What is Cycle Seasons?

Cycle Seasons is a tool that helps you to keep an overview of your individual menstrual cycle by integrating it into your Structured timeline. Being aware of which cycle phase you are currently in can be used to your advantage by structuring your day accordingly.

Just like the seasons of the year, the phases of the menstrual cycle can be considered seasons. In each season of your menstrual cycle, your body undergoes different physical processes that may affect your well-being, mental health and energy.

Cycle Seasons helps you to envision which season you are currently going through and how to integrate the features of each season into your everyday life. By considering each season's advantages and disadvantages, you can plan your day in Structured by (re)scheduling tasks accordingly.

One menstrual cycle usually lasts 28 days, which is determined by the changing levels of three key hormones: estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. Similar to the seasons of the year, there are four seasons to display your menstrual cycle, according to their respective hormone levels: follicular, ovulation, luteal and period season. However, in contrast to the seasons of the year, the menstrual cycle phases vary in duration.

Following, you will learn about each season and how to use this knowledge to your advantage in structuring your time and energy.

About the first half of the menstrual cycle marks the follicular phase. It is characterized by elevated estrogen levels and a slight rise in testosterone. In this phase, hormones trigger an increased growth of the inner lining (endometrial layer) of the uterus in preparation of a potential fertilization. The composition of hormones during the follicular phase leads to overall high-energy levels.

This season is associated with fresh and creative energy, as well as higher sociability. You can use this energy to plan your month ahead, try out new hobbies, or catch up with friends and family. Define a daily routine that helps you to get out of bed. Schedule the to-dos that have been sitting in your inbox for quite some time. Start realizing your ideas and dreams. The world is yours!

The ovulatory phase has the shortest duration of all four seasons, as it usually lasts only a few days. During ovulation, both estrogen and testosterone levels reach an all-time high and the egg will be released to await becoming fertilized. This spike in hormones can lead to feeling more energized and extroverted than usual.

This season is associated with boosted self-confidence and high verbal skills. You can use this empowered feeling to attend a conference, go on a date, or ask for a pay-raise. Checking off tasks has never been this easy. Ask the Structured AI to plan fun activities. You are glowing!

The luteal phase can last up to two weeks. After ovulation, estrogen levels drop before slowly rising again. In the absence of a fertilized egg, progesterone levels will drop. This is associated with the onset of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms may include fatigue, acne, bloating, migraines and an increased appetite. Progesterone has a calming effect on the body, meaning that in the luteal phase, you might feel more tired than usual.

This season is associated with decreasing energy and lack of focus. Instead of burdening yourself with new impressions or tasks, you can try to finish what's on your list. In this phase, it helps to follow a repetitive routine and to enable the Focus Mode to stay on track. You might also adjust your bedtime to get enough sleep.

The period phase can last up to a week. Without fertilization, low hormone levels lead to the shedding of the endometrium. This is associated with bleeding, having cramps, back pain, dizziness, nausea and tons of other inconvenient symptoms. Also, overall low hormone levels lead to a severe lack of energy.

This season associated with low energy and mood swings. It is time to listen to your gut feeling, which can change every hour. During period season, it can help to avoid stuffing your days with activities and tasks. Take your time, get some rest or take breaks if needed, and push unnecessary to-dos in your inbox to get a clear overview. You might also find comfort in using the Energy Monitor to manage your available energy. Only you know what you need and what is best for you.

To enable Cycle Seasons, you need to use the Cycle Tracking feature in Apple Health. Based on your Apple Health data, Cycle Seasons predicts which phase of your menstrual cycle you are currently in. You need at least 3 tracked cycles in Apple Health to predict the respective seasons in Structured.

You can learn how to enable and how to use Cycle Seasons here: How to use Cycle Seasons.

Since every single body is different, your individual cycle might deviate from the average menstrual cycle phases described above. This can be due to stress, pregnancy, menopause, (hormonal) contraception or other health related factors. Meaning, you might experience deviating durations for each season or struggle to identify with their ascribed characteristics.

To predict your Cycle Seasons as precise as possible, it is helpful to track deviations in your Apple Health Cycle Tracking. You can learn more about how to keep track of your cycle in Apple Health on Apple's Support Page.

To use Cycle Seasons, you require Structured version 3.8.0 or more recent versions. Please note that Cycle Seasons is not available for Android devices or Structured Web yet. Moreover, as this feature is still experimental, occasional hiccups might still occur.

The Cycle Seasons can be used to develop more awareness of your own cycle and all the possibilities and limitations that come with each season. However, as described above, the menstrual cycle is highly individual and can deviate from the predictions made by Cycle Seasons. We therefore advise you to avoid considering the properties and predictions of the seasons as set in stone. This also includes the fact that the Cycle Seasons should not be used as a form of contraceptive.

Moreover, Cycle Seasons is most accurate to describe a "natural" menstrual cycle. Meaning, if you are using hormonal contraception, the menstrual cycle is artificially influenced. Therefore, Cycle Seasons might be an inaccurate feature for you.

In addition, Cycle Seasons doesn't consider pregnancies or menopause yet. However, this is something we are planning to implement in the future. Please note that Cycle Seasons should not be used as a form of contraceptive.