Eco-Anxiety and Menstruation: A Cyclical Approach to Emotional Resilience

Rachel Bailleau
May 26
11 min read

Updated: Jun 18

Have you ever wondered is there's a link between climate grief, eco-anxiety and menstruation? Eco-anxiety often hums in the background of our daily lives. Sometimes it's faint, sometimes it’s deafening. But for many of us, it never quite disappears. If you have periods, there's another powerful rhythm shaping your inner world: your menstrual cycle. Yet, despite how common periods are, they’re still treated like something we shouldn’t really talk about. Sure, period ads now use red liquid instead of blue. But real conversations about how our cycles affect our mental and emotional wellbeing? Still rare.

I didn’t understand just how much my menstrual cycle influenced my mental health until my late twenties. Everything shifted when I started tracking my moods. I’d been feeling unusually tearful, and my husband (then boyfriend) gently suggested marking the days I felt low or overwhelmed on a calendar. We weren’t thinking about hormones or periods, we just wanted to see if there was a pattern.

I used a period tracker app, mostly out of convenience. But what I discovered was eye-opening. Like clockwork, I’d feel irritable around ovulation, and then terribly depressed for a few days after my period. The rest of the month? I was mostly fine. I'd spent years believing I was just a chronically down person, but only five or six days a month were genuinely hard. For about 25 days a month, I was more or less grounded. That simple awareness changed everything.

full moon over clouds — *Even if you don’t menstruate, tracking your mood for a few months can offer valuable insights into your emotional rhythms.*

As I dug deeper into the link between menstrual cycles and mental health, I discovered practical ways to care for myself with more compassion and foresight. And that’s where eco-anxiety comes in. People who are sensitive to climate grief and environmental stress often have underlying vulnerabilities to anxiety or depression. By understanding the phases of your cycle, you can better anticipate the days when you might feel more tender—and take steps to protect your energy.

For me, that means I avoid booking eco-anxiety coaching sessions on days I know I’ll feel emotionally low. For others, it might mean not planning too many social commitments, or even choosing not to attend climate marches if those feel overstimulating during certain phases.

When I honour my menstrual rhythm, I can give myself the rest I need on harder days, and show up with more strength and clarity when I have more capacity. The more I’ve embraced this cycle (like a personal set of inner seasons), the more grounded and resilient I’ve felt in the face of the climate crisis. In my experience, the more rooted and well we feel, the more powerfully we can contribute to our communities and serve the Earth.

I first heard about the idea that periods can be like seasons in a Ted talk that popped up in my suggested videos on YouTube. (I'll link it at the end of this article!) It's a simple idea, but it changed my life.

So, what do periods have to do with seasons?

Many menstrual wellbeing experts use the metaphor of seasons to describe the rhythm of the cycle. The idea is that your menstrual cycle mirrors the natural seasons of the year, with four distinct phases:

❄️ Winter (menstruation): a time to rest and retreat.

🌱 Spring (pre-ovulation): a phase of fresh energy, new ideas, and curiosity.

☀️ Summer (ovulation): when confidence, sociability, and outward energy often peak.

🍂 Autumn (premenstruum): a more reflective time, when sensitivity and honesty rise.

When we stop expecting ourselves to feel the same every day, we can begin to work with our natural rhythm instead of against it. By resting during our winter and saying yes to connection and creativity in summer, we’re simply following where our energy naturally wants to go. This gentle shift has helped me feel far more emotionally resilient.

Of course, life doesn’t always let us plan everything around our cycle. But I’ve found it easy enough to avoid big commitments in my winter phase when I can, and to invite friends over for a barbecue during summer when I know I’ll feel more energised and joyful.

Then, if something unavoidable pops up in autumn or winter (like a job interview or difficult conversation), it feels much more manageable, because I’ve conserved energy where I had the choice.

Let’s take a closer look at what each season can offer. (Remember that everyone's body is unique. It's okay if you work differently!)

green, yellow, orange and red leaves laid out in a line on a wooden bench

❄️ Inner Winter (Menstruation)

Approx. Days 1–5 | Bleeding phase

This is your body’s built-in invitation to rest. Hormone levels and energy are at their lowest, and you may feel sensitive, physically and emotionally. Now is the time to slow down, go gently, and take things one step at a time. Curling up with a blanket and a book or taking a long hot bath is not lazy, it is wise. Giving yourself space to recharge now will support your resilience and energy for the rest of the month.

Supportive practices for winter:

Sip soothing teas. Try blackberry or blackcurrant leaf tea to ease cramps and reduce water retention. Use fresh leaves if you have access, or dried ones steeped for at least 5 minutes.
Retreat from overwhelm. Step back from distressing media and conversations about climate change. You are not ignoring the world, you are protecting your capacity to show up well later.
Use warmth for comfort. A hot water bottle on your belly or lower back, a steaming bath, or even a sauna (if you are up for it) can be incredibly soothing. If you would rather stay wrapped in a blanket, that is perfect too.
Do the bare minimum. Work and care duties might still be there, but the laundry can wait. Let go of non-essentials and give yourself full permission to rest without guilt.
Set gentle boundaries. You do not owe anyone an explanation. A simple “I’m not feeling up to it tonight” is enough. Honouring your needs now builds strength for the weeks ahead.
Use low-waste period products. Period cups, if you find them comfortable and practical, can massively reduce the cost and waste from tampons and sanitary towels. When you prepare disposal products, look for natural fibers like cotton to take best care of your body. And remember, tampons should always go in the bin and not get flushed down the toilet.

Tip: I combine my moon cup with a pair of period pants so I feel completely confident about any little leaks. I found period pants really expensive, but this way you only need one pair a day as a bit of extra back up.

🌱 Inner Spring (Follicular Phase)

Approx. Days 6–13 | After bleeding ends

This is your phase of renewal and possibility. As hormones begin to rise, your energy and optimism tend to return. You might feel a sense of lightness, curiosity, and creative buzz. It is often a great time to start new projects, explore fresh ideas, and plan ahead, especially if you rested well during winter.

Supportive practices for spring:

Start something new. Whether it is returning to regular movement or trying a new activity, your body is primed for action now. You are more likely to stick with a habit that begins during this phase because it feels energising and aligned.
Stay grounded. If your brain is buzzing with ideas, too much caffeine can push you into feeling scattered. Swap one of your daily coffees for a peppermint or rosemary herbal tea to help you stay clear and focused. Even if it's tough, take a few quiet minutes to rest and recharge during the day so you don't totally deplete your energy in the excitement.
Journal or brainstorm. You may be overflowing with inspiration, and that is great. Get it out of your head and onto paper. Make lists of goals, plans, and dreams, but also note what you are proud of and grateful for. Balancing ambition with appreciation keeps your creativity anchored in self-compassion.
Break it down. If big ideas start to feel overwhelming, break your goals into small, doable steps. This turns excitement into progress and helps avoid burnout as you head toward ovulation.
Reconnect socially. As your energy rises, this can be a good time to reach out to friends or community groups, especially if you have been quiet during winter. Even a walk with a friend or a shared meal can lift your mood and help rebuild a sense of connection.

☀️ Inner Summer (Ovulation Phase)

Approx. Days 14–21 | Around ovulation

This is often your high-energy, high-confidence phase. Hormones are peaking, and many people feel more outgoing, articulate, and emotionally steady. You also may feel more sexually turned on and self-confident. You might find it easier to communicate clearly, make bold decisions, or take on bigger tasks. It is also a time when empathy and connection come more naturally, which can make it ideal for relationship-building and visible activism.

Supportive practices for summer:

Sip refreshing herbal infusions.Try cooling herbs like mint or lavender. To make a cold infusion, add a tablespoon of fresh or dried herbs to a jug of cold water and let it steep in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. It’s a lovely way to stay hydrated and keep your nervous system calm.
Connect with your people. Use this time to nurture relationships. Attend a community event, host a dinner party, or go out dancing with friends. When you’re in this expressive, outward-facing phase, spending time with like-minded people can leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Take meaningful action.This is an excellent time to channel your energy into causes you care about. Go on a climate march, plant trees with a reforestation group, help out at a community garden, or join a local river clean up. Summer energy is bold, expressive, and proactive.
Celebrate your radiance.This is your season to shine. Dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Paint your nails, try a new hairstyle, or simply look in the mirror and appreciate your beauty. Forget the conditioning that tells us we have to hate our bodies. Even if it's hard to feel beautiful, appreciate your body for what it can do. Look in the mirror and thank your eyes if they can see. Thank your legs if they can walk. Thank your hands if they can work in the garden. We all have different strengths and limitations, but if you're reading or listening to this blog post, there's already so much to be grateful for.
Practice intentional pleasure.You may feel more sexually open and adventurous during this time. That can be a wonderful thing. Just take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you using protection if needed? Are you drawn to this person because it’s right for you, or just because you’re in a high-libido phase? You deserve joy, safety, respect, and health and so does anyone you're intimate with. If the connection feels good for everyone involved, go ahead and enjoy it. If one of you may have regrets or feel unsafe, be honest with yourself about it. There's plenty of sex to be had another day!

🍂 Inner Autumn (Luteal Phase)

Approx. Days 22–28+ | Before bleeding begins

This is the winding-down phase of your cycle. Energy may begin to dip, and you might feel more sensitive, introspective, or easily overstimulated. Emotional friction can be more common now, but it often comes with powerful clarity. You might suddenly notice what feels out of balance or where a boundary needs to be reinforced. For instance, if something small triggers a big emotional response, that may be your body’s way of drawing attention to an underlying need or ongoing tension.

Try not to judge yourself for being more reactive or withdrawn. This is a natural part of the cycle and offers valuable insight into what is and isn't working in your life. Instead of brushing off your feelings, let them guide you.

If you experience PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), this time can be especially intense. You might benefit from talking to a therapist, GP, or medical herbalist who understands hormonal sensitivity and emotional wellbeing.

Supportive practices for autumn:

Drink grounding herbal teas. Nettle tea can help replenish iron and minerals. St John’s Wort tea may ease low mood. If you're taking other medications, check with a medical herbalist before using it. Otherwise, one cup in the morning can help support your mood.
Eat nourishing, magnesium-rich foods. Include leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, beans, or a few squares of Fairtrade dark chocolate. These can help support your nervous system and ease both mood swings and physical discomfort.
Reduce stimulation. Try to unplug from screens when you can, and choose quieter spaces or slower activities. Calming music, time in nature, or gentle movement like stretching or yoga can all help ground you.
Express yourself with care. Journaling is a helpful outlet. If you need to vent, ask loved ones first if they feel able to hold space for you. That way, you can release what’s on your mind while still being mindful of others. If it’s possible for you, therapy can be a really helpful outlet too.
Track your symptoms and patterns. If this part of your cycle regularly feels overwhelming, keep a journal of how you're feeling physically and emotionally. This record can help you understand your rhythms better and seek the right support if needed.

Remember: Nature is Cyclical and So Are You

Living in a system that values constant productivity and linear progress, it’s easy to feel guilty for needing rest or having off days. But nature doesn’t operate on a straight line and neither do you. When we listen to the natural ebb and flow of our energy, we begin to work with ourselves instead of against. And in the context of eco-anxiety, this really matters. To show up for the planet in a sustainable way, we have to take care of our internal ecology too.

Do Periods and Emotions Follow the Moon?

Many people notice that their menstrual cycles seem to sync with the moon. When I notice myself bleeding around the time of the full moon I can't help but feel like I'm a small part of something bigger. It makes me feel connected to the Earth and want to protect it even more.

A full lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, which is close to the average length of a menstrual cycle. While there’s no scientific proof that the moon directly controls menstruation, it's easy to see why the two have been linked for centuries. Both are natural, cyclical rhythms tied to fertility, renewal, and change.

Some people bleed with the new moon (a “white moon cycle”), while others menstruate during the full moon (a “red moon cycle”). The full moon itself has long been associated with heightened emotions, vivid dreams, and even restlessness, hence the word "lunatic" from the Latin luna, meaning moon. Although studies haven’t found strong evidence that the full moon causes psychological changes, many people report feeling more energetic or emotionally stirred at that time. If you’re curious, try tracking your period, emotions and the moon side by side for a few months. You might notice patterns that help you understand yourself more deeply. Remember: The more you understand and take care of yourself, the more effectively you can contribute to the a brighter world.

When to Seek Extra Help

If (your premenstrual symptoms are intense, prolonged, or severely impacting your quality of life, you might be dealing with PMDD. It’s more than “just PMS” and you deserve support. Track your symptoms and reach out to a trusted GP or therapist familiar with hormonal health. You are not alone.

Further Resources

Below, you'll find the TED Talk I promised to share earlier, which got me started on understanding period cycles. Later, I read Period Power by Maisie Hill, and that really helped me, too! I feel like it should be compulsory reading for everyone so we can better support and understand people with periods. In turn, we can feel happier and healthier and bring that light and energy to the people and living world around us.

This short TED talk is a great summary of periods and the power of the seasons!

period power book by Maisie Hill — Period Power by Maisie Hill is a deep dive into your periods and how they impact your life.

Final Thoughts About Eco-Anxiety and Menstruation

By working with your menstrual cycle, you can become more attuned to your own emotional ecosystem. You can spot patterns. Anticipate needs. Ride the waves with more health and happiness. And most of all, you can make your care for the world a more sustainable part of your life, because it includes care for you.

You can sign up for my monthly newsletter on my home page to receive the latest blog posts, free resources to help with eco anxiety, and information about events. If you'd like to book individual coaching with me, you'll find the links below.

Initial Call

Book Now

Coaching Session