A popular book title reads Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, underscoring the dramatic difference in psychological outlook and relationships. But the differences are even more profound in how human bodies physically regulate themselves. Even as you read this, your endocrine system is manufacturing more than 100 different hormones, all coursing through your body to help keep things in balance.

Why is this important? The hormonal cycles in men and women couldn’t be more different. The hormonal cycle for men resets about every 24 hours. The hormonal cycle for women lasts a full 28 days or more, leading to days of high energy, low energy, feeling uncomfortable, and more.

The span of changes in a woman’s monthly cycle generally lasts through five distinct stages, each with specific characteristics:

Infancy and childhood – In these years, hormonal influences are generally minor.

Puberty and the teen years – Major physical change appears, including body shape, brain changes (new and expanded neuro pathways), and of course, the personal introduction of the menstrual cycle, which will last for about the next four decades of feminine life.

Adulthood – This is the personal era where significant hormonal production initiates monthly changes. At various times of the month, a woman’s endocrine system produces the reproductive hormones of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, all of which initiate major physical and psychological change.

Perimenopause – This time represents a physical bridge leading up to the end of a woman’s child-bearing time. During perimenopause, which can last a few months or up to a few years, a woman may begin to experience a menstrual cycle that does not include ovulation. Some symptoms of menopause can begin.

Menopause – This is an era where traditional production hormones rapidly decline. As these endocrine changes occur, so do the onset of hot flashes, unusually strong headaches, lower desire for physical intimacy, and/or swings in moods. This time, which can last for up to a third of a woman’s life, is a good time to add in more plant-based phytoestrogens (oats, apples, flax, alfalfa) into your diet, as well as calcium and Vitamin D.

When these changes occur, it’s a good idea to bring them up with your healthcare provider. The change in hormones during menopause can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure (even faster than same-age men).

But what about the four decades when an adult woman is in her typical 28-day monthly cycle? Given the research, women can generally predict when they will have days of higher energy and pep, and days when they should consider taking on different tasks. A general breakdown for a healthy cycle can go like this:

• Week one – a woman’s body is recovering from the past few days of her period, including possible iron loss. The increasing production of estrogen starts adding energy and zip.
• Week two – This is the time of the month when a woman’s hormone-fueled body is at its peak, leading up to ovulation, which usually produces a short spike in testosterone.
• Week three – a steep decline in estrogen accompanied by a rise in sedating progesterone typically is a time when a woman’s body hits the brakes.
• Week four (including the menstrual period, which can last 3-7 days) – a woman may feel less foggy and tired during this time, as progesterone production declines. As the monthly cycle ends, uncomfortable cramping, sleep interruptions, physical tenderness, and food cravings can occur.

Whatever your age and stage in life, appreciate who you are and practice good nutrition with age-specific exercise to promote health. And be sure to talk to your medical provider as you move through each stage of life. They can help make each transition smoother.