By Dr Nickkho-Amiry, Consultant Gynaecologist
A question I get asked a lot is, could my period be affecting my productivity?
Well, we have all been there: trying to power through a packed workday while dealing with cramps, fatigue, or emotional rollercoasters. Could your menstrual cycle be doing more than just making you uncomfortable?
Could it actually be influencing how focused, efficient, or creative you are at work? The answer is yes and understanding how it works might be the key to reclaiming both your energy and your schedule. The menstrual cycle isn’t just about bleeding, it’s a complex hormonal cycle that affects multiple systems in the body, including the brain.
Throughout your cycle, oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall. These fluctuations can subtly shape your mood, mental clarity, and even how confident you feel. While research in this area is still developing, many patients report hormonal changes throughout their cycle does influence cognitive performance and productivity levels.
Phase by Phase: How Your Cycle Can Affect Your Work
Here’s a closer look at the four main phases of the menstrual cycle and how each might impact your daily workflow:
- Menstrual Phase (Your Period)
Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
How it feels: Energy levels may dip, and you might feel like not wanting to do anything.
At work: Concentration can be harder to maintain, especially if physical symptoms like cramps or fatigue. This is often a good time for low-stakes tasks, writing, reflecting, or creative planning, anything that allows a bit more mental space.
- Follicular Phase (Post-period to Ovulation)
Hormones: Oestrogen begins to rise.
How it feels: Mental clarity may improve and energy levels often rise.
At work: This can be a great time for problem-solving, brainstorming, and initiating new projects. You may find yourself naturally more optimistic, energetic, and motivated.
- Ovulation Phase (Mid-cycle)
Hormones: Oestrogen peaks; a short spike in luteinising hormone.
How it feels: Many report feeling more confident and socially “on.”
At work: This is the phase where communication and leadership skills often shine. It’s a good window for high-impact meetings or collaboration-heavy work. You may feel like going out more and doing more social meetings.
- Luteal Phase (Pre-period)
Hormones: Progesterone rises, then drops toward the end.
How it feels: Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and low energy are common.
At work: Focus and motivation may be harder to sustain. You might be more sensitive to feedback or overwhelmed by multitasking. This is a smart time to simplify your workload!
Productivity Isn’t Just About Pushing Through
One of the biggest misconceptions about productivity is that it has to be linear. But your body isn’t a machine and neither is your brain. Tuning into your cycle isn’t about labelling certain days as “bad” or “unproductive.” It’s about recognising your natural ebbs and flows and working with them, not against them.
Tips for Syncing Work With Your Cycle
If you’re curious about optimising your workflow according to your cycle, here are a few easy ways to start:
- Track your cycle: Tracking your cycle with an App or even a simple journal can help you spot patterns in your mood, energy, and productivity.
- Batch your work: Try to schedule high-focus tasks during your follicular and ovulation phases, and reserve more routine or admin work for your menstrual and luteal phases.
- Adjust expectations: Give yourself permission to rest or delegate when needed.
- Communicate when appropriate: If you feel safe doing so, talk to your manager or team about flexible scheduling during more challenging days. If you’ve ever wondered whether your period is affecting your productivity, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone.
The good news? Knowledge is power. By understanding the natural rhythms of your body, you can begin to shift from battling your cycle to harnessing it.
Dr Nickkho-Amiry
Consultant Gynaecologist
Alongside her clinical work, she has a passion in improving women’s health.
She was also recognised by television presenter Jenny Powell for the support she provided during her widely reported hysterectomy in 2024.
You can find Dr Amiry on our Women’s Health and Wellbeing directory here.
