associated with decreasing energy and lack of focus. Instead of burdening yourself with new impressions or tasks, you can try to finish what's on your list. In this phase, it helps to follow a repetitive routine and to enable the Focus Mode to stay on track. You might also adjust your bedtime to get enough sleep.

❄️ Period Phase (Winter)

The period can last up to a week. Without fertilization, low hormone levels lead to the shedding of the endometrium. One thing, most menstruating people can agree on: periods suck. Besides having cramps and a myriad of other symptoms, there is also the not so slight inconvenience of bleeding severely. Also, overall low hormone levels lead to a severe lack of energy.

This season associated with low energy and mood swings. It is time to listen to your gut feeling, which can change every hour. During period season, it can help to avoid stuffing your days with activities and tasks. Take your time, get some rest or take breaks if needed, and push unnecessary to-dos in your inbox to get a clear overview. You might also find comfort in using the Energy Monitor to manage your available energy. Only you know what you need and what is best for you.

Using Cycle Seasons to your Advantage

Understanding and embracing the natural phases of your menstrual cycle can transform the way you approach daily life. By aligning your tasks and activities with the energy shifts of each season — whether it's the high-energy creativity of the follicular phase or the need for rest during your period — you can optimize your productivity and well-being. Cycle Seasons helps you monitor and predict these phases, allowing you to tailor your schedule accordingly. Use Cycle Seasons to be mindful of the changes your body goes through. Make your cycle work for you!

Limitations

As of now, Cycle Seasons is only available on Apple devices yet, as it is based on Apple Health data.

The predictions made by Cycle Seasons may deviate from your cycle. Moreover, the Cycle Seasons feature doesn’t consider pregnancies or menopause yet. More importantly, please note that Cycle Seasons should not be used as a form of contraceptive.