Karoline structures her workweek according to her menstrual cycle. Does it make a difference?
Karoline Kolstø says she experiences more energy and less stress.
"Often, we're expected to perform at a constant level, as if we were machines that never fluctuate," says Karoline Kolstø.(Photo: Ann Kristin Rørtveit)
A few years ago, Karoline Kolstø began noticing large variations in her energy and focus at work.
At first, she thought it was random, but after listening to a podcast episode about the menstrual cycle, she realised that her energy levels fluctuated in sync with its phases.
"It suddenly made sense why some days felt so easy, while others required much more effort," she says.
For her, the solution was simple: to work with her cycle, not against it.
That is why she began organising her workload according to the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
Annonse
Should we consider hormonal fluctuations more in the workplace?
Does not work less, just smarter
"I try to schedule creative tasks, meetings, and public engagements during the periods when I have the most energy and capacity. On quieter days, I focus on deep work, strategy, and execution," says Kolstø. She works as a project manager at the Haugaland Business Association.
For instance, she dedicates more time to reflection and planning during menstruation.
When she is ovulating, she feels the most social and takes advantage of that by scheduling meetings, presentations, and networking.
"But I don't work less during the low-energy phases. I just work smarter," she says.
Can the cycle affect productivity?
Several studies suggest that hormonal variations can affect women's performance, both physically and mentally.
A recently published British study shows that reaction time and concentration in female athletes vary throughout the cycle. The research indicates that performance is at its best during menstruation but at its lowest in the latter half of the cycle.
Another study conducted by researchers in the Netherlands shows that menstrual-related symptoms can lead to higher absenteeism and reduced productivity at work. Nearly 68 per cent of participants in this study wanted more flexibility in their tasks or working hours during menstruation.
However, research also highlights significant individual differences. Some women report large fluctuations, while others notice few or no changes.
Many women want more flexible working hours, according to studies.(Photo: AP Photo / Francisco Seco, File)
Why not apply this to work?
Although Kolstø says she experiences great benefits from her approach, she acknowledges that it can be challenging to implement within a traditional job structure.
"The world isn't exactly set up for this. We’re often expected to perform at a constant level, as if we were machines that never fluctuate," she says.
Annonse
A report from the British Chartered Institute of Personnel Developmentshows that 69 per cent of women experience menstrual-related symptoms that negatively affect their workday. Very few feel that their employers accommodate this.
Kolstø believes that working in sync with the cycle could help many unlock untapped potential.
"There are always some who roll their eyes when we talk about this. But we already adjust our diet, sleep, and exercise based on our body's needs – so why not work?" she asks.
Many women report that employers do not accommodate menstrual-related discomfort in the workplace, according to reports.(Photo: REUTERS / Carlos Garcia Rawlins)
Designing the workplace from a female perspective
Lara Owen, a researcher at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, believes that today's work environment largely ignores biological differences.
"If we had designed the work environment from a female perspective, we might have a more flexible model," she tells sciencenorway.no.
Owen has studied menstruation in the workplace and has written books such as Her Blood is Gold and Reorganizing Menstruation.
Lara Owen has a PhD in menstrual organisation from Monash Business School.(Photo: Martin Phelps)
She points out that women experience fluctuations of reproductive hormones on a monthly cycle, which can affect energy levels, concentration, and social capacity, especially around menstruation.
However, she emphasises that this does not mean women are less productive – rather, their optimal work rhythm may simply differ from that of men.
"Women who work from home or have flexible positions often report increased well-being and efficiency when they can adjust their workload to how they feel," she says.
Significant individual differences
"Is the workweek better suited for men than women?"
Per Medbøe Thorsby, medical head of the Hormone Laboratory at Oslo University Hospital, is uncertain. He is particularly sceptical that the menstrual cycle alone can explain how women perform at work.
"Biologically, it makes sense that women may experience fluctuations in energy and focus throughout their cycle, but some will notice this more than others," he tells sciencenorway.no.
Thorsby notes that men have a simpler hormonal cycle than women, with testosterone levels peaking in the morning and gradually declining throughout the day – a pattern that repeats daily from puberty until death.
Per Medbøe Thorsby explains that women have a more complex hormonal profile than men.(Photo: Lars Petter Devik)
"It's quite possible that the combination of high cortisol and testosterone makes men, for example, a bit more alert in the morning. Women have a much more complex hormonal profile, with significant hormonal fluctuations every month from puberty to menopause, followed by more stable hormonal levels afterwards," he says.
Although there are no clear answers on how much hormones influence work capacity in women and men, he believes it is an interesting question.
"We see very large individual differences," he says.
Thorsby acknowledges that some women may benefit from greater flexibility but does not believe this applies to everyone.
"In an ideal world, people should be able to work when they feel most alert, but organising a workplace where everyone follows their own individual rhythm is challenging," he concludes.
