Sports Bra Series; Summer Hormones.
Managing Hormonal Fluctuations & Your Cycle During Summer
Summer's sunshine and warmth can feel like a reset button — but for many women, it also brings heightened hormonal challenges. If you've noticed your period feels off, cramps hit harder, or your mood swings feel more intense during summer, you're not alone.
Why Does Summer Affect Your Hormones?
Heat, travel, disrupted sleep, and changes in routine all affect your body's hormone balance. Increased stress (even fun stress like travel), dehydration, and changes in diet can also throw your cycle out of whack — making PMS symptoms like bloating, fatigue, irritability, or breakouts worse.
What Science Says
Changes in sleep and circadian rhythms affect hormones like cortisol and melatonin, influencing mood and energy.
Heat and dehydration can worsen cramps and cause fluid retention.
Stress impacts estrogen and progesterone balance, which can make periods heavier or more irregular.
How to Manage Your Cycle This Summer
Prioritise Hydration
Drink water consistently to reduce bloating and fatigue.
Stick to Gentle Movement
Walking, swimming, or yoga can ease cramps and boost mood without overtaxing your system.
Focus on Sleep
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even when travelling or socialising.
Mind Your Nutrition
Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, leafy greens), healthy fats, and balanced meals help ease hormonal symptoms.
Plan for Your Cycle
Track your period and your symptoms. Use this information to anticipate when you need extra rest, calories, or self-care strategies and when you can go all out!!- Don't forget, no two women will have the same exercises every month.
Final Thought:
Your cycle isn't a barrier to summer fun — it's part of your body's natural rhythm. You can feel your best all season long with extra care and awareness.