Menstrual cycle and immune system: When the body speaks in the tongue of hormones

Hormones and immunity – the hidden connection

Sometimes a cold doesn't come on because of a virus, but because your body is weakened just before your period. Some women experience it as a slight discomfort, others almost as a rule – just before your period, your energy starts to wane, and your body becomes more susceptible to infections. It's no coincidence. Two key forces are quietly working in the background: hormonal system and immune system – and their relationship is anything but easy.

Estrogen – more than just a fertility hormone

Estrogen, one of the main female hormones, is not only important for fertility and menstruation. It is also responsible for bone health, skin beauty and that feminine glow that we most often associate with pregnancy or fertile days. But its power goes beyond appearance – it also plays an important role in immune system function. (1*) When estrogen is high, the body functions strongly and harmoniously. But when estrogen levels drop—as happens in the second half of the cycle—the immune response begins to fluctuate. (2*)

The two phases of the cycle and their impact on the immune response

The cycle is divided into two phases each month:

• Follicular phase (from the beginning of menstruation to ovulation): estrogen and progesterone increase immunity. The body is protected, strong, and ready for everyday challenges.

• Luteal phase (from ovulation to menstruation): hormone levels change – and with them the functioning of the immune system. The body naturally prepares for a possible pregnancy and tries to create conditions in which it would not reject a fertilized egg. (3*)

This protective mechanism, however, comes at a price: during the luteal phase, a woman is more susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and general fatigue.

Iron – the silent ally of the immune system

It's no surprise that many women feel more vulnerable, exhausted, or emotionally unstable during these times. The body is not only physically more open to external influences – it is also internal hormonal balance is put to the test.

In addition to hormonal changes, it also plays an important role iron loss during menstruation. Iron is that quiet but extremely important mineral that provides energy, clarity of mind and a stable immune response. (4*) Due to regular bleeding, many women lose it – often completely unnoticed. Iron deficiency quickly manifests itself in fatigue, pale complexion, irritability and a feeling that the body is “heavy”. (5*) If iron is not adequately replaced, immunity decreases – and even the common cold can become a more serious nuisance.

How to support your immune system throughout your menstrual cycle

For optimal immune support, it is recommended to:

• In the follicular phase use more energy for movement, exercise and creativity.

• In the luteal phase add more rest and gentle activities.

• To take care of a diet rich in iron, vitamin C and B-complex, which further contributes to reducing fatigue and maintaining psychological balance. (6*)

• If necessary, take nutritional supplements with high bioavailability – liposomal forms are gentle on the stomach and allow for better absorption.

Conclusion: Cyclicality as a gift, not a hindrance

Our body invites us to listen to it time and again. Cyclicality is not a weakness – it is an intelligent form of self-regulation, which deserves support, not criticism. When we understand what happens in each phase of the cycle, we can help the body do its job more easily.

In Elixiré We believe in female power – but also in the fact that power means knowing slow down, nurture and support the body in the moments when he needs it most.Let each cycle be an opportunity for deeper understanding and a more gentle attitude towards yourself. Your immune system will thank you. And so will you.

Literature: (*)

1. Source: Estrogen receptors regulate innate immune cells and signaling pathways, (S. Kovats), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25682174/

2. Source: The complex role of estrogens in inflammation, (R.H. Straub), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17640948/

3. Source: Sex hormones and the immune response in humans, (A. Bouman, MJ Heineman, MM Faas), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15817524/

4. Source: Ferrous sulfate supplementation causes significant gastrointestinal side-effects in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Z. Tolkien, L. Stecher, AP Mander, DIA Pereira, JJ Powell), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25700159/

5. Source: Iron deficiency and reduced work capacity: a critical review of the research to determine a causal relationship, (J.D. Haas, T. Brownlie 4th), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11160598/

6. Source: B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review, (D.O. Kennedy), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26828517/