Yes, your period can get all wonky when Mercury is in retrograde. And no, you’re not imagining things. That pesky little planet really does have an effect on your menstrual cycle.
When Mercury appears to change direction in the sky, it can throw off your usual menstrual flow. Your period may come early or late, lighter or heavier. The hormonal shifts in your body seem to sync up with the astrological shifts happening around you.
While the science is still out on the connection between the two, many women report their periods going haywire during Mercury retrograde, myself included.
How Mercury Retrograde Affects Your Menstrual Cycle
When Mercury goes retrograde, it can throw your menstrual cycle out of whack. Here are some of the ways Mercury’s backward spin may impact your menstrual cycle:
- Your period could start early or late. Mercury rules over communication and travel, so when it’s retrograde, signals in your body can get crossed. This may cause your period to come a few days before or after you expect it.
- PMS symptoms intensify. You might experience worse cramps, mood swings, bloating, or breast tenderness during Mercury retrograde. Your hormones are sensitive to the planetary shifts, so your PMS may be particularly problematic now.
- Your flow changes. You could have a heavier or lighter period than usual. The blood vessels in your uterus may dilate or constrict in response to the retrograde energy, altering your flow volume.
- Cramps are more painful. Menstrual cramps happen when your uterus starts contracting to remove its inner lining each month. These contractions may be more intense when Mercury is retrograde, making your cramps feel extra crampy.
Your Hormones Go Haywire
The gravitational pull of Mercury affects our bodies since we’re made up of over 60% water. As Mercury changes direction, it’s like your hormones are riding a wonky carnival ride. One minute up, the next down – you never know which way they’ll swing next!
I always joke that my emotions have a little Mercury in retrograde of their own. But in all seriousness, it explains a lot about why we as humans can be more emotional or on edge during these periods. The whole solar system is in flux, so of course, it’s going to shake things up inside our watery selves, too.
Acne Breakouts Erupt
Hormone changes during Mercury retrograde can really wreak havoc on our skin. I’m always noticing more breakouts popping up along my jawline and chin during these times. It’s like clockwork! And it’s not just there either – I’ll start getting little spots in places I’m not used to, like on my arms, chest, or back. It can be so frustrating.
But I’ve found some things that help me manage it and not totally stress out. First off, sticking to my regular skincare routine is key. Even if I’m feeling extra stressed or busy, I make sure to cleanse, treat, and moisturize morning and night. Using products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide really helps control any oil and prevent more zits from forming.
Read also: Are Mercury Retrograde Breakups Permanent?
Desire To Get Back With Your Ex
When Mercury turns retrograde, communication issues tend to arise, and relationships often come under scrutiny. For women with their period during this astrological phenomenon, these effects can be heightened, impacting even the desires of the heart.
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation already make emotions run high, and the retrograde influence can stir up feelings of nostalgia and longing for the past. This combination can make many women with their period during Mercury retrograde experience a strong desire to reconnect with an ex or revisit a past relationship.
The biological and astrological factors at play can conspire to make an old flame seem more appealing than they realistically are, triggering thoughts of “what if?” and “we were so good together. So, if you find yourself wanting to text or call an ex during your period while Mercury is in retrograde, try to pause and reflect before acting on these impulses. There are likely logical reasons the relationship did not work out initially, and revisiting it now may only bring confusion and disappointment.
My Advice
Once Mercury stations direct, your menstrual cycle should return to normal. Be extra kind to yourself during this time, limit stress when you can, and know this too shall pass. Your period and emotions will settle back down as Mercury moves forward once again.
We women go through so much, but we always seem to find a way to shine through. No matter what challenges life throws at us, or what crazy things Mercury retrograde stirs up, we persevere. We have this inner strength and beauty that helps guide us through the toughest of times. It’s like we were built to overcome obstacles.
Take hot baths, get plenty of rest, and have chocolate on hand for emergencies. This, too, shall pass! The planets will keep spinning, Mercury will start moving forward again, and before you know it, your period will be back on schedule.
