Less than 40 per cent of women have a strong understanding of the various phases of their menstrual cycle, according to findings from a new study.
The study, commissioned by Medibank’s Find Your Rhythm app, found that most women have a significant gap in knowledge when it comes to their own menstrual cycles. Undertaken between Septemebr and Octobe 2023, the research involved 1007 Australian women aged 18-65 who have experienced a menstrual cycle.
Sixty per cent of women in the study reported they had limited or no knowledge about hormonal fluctuations that occur during each menstrual cycle phase, and did not know how these fluctuations can affect different aspects of their wellbeing, like their metabolism, energy levels and mood.
Meanwhile, more than 80 per cent of women believed their menstrual cycle affected their ability to maintain a healthy routine.
There is also a desire among women for more knowledge about menstrual cycles, with 71 per cent respondents saying they’d like to learn more about how to synchronise their lifestyle with their menstrual cycle. More than 80 per cent of women said there is an inadequate level of education and awareness regarding the menstrual cycle.
Senior Executive of Medibank Health Ventures, Rebecca Bell, said the research supported the experiences of many women who find it challenging to establish and maintain a healthy routine amid a fluctuating menstrual cycle.
“Our research unveiled a common truth: many women feel that their menstrual cycle can make it challenging to establish and maintain a healthy routine. With the Find Your Rhythm app, we’re on a mission to make wellness an easier journey by helping women harmonise their eating habits and workouts with the unique rhythm of their menstrual cycle,” she said.
According to the study, more than two thirds of those surveyed (67 per cent) said that they didn’t consider their hormones and menstrual cycle when planning their meals and exercise routines.
Bell explained that “cycle syncing” can help women to benefit from the natural fluctuations and rhythms of their menstrual cycle. The study highlighted that 60 per cent pf respondents were unaware of the concept of cycle syncing.
“Cycle syncing is a new health and wellness practice that involves aligning dietary choices and exercise routines with the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle,” Bell said.
“It can help women develop a deeper understanding of their bodies. For example, during ovulation women feel most energised and estrogen levels suppress appetite, so it’s the perfect time to focus on weight loss and high intensity workouts.
“While in the luteal phase, just before menstruation, the metabolism increases and naturally so do cravings, so it’s okay to eat a little more.”