For so long, women have been conditioned to push through the ups and downs of our menstrual cycles, trying to maintain the same level of performance day in and day out.
But here’s the thing: our bodies aren’t designed to function in a straight line of constant energy. Hormones fluctuate, moods shift, and productivity rises and falls throughout the month. And yet, we’re expected to show up at work as though none of that matters. It’s time we recognise that these natural cycles do matter—and they can have a big impact on how we perform and feel at work.
Rather than fighting against this reality, what if we embraced it? What if we actually started to pay attention to how our hormone cycles influence our focus, energy, and productivity? I think we’d be a lot better off - both in terms of how we manage our work and how we take care of ourselves.
The Hidden Power of the Menstrual Phase
Let’s start with the menstrual phase, the part of the cycle we often dread. It’s no secret that this phase can be tough - fatigue, cramps, low energy - it’s like your body is asking for a break, but life keeps going. I used to push through this time, trying to perform at the same level as on any other day, but now I’ve learned to give myself permission to ease off a little. And honestly, that’s made all the difference.
During my period, I’ve found that I’m less inclined to do mentally demanding tasks or high-pressure projects. I just don’t have the stamina. And you know what? That’s okay. We’re so used to trying to be at 100% every single day, but why not save that energy for when it naturally peaks later in the cycle? Instead, this can be a time for reflection, for lighter work. For me, it’s about pacing myself rather than pushing myself.
The Follicular Phase: A Fresh Start
Then there’s the follicular phase, which is like coming out of hibernation. It’s that moment when you realise, “Oh wait, I feel good again!” As oestrogen levels rise, so does mental clarity and focus. I can’t tell you how much more productive I feel during this phase compared to those sluggish days of menstruation. It’s as if someone turned the lights back on.
This is when I jump into the bigger, more challenging tasks. I’m ready to think creatively, tackle new projects, and take on challenges that would have felt overwhelming just a week ago. It’s a phase of energy and optimism, and I try to make the most of it. In fact, I plan around it. If there’s something important on my plate - like a new proposal or a big presentation - I try to schedule it for this time because I know I’ll be sharpest and most confident.
Ovulation: The Peak Performance Phase
Now, ovulation is where things really ramp up. Oestrogen is peaking, and for many of us, there’s also a little boost of testosterone that can make us feel more assertive, confident, and social. It’s like a natural high. I’ve found that this is the best time to take on tasks that involve communication, whether it’s a meeting with a client, leading a team project, or giving a presentation. It’s not just that I feel more energetic, but I also find myself more articulate and persuasive.
During ovulation, I feel like I’m at the top of my game - clear, energised, and ready to take on the world. This is when I tackle my most high-stakes tasks. It’s not something I would’ve considered before understanding how my cycle affects me, but now, I lean into it. Why wouldn’t I capitalise on a time when I’m naturally at my peak?
The Luteal Phase: Slowing Down and Staying Organised
Then comes the luteal phase, which, for me, is where things start to shift again. Progesterone rises, and I can feel my energy begin to dip. This phase has a different kind of vibe - it’s less about big bursts of productivity and more about steady, methodical work. I find this is a great time for detail-oriented tasks or for organising the projects I’ve been working on.
But as we get closer to the end of the luteal phase, the dreaded PMS can kick in. This is when my mood can be more unpredictable, and even small stressors can feel overwhelming. In the past, I’d beat myself up for feeling irritable or not being able to concentrate. Now, I cut myself some slack. I know this is just part of the natural cycle, and I try to focus on simpler tasks - things that don’t require too much emotional or mental energy.
The Reality of Working With Our Cycle
Here’s the truth: most workplaces don’t acknowledge that women’s bodies operate on a cyclical rhythm. The 9-to-5 grind expects us to be at our best all the time, and that just doesn’t align with how our hormones work. But the more we become aware of our cycles and how they impact our performance, the more we can advocate for ourselves. Maybe we can’t always schedule around our cycle, but we can be smarter about managing our workload based on how we know we’ll feel at different times of the month.
This doesn’t mean using our hormone cycle as an excuse for underperforming - it’s about working smarter. When we understand our bodies better, we can optimise our productivity, plan ahead, and be more compassionate with ourselves when we’re not feeling 100%.
What We Should Be Most Aware Of
There are a few things that have stood out to me in learning to work with my cycle rather than against it:
Energy Management Matters: We need to be realistic about when we’ll have the most and least energy. Pushing through low-energy phases only leads to burnout. Embracing the high-energy phases lets us achieve more with less effort.
Mood Fluctuations Are Real: The ups and downs in mood, especially leading up to menstruation, aren’t just “in your head” - they’re a direct result of hormonal changes. It helps to be aware of this and avoid high-stress or emotionally charged situations when you know you’re more likely to feel sensitive or irritable.
Planning is Everything: By tracking your cycle and knowing when you’re likely to feel your best, you can schedule key tasks for those times. It’s a way of working with your body instead of constantly battling against it.
Self-Compassion is Crucial: The more I’ve learned about how my cycle impacts my productivity, the more I’ve realised how important it is to be kind to myself. There’s no need to feel guilty for not performing at 100% every single day.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to stop ignoring the natural rhythm of our bodies. Our hormone cycles influence our productivity, our moods, and our energy levels, and by embracing this instead of fighting it, we can find a better way to work.
There’s a lot of power in understanding how our bodies function. It gives us the tools to be more effective, more compassionate with ourselves, and ultimately, more successful in our professional lives.
So, let’s start paying attention to our cycles and give ourselves the freedom to work in harmony with them.
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