Some people say that the traditional 9-to-5 schedule was created to accommodate the male hormonal cycle. But imagine if life was designed to match your menstrual cycle instead.
That’s the idea behind cycle syncing, which involves adapting your lifestyle to the ebbs and flows of your body. From eating certain foods to adopting different workouts throughout the month, cycle syncing is all about being in tune with your body – and it’s increasing in popularity.
“There has been a big shift in how women are looking at their health and bodies. Instead of just putting up with symptoms or following generic wellness advice, more women are turning to personalized, holistic approaches that actually work for their unique needs,” says Dr. Michelle Sands, licensed naturopathic physician and founder of GLOW Natural Wellness. “That’s where cycle syncing comes in—it’s all about embracing your natural rhythms and seeing your hormonal changes as a strength, not something to fight against.”
So, should you try cycle syncing? And what does it mean in practice? Here’s what you need to know about the approach and its potential benefits.
What Is Cycle Syncing?
Cycle syncing is about aligning your habits and routines with the different phases of your menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle has four phases: the menstrual phase, where the uterine lining sheds and you get your period; the follicular phase, where follicles mature and estrogen levels rise right before ovulation; the ovulation phase, marked by the release of an egg; and the luteal phase, where the body prepares for pregnancy or the cycle resets if fertilization doesn’t occur.
Each stage can have an impact on your body, mood and energy levels. With cycle syncing, you aim to tailor aspects of your lifestyle to the phases of the menstrual cycle.
For example, you may prioritize yoga and rest right before your period. Or you could choose to focus on high-impact workouts and strategic work during your follicular phase, which often comes with increased energy and creativity. When ovulating, you may go on a date or attend a networking event – research shows that women maximize social capital when fertile.
Whether you’re eating foods like dark leafy greens and healthy fats to optimize hormonal health or adjusting your workload to fit your energy at different times of the month, cycle syncing is all about being in tune with your body and its unique, fluctuating needs.
The Benefits of Cycle Syncing
You could say that cycle syncing is a form of self-care. While there isn’t much research on the benefits of cycle syncing, research does show that your diet has an impact on PMS symptoms.
Proponents of the method report experiencing decreased unpleasant period symptoms such as bloating and cramps, enhanced energy and productivity and better outcomes from working out. “Tailoring workouts to hormonal changes can reduce the risk of injury, improve recovery, and optimize performance,” according to Sands, who says that one other major benefit of cycle syncing is the fact that it promotes self-awareness and helps women feel more in control of their health and well-being.
“As a dietitian, I teach about learning body cues for all aspects, including hunger, energy levels, mindset, and menstrual cycle symptoms,” adds Emily Sucher, founder of Live Well Dietitian. “I think cycle syncing can be a positive way to correlate your habits with how you feel in your body during different phases of your menstrual cycle.”
Should You Try Cycle Syncing?
If you’re wondering whether to try cycle syncing, keep in mind that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan to follow. “Even though there are similarities and common symptoms that arise with each cycle phase, the general recommendations for cycle syncing may not work for the individual,” says Sucher.
For example, if you’re feeling up for a heavy strength session but cycle syncing literature tells you to have a rest day, you may end up limiting yourself. The whole point is to listen to your body and get to know it so that your habits can help you thrive – not to follow a blueprint at all costs.
With this caveat in mind, you can embrace cycle syncing without being overly rigid. Keep it simple by starting with a few key habits at different times of the month. A final word of caution: Make sure you don’t ignore underlying health issues by trying to balance out your hormones yourself. It’s always best to seek the support of a health professional if you’re struggling with specific symptoms.
