There has always been a mystical connection between the human body and celestial bodies. For centuries, scholars and writers have speculated about the possibility of a link between lunar cycles and menstruation. While the moon may not drive people mad or trigger werewolf transformations, lunar cycles do appear to affect human biology by influencing menstrual and sleep cycles. Menstruation, like the phases of the moon, is a cyclical process. It’s no surprise that poets, philosophers, and scholars have drawn parallels between the two, suggesting a connection.

Age-old parallels between the menstrual cycle and the phases of the moon have likely also led some females to refer to their periods as “moon cycles” to this day.

Let’s understand it scientifically. One full revolution of the Moon around the Earth takes 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes. A moon phase cycle, during which the amount of the Moon’s surface that we see from Earth waxes and wanes, takes 29.5 days. The length of menstrual cycles can range from 25–30 days, with the median duration being 28 days. According to a paper published in 2021, using years of records kept by 22 women, researchers found that for many, menstrual cycles “intermittently” synced up with the phases of the moon. The link occurred only about one-quarter of the time for women aged 35 or younger, and just 9% of the time for older women. However, there was a great deal of variance among individuals. For some women, there were hints that excessive exposure to artificial light at night could have disrupted any moon-menstruation synchrony.

Early primates were nocturnal creatures, so a degree of moon-influenced behavior would make sense for them, according to Deena Emera. The most obvious link is that both lunar and menstrual cycles are roughly one month long. But research dating back to the 1950s has suggested other links: Women commonly start their periods around the time of the full moon, implying that ovulation happens near the new moon, two weeks before.

How does it affect the menstrual cycle: The possible reasons behind it

1. Light Exposure: The lunar cycle involves changes in the amount of moonlight reaching the Earth’s surface, which could indirectly influence the menstrual cycle through its impact on melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is also involved in the regulation of reproductive hormones. Changes in light exposure during different lunar phases may disrupt melatonin levels, potentially affecting menstrual patterns.
2. Gravitational Pull: Some hypotheses propose that the gravitational pull of the moon could exert subtle effects on human physiology, including the menstrual cycle. While the gravitational force of the moon is much weaker than that of Earth, some researchers suggest that it may still have an influence on fluid dynamics within the body, including the flow of blood in the uterus during menstruation.
3. Psychological Factors: Cultural beliefs and societal influences surrounding the lunar cycle may also play a role in perceived correlations between lunar phases and menstrual patterns. Psychological factors, such as stress or anticipation of menstruation based on lunar phases, could influence women’s menstrual experiences, even if there is no direct physiological connection.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the lunar cycle’s influence on menstruation is intriguing, direct scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Hypotheses including light exposure, gravitational pull, circadian rhythms, and cultural factors require further research. Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to deepen our understanding and ensure evidence-based approaches to women’s health. Embracing critical analysis and continuing to explore this topic may unravel more about the intricate connections between celestial phenomena and human biology. Continuing to carefully study and learn more about this topic might help us understand better how the moon and human bodies are connected.

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