Why women aren’t designed for the 9-5 ––
We need to stop pretending that hormones don’t play a major role in how we think, feel and act day-to-day.
We need to stop pretending that hormones don’t play a major role in how we think, feel and act day-to-day.
The average person starts their day at 9 and finishes at 5, five days a week. This works well for individuals who are consistent, reliable and structured.
Keep these words in mind as we explore the male 24-hour hormonal cycle.
Keep these words in mind as we explore the male 24-hour hormonal cycle.
Men have a 24-hour hormonal cycle (i.e. a 24-hour testosterone cycle) - like the sun🌞
–– M O R N I N G ––
Testosterone is at its highest. Men feel more focused, energetic, competitive, impulsive and ready for sex – think morning wood. Their attitude is ‘let’s dominate today’.
–– M O R N I N G ––
Testosterone is at its highest. Men feel more focused, energetic, competitive, impulsive and ready for sex – think morning wood. Their attitude is ‘let’s dominate today’.
Testosterone supports men to be productive and efficient during the first hours of the day.
It’s a perfect time to go to the gym, take risks and get work done.
It’s a perfect time to go to the gym, take risks and get work done.
–– A F T E R N O O N ––
Testosterone levels begin to drop which puts men in the mood to connect and socialise.
This is the best time to hold meetings, pitch ideas & network.
Testosterone levels begin to drop which puts men in the mood to connect and socialise.
This is the best time to hold meetings, pitch ideas & network.
In fact, one study by YouCanBookMe analysed data from 2,000,000 responses to 530,000 meeting invitations. They found that mid-afternoon is the best and most popular time to hold meetings.
Perhaps this explains why.
Perhaps this explains why.
–– E V E N I N G ––
Testosterone levels are at their lowest and men are more sensitive to estrogen. This is why most men want to relax after work - opting for a less mentally and/or physically taxing activity instead.
Testosterone levels are at their lowest and men are more sensitive to estrogen. This is why most men want to relax after work - opting for a less mentally and/or physically taxing activity instead.
The male 24-hour testosterone cycle is reliable, consistent and structured. Remember those words?
Because of this, the 9-5 works well for men. Women, on the other hand, can have a hard time thriving in this environment.
Why? Because of the 28-day female hormonal cycle.
Because of this, the 9-5 works well for men. Women, on the other hand, can have a hard time thriving in this environment.
Why? Because of the 28-day female hormonal cycle.
Women have a 28-day hormonal cycle - like the moon 🌚
There are 4 phases in the cycle:
1. Menstrual
2. Follicular
3. Ovulatory
4. Luteal
A woman’s mood, energy and physical needs vary depending on where she is in her cycle - and this can change almost every day.
There are 4 phases in the cycle:
1. Menstrual
2. Follicular
3. Ovulatory
4. Luteal
A woman’s mood, energy and physical needs vary depending on where she is in her cycle - and this can change almost every day.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1 - 7)
Progesterone & estrogen is at its lowest. Energy & motivation levels are low. This is a time for rest & self-care. Journaling, warm magnesium baths, meditation, and slow movements.
Progesterone & estrogen is at its lowest. Energy & motivation levels are low. This is a time for rest & self-care. Journaling, warm magnesium baths, meditation, and slow movements.
Follicular Phase (Days 8 - 13)
Estrogen begins to rise. This is the perfect time to be creative, set goals and focus as the body starts to re-awaken after shedding.
Estrogen begins to rise. This is the perfect time to be creative, set goals and focus as the body starts to re-awaken after shedding.
Ovulatory Phase (Days 14 - 21)
Both estrogen & testosterone peak and drop after ovulation. Energy levels are at their highest due to higher testosterone. This is the best time to start new projects, schedule a date night, socialise and network.
Both estrogen & testosterone peak and drop after ovulation. Energy levels are at their highest due to higher testosterone. This is the best time to start new projects, schedule a date night, socialise and network.
NOTE: Even though a woman's testosterone levels peak during ovulation, they don't come close to a man's –– even at the LOWEST point of his 24-hour cycle. Spicy take.🌶
Women's bodies make about 1/10th to 1/20th of the amount of testosterone as men's.
Women's bodies make about 1/10th to 1/20th of the amount of testosterone as men's.
Luteal Phase (Days 21-28)
Progesterone rises and is the dominant hormone. PMS symptoms emerge and may cause a low mood, irritability, fatigue, etc. Best time to nest & rest. Focus on easy, administrative tasks as motivation & energy is low.
Progesterone rises and is the dominant hormone. PMS symptoms emerge and may cause a low mood, irritability, fatigue, etc. Best time to nest & rest. Focus on easy, administrative tasks as motivation & energy is low.
Knowing that a woman’s mood, energy levels, and physical needs vary over the course of 28 days, how can she be expected to fit perfectly into the rigid, unchanging structure of the 9-5?
On top of that, testosterone clearly plays a major role in one’s energy & motivation levels and yet, women only experience its effects a few days a month. This is a major reason why men & women cannot be expected to work the same - because physiologically, we simply aren’t.
This isn't to say that some women can't do the 9-5 grind... or even enjoy it.
There is, however, a cry for help from many women who can't thrive or even function in this type of environment. I believe that hormonal cycles give us insight into why that may be.
There is, however, a cry for help from many women who can't thrive or even function in this type of environment. I believe that hormonal cycles give us insight into why that may be.
I hope that both men & women can use this knowledge in a way that allows both genders to thrive.
Physiologically we are different, yes –– BUT, we complement each other BECAUSE we are different.
Physiologically we are different, yes –– BUT, we complement each other BECAUSE we are different.
So, let’s create an environment where both men and women can function & thrive at their best – an environment that is complementary to our individual hormonal cycles.
If you'd like to learn more about femininity, cycle syncing, relationships, spirituality, family, nutrition, and much, MUCH more... check out these other incredible female accounts:
~ @itsthefemmemuse
~ @mysticlustre
~ @mikaylaxcvi
~ @mane3sha
~ @Iamamy_17
~ @itsthefemmemuse
~ @mysticlustre
~ @mikaylaxcvi
~ @mane3sha
~ @Iamamy_17
EDIT:
Many people assuming I’m just trying to get out of work or working hard. Simply not true.
There are jobs that are more fitting for women and that’s what those of us who can’t thrive in the 9-5 should focus on instead. Play to your strengths. 🙏
Many people assuming I’m just trying to get out of work or working hard. Simply not true.
There are jobs that are more fitting for women and that’s what those of us who can’t thrive in the 9-5 should focus on instead. Play to your strengths. 🙏
I grew up in a family of hard workers — I value hard work. I respect people who can push themselves to endure working conditions that don’t fulfill them. I didn’t say it’s impossible. I didn’t say it isn’t sometimes necessary. But if it’s possible to choose, choose. 🙏
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