Menstrual & Lunar Cycle Synchrony, Circadian Rhythms | Charlotte Förster | 259

Send us Fan Mail

How artificial light impacts female menstrual cycles and their relationship to lunar cycles of the moon.

Summary: Dr. Förster talks about how biological clocks, including circadian, tidal, lunar, and annual cycles, regulate behaviors in various species, with a focus on lunar cycle effects on human menstrual cycles. They explore historical and modern data suggesting that menstrual cycles may synchronize with lunar phases, a phenomenon potentially disrupted by modern artificial lighting, particularly blue light from LEDs post-2010. The conversation also covers circadian rhythm mechanisms in fruit flies and humans, highlighting the role of light and neuropeptides in maintaining biological synchrony.

About guest: Charlotte Förster, PhD is a senior professor at the University of Würzburg specializing in chronobiology, particularly circadian rhythms in fruit flies, and has recently explored lunar cycle influences on human menstrual cycles.

Discussion Points:

• Biological Clocks: Various clocks (circadian, tidal, lunar, annual) regulate behaviors; circadian clocks manage 24-hour cycles, while lunar clocks influence reproduction in marine species like corals and Christmas Island crabs.
• Lunar Cycle & Menstruation: Historical data (pre-2010) showed many women’s menstrual cycles synchronized with lunar phases (full or new moon), but this decreased post-2010, possibly due to blue light from LEDs disrupting biological rhythms.
• Blue Light Impact: Blue light from modern devices mimics daylight, potentially desynchronizing circadian and lunar clocks, with melanopsin in the eyes playing a key role in light sensitivity.
• Winter Synchronization: Menstrual cycle synchrony with lunar phases is stronger in winter, particularly January, possibly due to brighter moonlight or gravitational effects when Earth is closest to the Sun.
• Circadian Mechanisms: In fruit flies, 240 neurons manage circadian rhythms via clock genes with a 24-hour feedback loop, conserved in humans, where neuropeptides regulate slower, sustained rhythms.
• Health Implications: Disrupted circadian rhythms can desynchronize body clocks, impacting digestion, immunity, and increasing risks of cardiovascular issues, obesity, and cancer.
• Lifestyle Tips: To maintain synchrony, maximize daytime light exposure, minimize nighttime blue light, time meals appropriately, and exercise during the day, not late at night.

*Not medical advice.

Support the show

Health Products by M&M Partners:

• AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.
• OmegaQuant: At-home blood testing to see fatty acid profiles, including omega-3 fatty acids. Use link to see options and support M&M.
• SiPhox Health: Comprehensive, cost-effective bloodwork from the comfort of home. Use code TRIKOMES for 20% off.
• KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)
• SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.

For all the ways you can support my efforts