The luteal phase doesn't make you crazy, it makes you a walking bullsh*t detector

Written version of podcast episode:

In this post we’re diving into a topic that’s often misunderstood: the idea that women become “crazy” during their luteal phase. Spoiler alert—this is a harmful trope, and I believe the truth is far more empowering.

In our luteal phase, we don’t become unhinged or irrational; we tap into a deep, no-nonsense clarity. We become walking bullshit detectors, attuned to what truly matters. Let’s explore why this part of our cycle is so often mislabelled and how embracing it can unlock powerful self-awareness.

The "Crazy Woman" Trope: Where Does It Come From?

The idea that women are “crazy” when premenstrual is rooted in patriarchal narratives that dismiss our emotions and sensitivity as irrational. Think back to terms like “hysteria,” which were historically used to silence and institutionalise women. There’s a long-standing societal discomfort with women expressing emotions—especially anger or frustration—and this discomfort persists today.

For example, when men passionately express outrage, they’re called “passionate.” But when women do the same, they’re labelled as “crazy.” Why is that? It’s worth reflecting on where these labels come from and what they aim to suppress.

When I was in university, I remember a guy in the climbing club telling me and my friends, “Oh my God, you guys are so mental.” While he meant it jokingly, it struck me how casually these words are used to undermine women’s boldness and outspokenness. This trope isn’t harmless—it’s a way of dismissing women’s power, especially the power that emerges during our luteal phase.

Owning Your Truth: The Premenstrual Phase as a Superpower

During the luteal phase, our sensitivity is heightened, making us more attuned to what’s out of alignment in our lives. This clarity can feel disruptive because it threatens the status quo, both in our personal lives and in society at large. But this isn’t “craziness”—it’s discernment.

We often get clear on what truly matters and what no longer serves us during this time. Yes, these truths can be uncomfortable, but they’re incredibly valuable. Instead of dismissing our emotions as irrational, we can view them as a kind of truth serum, revealing what needs our attention.

If you’ve ever found yourself leaning into your boundaries or saying “no” more firmly in your luteal phase, that’s this power in action. But with this power often comes backlash—both from others and within ourselves. The shame, people-pleasing, and self-doubt that can follow are reflections of societal conditioning, not the truth of who you are.

“I’m Not Myself”: The Danger of Disowning Parts of Yourself

Another common narrative around the luteal phase is, “I’m not myself right now.” While I understand this sentiment, I want to challenge it. The parts of you that show up during your premenstrual phase are still you—they’re not someone else. By saying, “I’m not myself,” you’re disowning these parts of yourself, labelling them as unacceptable.

Think of it this way: if we were in a world where being outspoken and boundary-focused was the societal norm, we might say, “I’m not myself” when we feel playful or light during our inner spring. It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Yet, this is what we do when we dismiss the valid emotions and experiences of our luteal phase.

Shadow work teaches us that the parts of ourselves we resist the most are often the ones in conflict with our self-image. If you identify strongly as a kind, giving person, it might feel unsettling to embrace the part of you that says, “No, this is my boundary.” But these parts hold immense value—they help you protect your energy and stand in your truth.

Welcoming All Parts of Yourself Home

I’ve experienced this disconnection firsthand. There were times in my luteal phase when I’d say, “I feel so disconnected from myself.” But as my menstruality mentor once reflected, was I really disconnected? Or was I deeply connected to the raw, uncomfortable truth of my experience?

Often, when we feel “off,” it’s because our current experience doesn’t align with the self-image we’ve created. But all of these parts—the critic, the boundary-setter, the outspoken advocate—are part of who we are. By welcoming them home with compassion, we can begin to ease the internal battle that so often accompanies this phase.

This doesn’t mean excusing harmful behaviour or leaning into unhealthy patterns. It’s about acknowledging these parts with curiosity rather than shame. What are they trying to tell you? How can you work with them rather than against them?

Embracing Your Luteal Power

The luteal phase invites us to step into our full spectrum of emotions and experiences. Yes, it can be messy, but it’s also a time of incredible clarity and power. The more we embrace all parts of ourselves—even the ones society tells us to hide—the more ease and alignment we’ll find.

Next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m not myself,” pause and ask: What part of me is showing up right now? How can I honour its message? By doing this, you’ll not only transform your relationship with your cycle but also deepen your connection to your true self.

You’re not crazy—you’re powerful. And the world needs more of your bullshit-detecting magic.