Feeling a little off lately? Having trouble with your emotions, communicating with people or just general lethargy? PMS a little worse than usual? Turns out, the planets might actually be (partly) to blame.

We just want to preface this by saying that there really isn't any solid scientific evidence (that we could find, anyway) to substantiate the fact that a planet appearing to move ‘backwards’ in our solar system is actually to blame for life’s mishaps, or those associated with our menstrual cycles. But ‘Mercury in retrograde’ and it’s supposed side effects have been talked about since the mid-18^th century - so maybe there is some truth to the hysteria?

Mercury, the planet in question here (also the closest to the sun), doesn’t actually physically move backwards – it’s just that in relation to the speed of the earth around the sun, it moves quicker – it experiences four solar loops for earth’s one and basically ‘laps’ earth. And so, from our perspective here on earth, Mercury looks like it’s moving backwards.

It’s all a little complex, but it seems that this ‘perspective’ has a lot of us convinced that the backwards motions of the planets in our solar system cause our lives to feel like their going a li'l backwards, too. Remember those times when you were a kid and would pretend to be sick to get out of going to school, only to then actually get sick for real? Maybe there is some truth to the saying ‘perception is reality’, after all, even when it comes to our perception of the planets on our energy here on earth?

Of all the planets, it's more likely that our periods would be affected by the Moon; which, thankfully, doesn't fall into a retrograde cycle. But if you happen to be menstruating during a Mercury Retrograde cycle, perhaps it's plausible that you might feel its affects that little bit extra? Mercury Retrograde is known to be responsible for lapses in commuincation, technology, miscommunications, and travel delays. If you just so happen to be in the menstruation phase of your menstrual cycle during Mercury Retrograde, you might be feeling these things on a heightened level. Let's dive deeper.

YOU FEEL STRESSED AND EXTRA MOODY

In astrology, Mercury is responsible for all things communication - so if you’ve been feeling like you’re having trouble connecting with people, or that you’re not being heard or are feeling frustrated or anxious when dealing with people, these are all in-line with the goings on during a retrograde.

If you’re experiencing your period during this time, these things might seem like heightened state of your regular Premenstrual Syndrome (a.k.a. PMS) Symptoms like stress and moodiness. Ugh, a double whammy! Here’s one we prepped earlier that might help… *10 ways to reduce stress in your everyday life*

YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING

Many of us will often experience sleep deprivation whilst on our periods due to the rising and falling levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for regulating our menstrual cycles. It’s actually their affect on our body temperature that can keep us up at night during that time of the month; and so, couple this with a Mercury retrograde (retrogrades are generally known for disrupting sleep) and you’ve potentially got a recipe for some sleepless nights ahead.

YOU FEEL SUPER LETHARGIC

This one is a pretty stock-standard Mercury retrograde side-effect and also a common period symptom. Mercury is said to make people feel foggy during this time and having your period can also make you feel weak, crampy and just generally sluggish. Definitely not a winning combo.

YOU'RE HAVING TROUBLE COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE

Mercury Retrograde affects all things communication, and so if you're menstruating during this time, it might feel like your communication skills (or those of others) are a little off. Be patient; check emails and texts before you send them and be clear with any information you're trying to get across to someone. Remember, tensions are a little higher than normal, so don't do or say anything in haste that you might regret later.

HOW TO MAKE MERCURY RETROGRADE WORK FOR, NOT AGAINST YOU, DURING YOUR PERIOD

Simple: until the retrograde ends, just go easy on yourself, and cut yourself and the people around you some slack (be super clear in your messaging and written/verbal communications). Be prepared for the unexpected, hold off on making any major life decisions, and take this time to reflect and self-care so that you’re ready to roll when things go back to ‘normal’.