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This week’s supermoon is the last of 2024

Here’s how the supermoon may affect you...

On November 15, 2024, we’re set to experience our final supermoon of the year: the Beaver Moon.

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So far this year we’ve had the Sturgeon Moon in August, followed by the biggest of the year, the Harvest Moon in September and then the brightest of the season, the Hunter’s Moon in October.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Beaver Moons are so-named because this is when beavers start taking shelter in their lodges after stocking up on food for the winter in the northern hemisphere. Of course, for us Down Under it’s the time of the year when we start thinking summery thoughts.

Some reports indicate that these celestial moments, especially full supermoons like this Beaver Moon, can affect those going through menopause

But what are ‘supermoons’? And what do they have to do with menopause? 

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Allow us to explain… 

What is a supermoon? 

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This happens because the moon is at perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit closest to Earth.

How can the full ‘super’ moon affect hormones during menopause?

According to hormonal expert Mike Kocsis at Balance My Hormones, a full ‘super’ moon can affect multiple hormones of those going through menopause. 

full moon
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Melatonin: “People in menopause often struggle with fragmented sleep and insomnia due to hormone-related symptoms like night sweats and hot flushes, and the increased brightness of the supermoon can trick the brain into thinking it’s not time for sleep, and reduce melatonin production. Lower levels of melatonin mean poorer sleep quality, with less time spent in restorative deep sleep.”

Cortisol: “The stress hormone, cortisol, peaks in the early morning to help you wake up and lowers throughout the day, but a disruption in the sleep-wake cycle caused by the supermoon can cause an imbalance in cortisol levels, which can affect metabolism, immune function, and even lead to emotional instability. 

“Many people report heightened emotional sensitivity when there is a full moon or supermoon. Whether this is scientifically proven or a placebo effect, people in menopause might experience more volatile mood swings, or increased anxiety or feelings of depression at these times.”

Oestrogen: “Oestrogen plays an important role in regulating sleep, body temperature, and mood. As menopause causes a sharp decline in oestrogen, any additional changes to sleep and emotional stability – like those caused by the supermoon – can worsen symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and insomnia, and make them more intense.” 

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Progesterone: “Progesterone also declines in menopause, and lower levels of this hormone can make it harder to fall and stay asleep – which can be made even more difficult by the added brightness of the supermoon.”

Serotonin: “Light exposure and sleep, which can be disrupted by both menopause and the supermoon, can affect serotonin levels. This can lead to increased emotional sensitivity, intensifying irritability and sadness, especially for those who are already experiencing mood swings, during menopause.” 

a woman with menopause happily falling asleep during a full moon

How to manage hormone levels during the supermoon?

As aforementioned, the extra brightness of a supermoon can make falling asleep harder – particularly if your sleep hormones are already low due to menopause. 

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Mike says to combat this: “Make sure you have a good wind-down routine, like turning off screens at least an hour before bed, and try blackout curtains or a sleep mask so the light doesn’t disrupt your sleep.” 

Furthermore, if you think your cortisol levels have been thrown out of whack by the supermoon, don’t fret; you can manage it. 

“Try some stress-reducing activities like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. This can help to reduce cortisol levels and promote emotional stability, improving sleep and supporting overall wellbeing,” Mike explains. 

Also don’t forget: not all menopause symptoms during a full ‘super’ moon are negative! 

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“Many people report feeling more attuned to their bodies during lunar phases, and the supermoon can bring increased energy. Use this time to stop, rest, embrace self-care, and find balance in the natural rhythm of your body, the moon, and the earth,” Mike says. 

The next supermoon is slated for October 7, 2025. 

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