Women’s menstrual cycles offer unique opportunities to optimise energy, creativity, and focus at work. Research highlights what women have known for millennia, that hormonal fluctuations during the cycle affect mood, cognition, and productivity. A growing number of women are aligning tasks with their natural strengths depending on their cycle phase.
According to Dr. Allison Devine, Ob/Gyn and functional medicine expert, estrogen and progesterone have significant neurochemical effects that can be harnessed for productivity. Instead of suppressing these cycles, understanding their phases can empower women to work smarter.
The Cycle’s Four Phases
- Follicular Phase (Day 1-14): With estrogen levels rising, creativity and openness to new ideas peak. Use this phase for brainstorming and planning.
- Ovulatory Phase (Day 15-17): Verbal skills and social energy are at their highest. Schedule important meetings, negotiations, and presentations.
- Luteal Phase (Day 18-28): Focus and attention to detail improve. Use this time to complete detailed tasks and finalize projects.
- Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5): Analytical and intuitive thinking align. Reflect on past work, course-correct, and plan future goals.
Companies such as Sakara Life and Splendid Spoon have embraced cycle syncing to improve team productivity and employee well-being. As Nicole Centeno, CEO of Splendid Spoon, explains, “Cycle syncing helps me be strategic, leveraging energy spikes for meetings and quieter phases for detailed work.”
Research from the Journal of Women’s Health confirms the benefits of aligning activities with hormonal phases, showing improved efficiency and reduced burnout. By syncing work with the menstrual cycle, women can tap into their natural rhythms to achieve greater productivity and balance.
For further insights, explore Alisa Vitti’s WomanCode or studies from the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.