How to harness your menstrual cycle to be more creative and productive

Our menstrual cycles can make us feel bloated, angry, irritated and more.

But have you ever found yourself more productive or imaginative at certain times in the month?

A recent study has revealed that women tend to perform at their creative best when they are ovulating. 

The research team found that women were better at creative thinking tasks immediately after ovulation – the same time as when they would be most likely to conceive

Results showed the higher the probability of conception was, the more original ideas were generated.

But why do women do their best work when they’ve ovulating?

Dr Sarah Walsh, founder of HANX, says: ‘The female sex hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and the specific changes at ovulation, meaning it is more likely for women to engage in risky behaviour due to their possibility of finding a mate to conceive.

‘Many people require a level of risk to be creative and think outside of the box, hence, the findings in the study show a logical association – and many women will be able to relate.’

So in the same way workouts can be tailored to suit a monthly cycle, this can also be done with the world of work – as women can use hormonal fluctuations to their advantage.

Experts have shared some ways we can harness our cycles for better outputs.

Pinpoint when you ovulate 

‘Those women who stay connected with their menstrual cycle already know that working with the cycle, rather than against it, is likely to provide the best results,’ says Sarah Greenbank, founder of Fertility Nutrition Centre.

She adds: ‘If you don’t yet know when you ovulate, you can learn natural fertility methods which would involve paying attention to signs such as how your vaginal mucus changes throughout the month, the position of your cervix and charting body temperature.’

If this isn’t for you, there are other tracking methods available – from wearables temperature trackers (patches and bracelets) to sticks that you wee on in the morning.

But, typically, ovulation occurs around 10 to 16 days before a period starts.

Many women instinctively know when they are likely to have more energy compared to when they need more rest – so can easily work it out.

Sarah says: ‘The most important thing to remember is, that if you want to harness your feminine power and creative energy during ovulation, you need to work with the cycle and avoid pushing through during the times that call for rest.’

Keep a diary and start taking notes

Keep track of how you feel and how you’re performing on tasks throughout your cycle. 

Dr Sarah Walsh adds: ‘If there is anything you notice that is different from the norm, good and bad, then keep a record so you can start to see patterns that correlate with your cycle.’

Some things to consider include your productivity at work, how you are responding in your relationships, your sleep patterns, your diet, and your enthusiasm to exercise.

‘The menstrual cycle starts (day one is counted as the first day of your period) with low levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Everyone is different and some people will feel they have high energy and are motivated to exercise during their period, while other people report low energy due to hormone changes at this time. Do what is best for you,’ adds Dr Sarah Walsh.

‘Your oestrogen levels then start to rise following your period in preparation for ovulation. Many women find their energy levels rise during this time.

‘Oestrogen levels then peak at the time of ovulation, then fall quickly following the release of an egg. At this point, the progesterone levels begin rising.’

This is considered the time when creativity can thrive. 

Often, in the final week, many women find they have reduced energy when both progesterone and oestrogen levels are falling. This is also the time when women get PMS symptoms. 

Be kind to yourself on non-ovulating weeks

Rochelle Knowles, a certified health and life coach and founder of Mindful Eyes Coaching, says: ‘We have six days when our body is at its peak, otherwise known as ovulating.

‘Use this time during the month to do things you’re otherwise nervous and tired to do, or just procrastinating.’

She stresses that if you map out six days of peak performance, you can be kinder to yourself the rest of the month.

Rochelle says: ‘Use this time of the month to do the more difficult and/or daring tasks, such as going to that HIIT class, getting started on writing your book or trying something new.

‘Use your body and mind’s heightened energy and creativity to your advantage.’

Know hormonal contraception can change things

Dr Sarah Walsh points out that if you are taking hormonal contraception (such as the pill, patch or injection), your hormones will still fluctuate – but it may not be as noticeable. 

She adds: ‘It is still worth keeping a diary to see if you notice changes throughout the month, and to recognise any patterns that will benefit your planning.’

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