The holiday season is upon us, which means it's time for cheesy Christmas romcoms, mountains of indulgent food and - shopping!
But did you know your menstrual cycle might impact how you shop? A number of scientific studies have found that hormonal shifts throughout your cycle can influence everything from what you buy to how much you spend. So if your credit card is taking a beating, blame your hormones!
Follicular Phase: Bold choices
During the first half of your cycle, rising estrogen levels encourage exploration and creativity. Studies show that women are more likely to seek variety and invest in appearance-related items like clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
Near ovulation, you might find yourself drawn to bold colors, trendy pieces, or that statement item you've been eyeing. Plus, you’re feeling your most confident at this stage of your cycle so are possibly more likely to select something a bit more form-fitting.
Pro Tip: This is a great time to knock out gift shopping for loved ones (and maybe add a little treat for yourself - you totally deserve it).
Luteal Phase: Practical Purchases and Comfort Cravings
During the second half of your cycle, progesterone levels rise. This can make you feel a bit more introverted and insecure, and you might find yourself reaching for items that are cozy and comforting.
Apparently we’re more likely to make practical buys during this phase, although emotional shopping can also be a response to PMS (who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy!)
Pro Tip: Stick to your list and budget, and focus on purchases that truly bring joy.
Mastering cyclical shopping
By understanding how your hormones influence your shopping habits, you can plan your holiday shopping more effectively—and avoid impulse buys you might regret later.
Our advice? You can never have too many sparkly shoes (although maybe that's cause we’re ovulating right now 😉).
