How to Collaborate with Your Menstrual Cycle, Not Fight It

 Optimizing Your Work Routine to Align with Your Menstrual Cycle

Most women quickly discover during their teenage years that their menstrual cycle brings both physical and emotional symptoms. Many are well-acquainted with PMS, often linked to the unmistakable aches of period cramps and the mood swings that accompany them. Although we are generally aware of the bodily changes during the notorious PMS week, few of us notice how our cycles impact us throughout the rest of the month.

Widespread assumptions regarding menstrual cycle productivity

Let's start by addressing some common misconceptions about how periods impact our bodies. When many of us consider our periods, we often think in terms of two or three specific phases. We typically categorize our cycle into the menstruating part and the nonmenstruating part. Additionally, we're usually aware that ovulation happens at some point during the nonmenstruating phase.

However, this way of thinking is somewhat inaccurate. In reality, there are four distinct phases influenced by hormonal fluctuations. We'll discuss these four phases in more detail below.

Another prevalent myth about periods is that they always bring along a dreadful PMS week. Many believe that PMS is synonymous with extreme mood swings and fatigue. For numerous individuals, it's considered a time to just endure. However, the notorious PMS week can actually be manageable if we learn to cooperate with our bodies instead of resisting them. It may seem unbelievable, but keep reading

A fresh viewpoint on the cycle

Why is our knowledge of the menstrual cycle so incomplete?

Dr. Allison Devine, an OB-GYN at the Austin Diagnostic Clinic and faculty member at Texas A&M Medical School, believes that most research has primarily viewed female hormonal imbalances as a negative feature of the menstrual cycle.

Devine argues that we should shift our focus to exploring how hormonal changes can actually benefit us instead.

Devine points out that the prevalent medical practice tends to quickly resort to synthetic hormones to suppress a woman's natural cycle at the first indication of imbalance, instead of prioritizing diet, exercise, and stress management for hormonal equilibrium. By embracing these hormonal fluctuations rather than suppressing them, one can boost productivity by harnessing the changes in key hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, which play a crucial role in brain energy and functionality.

Align with your menstrual cycle, don't fight it

Let's explore what occurs in the brain throughout the four phases of the cycle. We'll focus on the three primary hormones that can vary during the cycle: progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

Menstruation phase

How to navigate this phase

• Minimize work tasks if you can — allow yourself time to recharge.
• Ensure you get plenty of sleep and rest.
• Limit social engagements.
• Be kind to yourself if your work pace slows down.

Follicular phase

How to navigate this phase

• Now is the perfect moment to be proactive and accomplish creative tasks.
•  Your mind is ready for challenging, intricate work.
•  Seize the opportunity to tackle those tough projects

Ovulation phase

How to navigate this phase

• This is an excellent moment to plan significant meetings and challenging discussions.
•  Many women find this an outgoing period, making it perfect for collaborating in groups and team settings.
•  Have a challenging project? It's the perfect time to be proactive

Luteal phase

How to navigate this phase

• Make self-care a priority. 
• If possible, reduce your workload.
•  Aim to minimize face-to-face interactions at work and concentrate on individual tasks.
•  Use this period for simpler tasks that demand less mental energy, such as revising your work or handling administrative duties.

Useful applications

Certain apps are available to help you monitor your cycle. Since the phases can differ in duration each month, these apps assist in predicting and organizing your life based on your individual menstrual patterns. 

Apps such as Clue, Flo, and Maya are particularly beneficial. They enable you to record notes in your tracker about your monthly feelings. Over a few months, a pattern might become evident.

Embracing the rhythm of our natural patterns

Nowadays, there's a growing openness about menstrual cycles. Increasing research is shedding light on their impact on us. By understanding our cycles, we can navigate each phase smoothly and adapt accordingly. Embracing your body's natural rhythm allows you to excel in all areas of life.