- Feel Good
- 7th May 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Breaking the cycle: How society shapes the way we feel about hormones
- Advertisement Feature
Hormones. They shape our bodies, influence our moods, and fluctuate through every stage of our lives – yet for many women, talking openly about them still comes with a side of shame.
From periods to perimenopause, societal attitudes are shifting, but there’s still a way to go.
Society, stigma and shifting the narrative
Let’s start with language. Even now, terms like ‘feminine hygiene’ suggest that menstruation is something unclean, when in fact, the vagina is self-cleaning. This subtle messaging adds to the long-standing embarrassment many women feel around hormones and their bodies.
Periods, after all, begin at puberty – and the shame often starts there, too. That discomfort can follow us for decades. For years, women’s hormonal health was largely medicalised, and their psychological experiences were overlooked.
But things are changing. We’re now beginning to view women more holistically, recognising the emotional and mental load that comes with hormonal shifts.
What’s going on during your cycle?
Hormones are chemical messengers that affect everything from mood to energy levels. Oestrogen and progesterone play a key role throughout the menstrual cycle, and both impact how we feel.
- Oestrogen rises in the first half of the cycle (around days 8–14), often bringing more energy and increased libido. But not all women feel great during this time – something rarely talked about.
- Progesterone tends to rise after ovulation. Research suggests it can affect the brain’s amygdala – the part that detects threats – which may explain why we feel anxious or overwhelmed for seemingly minor reasons.
Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can include low mood, irritability, tearfulness, poor sleep, appetite changes and bloating. Some experience these more intensely than others, and tracking your cycle is one of the best ways to spot patterns and better understand your individual rhythm.
We often get stuck in a mindset of ‘splitting’ – seeing days or phases as either good or bad. Try to focus on when you feel energised, too.
Menopause, perimenopause and the emotional load
Menopause is slowly shaking off its stigma – but we need to keep the momentum going. While medical support is essential, emotional and psychological support is just as important.
Every woman’s menopause journey is unique, and comparison isn’t always helpful. Group discussions, shared spaces and honest conversations around perimenopause, ageing, and identity can offer a powerful sense of solidarity.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Guidance) guidelines now recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for managing symptoms – which is promising – but a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone. A more holistic view, addressing thoughts, feelings, and physical changes, is key.
Hormones, stress and the bigger picture
It’s important to remember that hormonal shifts don’t exist in a vacuum. Our mood and wellbeing are influenced by life experiences, stress, relationships and history.
- High cortisol (the stress hormone) can throw your cycle out of balance, affecting the levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
- Changes in body shape, energy or fertility across life stages can affect how we see ourselves, increasing anxiety and disrupting identity.
We are complex. There’s rarely a single cause – and that’s okay.
So, what can we do?
Supporting your mental and physical wellbeing through hormonal changes starts with understanding your body and being kind to it. Here are some practical tips:
- Eat a balanced diet and move your body regularly
- Prioritise sleep and relaxation
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Track your menstrual cycle and note any emotional or physical symptoms
- Talk to your GP about your cycle, symptoms or life stage (e.g. perimenopause)
- Reflect on how you feel about your cycle or menopause. What emotions come up for you? Understanding this can strengthen your relationship with your current life stage
Hormones are part of our biology, but how we experience them is shaped by so much more – including the stories we tell ourselves. It’s time to change the story.
About Dr. Ashling Doherty
Dr. Ashling Doherty is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist in Newcastle. She specialises in sexual health and mental well-being, offering personalised counselling for individuals and couples at her clinic in Jesmond.
With a focus on psychosexual therapies, Dr. Ashling provides a safe space for healing and growth, addressing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As a member of the British Psychological Society and HCPC Registered, she offers professional support tailored to your needs.
For further support and to book a consultation, contact Dr. Ashling Doherty on 07871301079 or [email protected]
Dr. Ashling Doherty, 8 Ackenside Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 1TN
Comments