In Mood Flow School, we believe that menstrual health education should be widespread, accessible to all, and free of stigma and internalized shame.
Helping boys and men understand the menstrual cycle and menopause, teaching them how to support girls and women during the premenstrual phase, menstruation, and menopause, and increasing overall emotional intelligence strengthens relationships and benefits society as a whole.
Explaining the menstrual cycle and its differences from the testosterone cycle, the effects of estrogen on the brain, the connection between hormonal changes and emotions and behaviors, and how to support a partner throughout the menstrual cycle, shapes realistic expectations of people who menstruate, and teaches non-menstruating people not to take things personally, buiding strong empathy and awareness and minimizing conflict in relationships. Click here to learn more.
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Estrogen Fluctuations and the Brain Changes
A 2025 study in Nature Neuroscience found evidence that fluctuations in estrogen and other reproductive hormones are associated with measurable changes in brain structure across the menstrual cycle, highlighting how hormones interact with brain plasticity.
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Menstrual Cycle, Cognition, and Emotions
A 2025 review in MPDI examined links between menstrual cycle phases, cognition, emotional processing, and the autonomic nervous system. The review concludes that hormonal changes can influence emotional valence and subjective experiences, though effects vary substantially between individuals.
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PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)
A 2024 review in PubMed shows that PMDD is more than "bad PMS." It is a recognized mood disorder triggered by normal hormonal fluctuations in susceptible individuals and can significantly affect emotions, cognition, and daily functioning.
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Workplace and Support Guidance
A guide from CIPD - the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, UK’s leading professional body for human resources (HR) and people development, discusses menstrual health, stigma, communication, and practical support in workplaces—useful for teaching empathy and emotional intelligence.
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Why Men Should Learn About Menstruation
A 2025 article in The Guardian talks about a recent study by University College London (UCL) that argues that boys and girls should learn about menstruation together because understanding reduces stigma and improves support in friendships, relationships, and workplaces.
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· Teach Boys and Girls Together About Menstruation, UCL Study Argues
Per our experience, it is imperative to educate about differences of the testosterone and estrogen/progesterone cycle patterns to shape correct inter-gender expectations. (Evgeniia Iakovleva, 2026)
As human relationships advance over time, and partners get older, it is important to have knowledge about new stages in women’s health and form realistic expectations.
NIH Women's Health Research
Comprehensive overview from National Institute of Health Women’s Health Research provides of menopause, symptoms, health impacts, and current research.
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Menopause Factsheet
This NICHD Factsheet provides clear explanation of perimenopause, menopause, hormonal changes, and common symptoms.
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MedlinePlus Menopause. Also called: Change of Life
Evidence-based patient resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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Additional NIH Resources
Curated collection of menopause information from NIH, NIA, NCCIH, and other federal health agencies.
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· NICHD Menopause Resources Directory (NICHD)