Oxytocin, Comfort & Your Cycle: Why Connection Matters During Your Period
Your menstrual cycle is so more than just the bleeding days - it’s your full-body hormonal rhythm influenced by changing hormone levels, brain signals, and emotional needs. And during your period, one hormone deserves more attention than it gets: oxytocin.
Today is #NationalHuggingDay, so we're going to chat about how oxytocin, comfort, and connection support your menstrual health (and why body literacy for women starts with understanding how hormones and the menstrual cycle actually work.
Why Oxytocin Matters During the Menstrual Cycle
When we talk about hormones and our menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone usually take center stage. And for good reason - they do a lot of the heavy lifting. However, oxytocin plays a quiet but powerful role in how supported (or not) we feel during our cycle.
During the menstrual phase (a.k.a. your period), when estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, many people notice they’re more sensitive to stress, noise, and pressure. That’s not a personal failing - it’s physiology.
Oxytocin helps create a sense of safety and calm. It doesn’t erase symptoms, but it can soften the edges by supporting emotional regulation when your body is already doing a lot of work. It's like the comfort blanket of hormones.
What Is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain and released through the pituitary gland. It’s often called the “connection” or “bonding” hormone because it’s released through:
- Hugging and physical touch
- Emotional connection and trust
- Feeling safe, supported, or comforted
This matters during your cycle because hormonal shifts can make the nervous system more sensitive to stress. Here at Fri Period, we love hugs and connection and highly recommend you seek them out at all phases of your cycle, but even more so during your period (and yes, cuddles from your dog count, too - we're also dog people here at Fri!).
Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle: A Body Literacy Overview
Menstrual cycle education helps us understand the hormonal cascade behind what we feel.
The cycle is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, involving hormones like:
- Gonadotropin releasing hormone
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone
These signals influence ovulation, the formation of the corpus luteum, and changes in the uterus lining.
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Phase
This phase includes menstrual flow and the shedding of the uterus lining. Hormone levels are low, and many people experience fatigue or heightened sensitivity.
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase begins when FSH stimulates follicles in the ovaries. Estrogen rises, energy increases, and focus improves.
Ovulation
Ovulation involves the release of an egg into the fallopian tube. Hormone levels peak, often increasing confidence and sociability.
Luteal Phase
During the luteal phase, progesterone rises. The body prepares for rest. This phase is commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Comfort, Hugging & #NationalHuggingDay
Physical touch like hugging has been shown to increase oxytocin and reduce stress responses. On #NationalHuggingDay, it’s a reminder that comfort is biological — not indulgent.
Hugging may help support emotional wellbeing during hormonal dips, especially in the luteal and menstrual phases.
Not a hugger? Oxytocin is also released through self-soothing, rest, warmth, and feeling comfortable in your body (cue, that long soak in a warm tub or snuggling up on the couch with a book).
Oxytocin, Stress & Period Symptoms
While oxytocin doesn’t replace medical care, it supports:
- Emotional regulation during hormone changes
- Stress reduction linked to PMS
- Nervous system balance during menstruation
This matters for overall reproductive health and menstrual health. Basically, it makes you feel damn good!
Creating Comfort During Your Cycle
Comfort looks different for everyone and everyone has different supportive rituals they lean for but here are some ways to create that comfort feeling:
- Physical connection or hugging
- Wearing comfortable, non-restrictive period underwear (look no further, you've come to the right place!)
- Allowing rest during the menstrual phase
- A warm bath with epsom salts (these also work wonders for any cramping you might be having).
At Fri Period, we believe comfort is essential to menstrual wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding hormones and the menstrual cycle builds trust with your body. Oxytocin reminds us that connection, comfort, and care are part of menstrual health — especially during your period.
On #NationalHuggingDay and beyond, let comfort be part of your cycle support.
FAQs
What hormones control the menstrual cycle?
Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone regulate the cycle through brain-ovary signaling.
What role does oxytocin play during periods?
Oxytocin supports emotional regulation and stress reduction during hormonal dips.
What is body literacy for women?
Understanding how the menstrual cycle and hormone changes affect your body and wellbeing.
Does hugging really help during your period?
Hugging can increase oxytocin, which supports calm and emotional comfort.
Why does comfort matter during menstruation?
Hormonal changes increase sensitivity to stress, making comfort biologically supportive.
