Hormones in Summer - Why Your Cycle Might Feels Different
Hormones are sensitive to change - and that includes the seasons.
As summer is coming and temperatures rise, your body works harder to stay in balance. If you’ve noticed shifts in your menstrual cycle lately, it’s not just in your head - there’s real science behind it.
How Summer Affects Your Hormonal Balance
How Does Heat Impact Stress and Cycle Hormones
Research shows that cortisol, your main stress hormone, can shift with the seasons. While winter tends to spike cortisol overall, high temperatures and poor sleep in summer also raise stress - and that affects progesterone and cycle regularity.
More stress = less progesterone → which can lead to longer, irregular, or missed periods.
Is Summer Affecting Your Thyroid Function?
Your thyroid helps regulate energy, temperature, and your menstrual cycle. A recent study found that T3, your most active thyroid hormone, is often lower during summer, which may cause:
Fatigue or low stamina
Mood swings or irritability
Period symptoms that feel more intense
Can Low Vitamin D Impact Your Ovulation?
It might sound surprising, but many people become vitamin D deficient in the summer - especially if:
You wear high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+ blocks about 97% of vitamin D production)
You stay indoors with air conditioning during peak sun hours
You avoid direct sun to prevent burns and stick to the shade
Even though it's sunny outside, your body may not be getting the "usable" sun exposure it needs to make vitamin D.
Ideally, you'd get about 10–15 minutes of direct sunlight on a large area of skin before applying sunscreen.
👉 And here’s why it matters:
Low vitamin D can delay ovulation, which may lead to longer or irregular cycles. It's a key nutrient for healthy ovarian function.
Why Does Heat Make Your Period Feel More Exhausting?
Your body temperature naturally rises before and during your period. Combine that with hot weather and you may feel:
Hotter than usual
More sensitive or moody
Prone to headaches (especially if dehydrated)
What Are the Signs Your Hormones Are Out of Balance?
If you’re experiencing:
Longer or shorter cycles
Heavier periods
New PMS symptoms
Fatigue or low energy
…it might be time to check in with your hormones.
Take my Hormone Balance Quiz to find out where you stand.
Quick Tips to Stay in Balance This Summer
🌞 Stay hydrated with coconut water or electrolytes – dehydration can worsen cramps and headaches
🌞 Cool foods – cucumber, mint, watermelon, and lightly cooked greens support your cycle
🌞 Prioritize rest before your period – your body needs it, especially in the heat
🌞 Track your cycle – note any changes in length or symptoms to be able in the future to anticipate and be in charge of your cycle!
Together, we’ll create a nutrition and lifestyle plan tailored to your cycle — especially for the summer months.