The heat cycle.

I’ve wondered about the wisdom of blogging about Heat. Simply because it’s a lot of personal information. One night when I was sitting with Goold, I started telling him about the physiological changes that take place during heat that also affect the psychological changes. He leaned forward and said, “I think there are a lot of men who would like to know about this because – it could explain a lot”. Every time it’s happened since, I’ve considered blogging it but run into the problem of just how personal it is. But I think this time – I’m ready to talk.

As far as I can tell – every woman has this to some degree.  It is rarely ever talked about. It is not even really understood. Most of what I have here is theory or ideas I’ve picked up from discussing this with other women. I can’t prove anything.

As far as I can tell, it’s a seasonal phenomenon. Either three or four months apart. My suspicion is that during the natural 21-28 day cycle of the female reproductive hormones arc – and the regular human cycle of dopamine, there is a place on that cycle every three or for months when the estrogen spikes at the same time the dopamine spikes. Maybe not a lot, maybe not even significantly but the combination of the two – I hypothesize – sets off a chemical chain reaction that is not unlike going in to heat.

Obviously there are outside factors or variables that will dictate the level of need such as; diet, exercise, the regular availability of a sexual partner (a relationship), physiological conditioning and so on.

Things that are a notable observation in my cycles are: Aggressiveness, change in focus (obviously), interest in being social, increased energy, and increased salivation.

Things that are phenomenally different about 3 days before the worst of it are: change in body odor. (for example: my regular perfumes ‘Jack’ by BPAL, and my ‘Jessica Mclintok’ both turn into a different composition on my body. Jack stops being coffee and chocolate and becomes a musky wood and peat smell, and my other perfume turns almost sour. Ordinarily, during heat I forego perfume altogether because I have no idea what it will turn in to when my pheromones are running amuck.) My sense of taste changes, things that are usually sweet taste less so and I crave salty foods or acidic fruits.  Super fatty foods are delicious and foods that are spicy become unbearably hot. My sense of smell becomes dynamic and almost overpowering. I seem to notice the musk of men even if they are across the room and any scent that is even remotely bitter or burnt is absolutely nauseating. My skin becomes dry and my sleep patterns are shorter.

So – there are a few of the obvious changes. Things that are warnings or precursors to a heat. Now, the physical differences in the area of sexuality are confusing at best. Sex rules the brain. It only lingers in that tunnel vision of sexual need for about a week, but the week before and the week after are still in flux and a little bit iffy. The unfortunate part of finding a friend with benefits – is that because I logically know my dopamine is up and my estrogen is up – there is a very good probability that so too is the likelihood of an Oxytocin elevation… which means a stronger probability that my hormones will try to bond with someone.

Therefore – I must stay confined.

Anywhoo, there is the gist of it. The female biological urge to find a mate and procreate. Whatever, my logical mind knows or desires come under siege during this time and all my sensibilities are challenged. Not too severely to handle – but definitely noticeably. Interestingly, the heat in winter and mid summer is less intense than spring and autumn. Comparatively – the spring and autumn spikes are the most troublesome and require the most mental focus to keep my thoughts on track for work and living a normal life. 

I’d be interested in feedback about this – from both men and women to see it there is a common denominator. Something I am most curious about is the pheromone levels that are received by the opposite sex.  I am not a woman who gets hit on. I am not the kind of woman who is ever approached, but I do notice (perhaps it’s just in my mind) but when my perfume changes and my spike starts – men often are more likely to chat with me or even make eye contact longer. This is problematic of several levels, but I would also like to know if I’m imagining it.

If you are a woman, do you have a similar cycle? If you are a man, do you?