The Hunter’s Moon is here - and it might be intensifying your menopause symptoms!

As the biggest and brightest full moon of the year, the Hunter's Moon will light up the sky on October 17th, drawing attention from stargazers and affecting more than just our view of the night sky. For women navigating menopause, the lunar cycle - particularly supermoons - may hold more significance than they realise. With searches for "full moon October + menopause" spiking by over 300%, many are curious about how celestial events may influence hormonal health.

Could this week's Hunter's Moon intensify menopausal symptoms? Here’s what we know.

The Supermoon effect on hormonal rhythms

The moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t perfectly circular - it’s elliptical. This means that occasionally, the moon is closer to us than usual, creating what’s called a "supermoon." When this happens, the moon appears larger and brighter, exerting a stronger gravitational pull. This natural force can influence various biological rhythms, including hormonal cycles.

For women experiencing menopause, these hormonal rhythms are already disrupted. The extra gravitational pull and brightness of the supermoon can make symptoms like sleep disturbances and emotional fluctuations feel even more intense.

Melatonin disruption and poor sleep

One hormone that gets impacted during a supermoon is melatonin, known as the "sleep hormone." Normally, melatonin is produced in response to darkness, helping regulate sleep. However, the intense brightness of a supermoon can trick the brain into thinking it’s still daylight, reducing melatonin production.

Menopausal women, who may already struggle with night sweats and hot flashes, could find it even harder to get quality sleep during a supermoon. Disrupted sleep not only leads to fatigue but can also increase cortisol levels - the stress hormone.

Emotional sensitivity and hormonal fluctuations

Cortisol levels rise when sleep is disrupted, and this stress hormone can leave menopausal women feeling more emotionally sensitive. Combined with fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability may feel more intense during a supermoon.

For many women, the emotional sensitivity associated with menopause can feel heightened during full moons, when sleep and mood stability are already challenged.

Managing hormonal changes during a supermoon

If you’re preparing for the Hunter’s Moon and are concerned about its effect on your hormonal balance, here are some tips from February Bloom to help manage symptoms:

1. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out the extra moonlight, and avoid screen time before bed to support melatonin production.

2. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is key during menopause, and it can help regulate body temperature and ease symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

3. Practice mindfulness: Activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help lower cortisol levels and promote emotional stability.

4. Track your symptoms: Keeping a journal of your symptoms during different moon phases may provide insight into how your body reacts, allowing you to adjust your routine accordingly.

5. Embrace the energy: While the supermoon might intensify some symptoms, many women feel a surge of energy during this time. Use this energy to focus on self-care, whether it’s rest, reflection, or physical activity.

Finding balance under the full moon

The connection between the moon’s phases and hormonal health may still be emerging, but as the Hunter’s Moon rises, it serves as a reminder to listen to your body’s rhythms. For women experiencing menopause, embracing these natural cycles with grace can help manage the journey more smoothly, even under the bright light of a supermoon.

As you prepare for this celestial event, consider adjusting your routine to support your well-being. Whether it's improving your sleep environment or practicing mindfulness, tuning into your body’s needs during the lunar cycle can help you navigate menopause with confidence and balance.