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232 | your cycle might be impacting your parenting more than you realize

September 17, 2026

about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇

this episode is for the moms who feel like some weeks they can do it all… and other weeks everything feels harder.

dr. tay shares a vulnerable, real-time reflection from the depths of her luteal phase and explains why cycle tracking can be such a powerful tool for understanding mood, energy, capacity, productivity, and parenting.

because your hormonal health is not separate from your autism parenting journey. your body, your nervous system, your capacity, and your regulation are all part of the ecosystem your child is living in.

you’ll hear about:

  • why the luteal phase can impact mood, energy, and capacity
  • how cycle tracking can help reduce shame and increase self-understanding
  • the connection between hormones, mental health, and neurodivergence
  • why parenting often requires so much “output” energy
  • how to adjust expectations, support, and routines around your cycle
  • why your capacity matters in the whole-family support picture

timestamps

00:00 why dr. tay is talking about her luteal phase on an autism podcast

04:16 what the luteal phase is and why cycle tracking matters

08:15 tracking mood and energy, and medication adjustments

16:46 what happens hormonally before your period

23:25 why the luteal phase is harder for some people

27:32 how this connects to parenting and capacity

31:32 adjusting expectations, support, and routines around your cycle

36:36 why this belongs in the autism parenting conversation

38:28 EVOLVE support and closing reflections

resources

⚡️ EVOLVE the membership — ongoing education, monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q+A support for parents of autistic kids

⚡️ explore dr. tay’s clinical services, parent resources, and support at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ follow dr. tay on instagram @the.dr.tay for practical autism education, behind-the-scenes reflections, and parenting insights

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