The traditional work cycle isn’t suitable for women, as it’s designed to accommodate men and their biological hormone cycle. There is so much misunderstanding around how a female body works biologically that causes people to be quick to judge.
Biologically, the 9 to 5 work cycle is more suitable for men because men have a hormone cycle that restarts every 24 hours. Testosterone levels peak in the morning, allowing men to have an extra productive work day. As the day goes by, the levels slightly fall, allowing them to be in a social mode and then transition to sleepy mode.
The standard workplace schedule is not designed for women. Women aren’t biologically programmed for a 9 to 5 because they typically run on a 28-day cycle. Typically, women are more productive and focused 15 days before their period, in the ovulation phase.
During the luteal phase, which occurs three-to-five days before their period, most women tend to slow down, lose their motivation and energy levels tend to decline.
Instead of losing motivation towards the end of the day like men, women tend to lose motivation for around five-to-seven days a month during their menstrual cycle. They tend to be less productive during this time; due to this, many women are called lazy.
But it’s simply just how their bodies function. Jane Wheeler, a Cross Country coach at PVHS stated “Usually a female will perform at her peak the first half of her menstrual cycle due to hormone levels at that time. Of course, each woman is unique and will feel differently at different times throughout her cycle” Everyone is different but generally most cycles work like this.
Women’s cycles go beyond the workplace. It affects all aspects of their lives. The hormonal cycles affect their emotions, behaviors, physical abilities and physical looks.
Most women find it difficult to be prepared for all aspects that come with their cycle. Katie Yulga, a senior at PVHS conveyed “It really just throws my day off, even if I know it’s coming.” Having to deal with all aspects of a cycle can be a nightmare.
Changes in hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone can result in bloating before or during their period. The bloating can cause the lower parts of their stomach to look larger. Due to the lack of understanding on how a woman’s body works, most people assume that someone is pregnant. This is very common among celebrities.
During the Eras Tour in Portugal, a rumor started circulating on the internet about Taylor Swift being pregnant. People automatically assume a woman is pregnant just because of some bloating without actually understanding the biology of a woman’s body.
The menstrual cycle can also affect physical activity. Jessica Judd, an English runner, stated that depending on her menstrual cycle, her 3,000-meter time could vary by 15 seconds. “ t’s scary that it can affect you so much because it is the difference between fishing first and last,” Judd said. She is scientifically slower while on her period than she is any other week.
Women’s 28-day cycle is a lot different than men’s 24 hour cycle, yet they are still expected to perform in the same way as men.
