Does menstrual cycle syncing really help productivity?
BMJ 2025; 388 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.q2736 (Published 14 January 2025) Cite this as: BMJ 2025;388:q2736
- Sangeetha Nadarajah, freelance journalist
- Canada
- sangeetha{at}drnadarajah.com
Advocates of cycle syncing argue that tailoring work tasks to the different menstrual phases can optimise productivity and performance. Some influencers provide paid coaching, including “cycle based” business coaching and workshops on “cycle syncing for feminine leadership.”
Proponents such as the podcast host and chiropractor Mindy Pelz and the author Kate Northrup contend that a woman’s decision making abilities fluctuate throughout the cycle, potentially affecting the effectiveness of her work.1 They suggest that women should leverage these fluctuations to their advantage, postponing certain tasks during phases where they feel less confident in making decisions.1
However, medical experts have pointed out that these claims lack evidence and may perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.
Doubts
Nanette Santoro, an obstetrician and faculty member in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Colorado, warns that these claims disregard the complexity of hormonal fluctuations. “The presumption that all women experience predictable variations in performance due to their menstrual cycle is an oversimplification,” says Santoro.
Women may feel impaired if they have an underlying medical condition affected by menstruation, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or menstrual migraines. However, there’s no evidence to support claims that women experience significant cognitive impairment or reduced work performance solely due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle (boxes 1 and 2).
The menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle consists of four distinct phases, each characterised by hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes. Menstrual hormone fluctuations vary widely from cycle to cycle and day to day. Most women have nearly 450 menstrual cycles over 30-40 years.2
During the menstrual …
RETURN TO TEXTLog in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £184 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£50 / $60/ €56 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.